Post: #1

Did any of you ever develop a physical product (no books) and then sold it in local stores, supermarkets, etc.?
I have an idea for a product, the proper people, enough money and a more or less suitable setup for producing it with the plan to sell it in smaller shops in my area. Of course, I'll set up a page a webshop and so on, as well. If its successful, Id expand, but before selling 500000, I have to sell 5...

Anyways, Im interested in your experience in approaching the business owners or store managers. How did you convince em? What kinda cut did they get for putting your product on display? etc.

I'm aware that the possibility of failure is quite realistic, but the product is good and there def is a market for it, so I'll try it. Also, the cost for producing the first batches wont kill me, if it doesnt work out.

Any intel is welcome.

Post: #2

I am not sure what you have developed, but there could be some easier ways to test it out.

Go the web route.

Or depending on what it is, sell it in a farmers market. Or flea market.

Then you will know if you really have something.

Post: #3

Yeah, I also want to sell at local market and via the web as well. Thing is that the product is not something you'd usually buy on the internet and therefore, I mainly want to sell it in stores.

Post: #4

just do it.

Post: #5

- Go to the store
- Tell owner/manager you want to put products in his store
- Tell him you will advertise the product as being available at his store
- Work on consignation basis
- Give him a commission

Repeat.

Post: #6

I did a little bit of on-line promotions and pushing the product to stores when I started my business 7 years ago.
At the time, all the hipster kids were trying to launch the next social network. I would go to meet-ups in Philly and watch their blank faces when I told them I was actually making "stuff".
I don't think any of these Internet genies are still around.

Post: #7

I know some chains like Whole Foods allows people to sell their items on their shelves.

I know someone who has his products with Costco, they did a test run with him and decided to store his products, major channel for him.

Post: #8

check this out... http://retailmba.com/

understand who the target customer is
what's your unique selling proposition
where does your target custom shop ?
are they mom and pop stores
national accounts
different strategy for both

if your product is legit and you're relatively well capitalized you can make some serious money being in some chain stores.

Post: #9

It depends in the product. Some stores have distribution and exclusionary bullshit that might block you out. Other times it might just be better for you to do it online and hustle yourself. IMO the physical product in store is only better for a few items like let's say jeans. Many stores may also try to gouge a chunk of money from your or not offer wholesale payments and give you a deal where you get a larger cut based on sales but still have to bleed money upfront to cover the stores initial position.

So unless its a certian specific product.. Online trumps.

Post: #10

(03-21-2013 12:41 AM)mistermister Wrote:  check this out... http://retailmba.com/

understand who the target customer is
what's your unique selling proposition
where does your target custom shop ?
are they mom and pop stores
national accounts
different strategy for both

if your product is legit and you're relatively well capitalized you can make some serious money being in some chain stores.

Is that program legit? From the sound of it, its pretty much the info I need.