When a product is launched, companies have to do a lot of things to deliver that to end-users from manufacturing to sales to marketing. Creating something worth and convincing people to buy it is every entrepreneur's first challenge.
Then, most people go to direct-to-consumer channels such as e-commerce or a point-of-sale system to process orders in person.
Although, selling products to retailers brings your business before a vast audience of customers wholesale distributors already have it at their disposal.
This is where proper market research, knowledge of wholesale buyers, and the power of persuasion enter the game.
Getting a new, untried into the market is difficult. Major retail chains take it as a gamble to deal in something new.
We have come up with a step-by-step process on how to get your product into stores in India and easily get your shiny new products into major changes around the country;
Many people believe that setting your product on a retail shelf only makes it harder for it to stand out.
The digital market is such a huge place and offers so many opportunities to sell a product. So think again, does your product need to be in retail stores? If yes, then take your step forward and pitch your product to a store.
Start your planning by developing a quick retail list of stores you should approach. Make sure that your products align with their current merchandising plans.
Now, try to reach out to buyers and distributors and share your pitch package that includes a cover letter, press kit, and product samples.
Whether you want to get your product into stores or you are looking for funding, your pitch must be simple, catchy, and easy to understand. Here, skip the storytelling and go to the point directly.
Present important data on your product like price, product warranties, manufacturing capabilities, and consumer needs.
When you do some research, you will know what stores carry your competitors' products. Here, the best you can do is to find the chains that don't know they need your type of product yet. Regardless of the situation, try to understand how the stores would benefit and make them realize it.
When you create a solid following on social sites, people will know your brand equity before you step foot in their building.
At the initial phase of retail sales, it is better to start with small and sell at independent shops. With time, once you start getting more exposure and sale, you can approach the big retailers.
Start slowly and get the product into enough local stores before going national. Do proper research and ensure that your business is ready for bigger margins and low volumes they will demand from you just to be in a national store.
When the data is in support that the company can support that structure work through regional managers and then continue to work your way up the ladder.
One of the major issues for many retail chains dealing with a small business is whether the supplier is going to be able to keep up. This is the reason why many companies begin by supplying smaller stores.
You cannot skip this step, but here you need to show that you will be able to keep up with demand and handle working with a big chain.
Distributors already have relationships with large retailers. Put them to work for you, using their relationship to place your products. Find a perfect distributor who can understand what type of customer you are targeting and has a network with retailers that serve your target market.
You can easily grow your business when you have something no one else has.
Try to find the appropriate point of contact to establish your retail and peruse them. Contact them through or many people pitch their product to a store via email and find out when they are watching for new vendors.
What they look for in products and their placement, and any programs that they may have throughout the year that apply to you whereby they highlight new brands even if just on a trial basis.
So these are the steps you need to follow to get your product into retail stores. Even if you make all the right moves, keep in mind that success cannot happen overnight. Don't become de-motivated if things don't blast off from the beginning. Slow and steady will win the race.