Expert Perspective: Ten Tips for Getting Your Product on the Shelves of Major Retailers

Every now and then I get this question:

“How do I even approach the idea of getting my product into major retailers?”

So, I set out to get some answers for anyone who can relate to this question. 

As usual, I go and connect with an expert much smarter than me to get answers.

This time I asked Julie Cole, founder of Mabel’s Labels to give us some tips.  Her company has just started selling a product in Target and Walmart.

Thanks for contributing to our community Julie.

Enter Julie….

Mabel’s Labels recently launched a product that is now available in Walmart and Target stores across Canada and throughout the US.  For a small company that sold products exclusively online, moving into retail was a big step. We did our homework, including hiring a professional research firm to study the opportunity before pitching our product to Walmart buyers.

Here are a few lessons we learned along the way:

  1. No need to be intimidated.While the world’s largest retailer may seem intimidating, you have something of value to offer. Don’t lose sight of that.  Walmart’s and Target’s approach with small companies is much different than how they deal with the big multinationals.  However, if you have a solid offer that fits their customer, they’ll work along with you to make it successful.
  2. Know your prospective partner. Walk the store, learn to speak their language and understand their brand.
  3. Understand their customer. Will the customer who shops at that retailer love your product? Does their customer look like your customer? Does your existing product and packaging need to be altered to appeal to the target consumer? Entering the retail market is a huge investment – you don’t want to see your product gathering dust on shelves.
  4. Be proud of your business. You may be small, but big retailers are interested in the little guy. Your quirky beginnings and funny start-up stories are part of your charm. Don’t feel like you have to hide them or be embarrassed.
  5. Be honest. The due diligence and number of references a partnership will seek are extensive. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Practice honesty in business. Always.
  6. Bragging is allowed! Go into your pitch loaded with customer testimonials, press hits, business awards and other brag-worthy points.
  7. Practice your pitch. Use your time wisely, be prepared and stay on point.  Buyers are extremely time crunched so put your big selling stories up front, they’ll find more time for you if they’re interested in what you’re saying.
  8. Don’t know what you’re doing? Get help! Contact someone who knows about retail and has experience and connections. Ask all your friends involved in retail what and who they know. Remember, there is no such thing as a silly question.
  9. Be flexible and accept feedback.  Many buyers have extensive experience in the categories they manage.  Be prepared to entertain changes they suggest and always ensure you have resources available to take advantage of merchandising programs they may offer you.  “All in” is fine in poker, but not at retail.
  10. Have all your ducks in a row. If you get a “YES”, then you’d better have a product to give your retailer. You need to understand all of your production, supply, distribution and costing issues so that you can deliver on your promises.

Don’t let the conversation stop here.   Julie will be happy to answer any questions you have below.   

This is a top ten list, but I know you may have comments and questions. Getting your product into major retailers is one step in the journey.

Then once you do that, there are other questions that need answered and other systems that need to be put in place.

What did we miss?  What other questions come up for you as you read these tips?

jule cole pic for articleJulie Cole is the Co-founder of Mabel’s Labels Inc.  Read her blog at www.mabelhood.com. You can follow her on twitter @juliecole.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lisa Stein owns FreelanceMom.com, is a college business professor and a mom to Gabriela and Elle. Lisa is dedicated to playing a part in helping women and moms run a business they love, help support themselves and their family and create a flexible lifestyle. You can find her online on Facebook and Twitter or at home burning something in the kitchen.