I am new to the game of selling products and am trying to properly prepare myself so I don’t come off as rude or as a dummy (as well as trying not to immediately traumatize myself). Technically it will be B2B sales. Most stores I want to sell at are small and independent, not big chains.

I have already registered the company, made the product, labeled it appropriatly, created the website, had a certified lab analysis done, gotten the product samples ready, and I have written down both the production cost as well as the sale price (on the website).

What should I roughly expect when I go to physical stores to sell my product to them? Do I simply walk in and ask for a manager? Am I missing something in my preparation (physical or mental)? Are products generally on consignment to stores or are they bought outright? Should I bring enough stock to the first meeting or is it normal to drop off products on a separate/later date?

All advice welcome! I am in the Mid/Southern USA. This is not an ad. I will not name my product/brand/website.

  • Otherbarry@lemmy.frozeninferno.xyzEnglish
    2·
    1 month ago

    Sounds like you’ve thought much of it through already. I’m not familiar with that type of product but am thinking if you already did the testing/whatnot to comply with whatever local and national regulations exist then you’re okay to start off. I think(?) you’ll want a resale certificate or similar for the state you’re in if you’re going to be dealing with b2b sales but could be mistaken (the buyers definitely want that).

    I’m not a buyer but work at a small business that buys other types of product so I’ve seen this stuff play out. Quick notes

    What should I roughly expect when I go to physical stores to sell my product to them? Do I simply walk in and ask for a manager?

    You probably want to ask who’s in charge of evaluating and buying product. There might be someone there who’s job is actually to be the buyer for the store, otherwise it usually comes down to a manager or the owner(s).

    Am I missing something in my preparation (physical or mental)? Are products generally on consignment to stores or are they bought outright?

    Can’t speak for other stores but where I work if the buyer/owner likes the product they’ll commit to buying a few cases and see how it sells… after that you have to hope they’ll want to re-order at a future date. That’s when you check in with them and see how things are going, if they need more product, etc. More rarely if the buyer is really into the product they might actually buy a case or two during your initial sales meeting.

    Should I bring enough stock to the first meeting or is it normal to drop off products on a separate/later date?

    Most sales people seem to bring samples with them so they can leave them in the case the buyer isn’t around. Then they call/visit to follow up, maybe leave more samples, etc… I don’t know if that’s the best approach but it’s one way. The sale would work better if you actually get to meet the buyer but you can’t rely on knowing their schedule, setting up a meeting they might blow off, etc… The place I work at doesn’t have a buyer physically there 7 days a week so people popping in to sell tend to miss them and end up talking to a manager or whoever happens to be at the store that day.

    And like the other comment said, be prepared to be told “No” a lot. You’re not the first or last person that’s been at the store selling creams/lotions, always keep that in mind.