Help with real life sales

[Former_Member]

Hi

I make greeting cards, and I want to stock them in local shops (as well as sell them on Etsy)... but I haven't a clue on how to do this? How do you approach a shop to stock your products? What sort of preparation do you need? What kind of materials do you need? Can anyone give any advice on this?

Thanks

Chris

[Former_Member]

Something to think about, and this is just a thought, but I was a floral designer for years before I went back to school **** people seemed to love the greeting cards that looked homemade*****they actually went crazy over them. If people are buying flowers from a shop they usually want a nicer card to go with them. If I were you I would approach some locally owned shops and see if they're interested. If you live in a small town only do one****you want to offer something no one else has. Again, just an idea here,but I think it would go over great if you found the right shop.

[TRaewynJewelry]

Hi Chris, I had a friend do this years ago, she would approach a shop with a fully stocked stand - ready to in the shop. It was quite successful, she had her price on them, the store would pay her each month that she came in to re-stock, and they would take about 15%. Hope this helps. I'm not sure about cards on Etsy, search for them, your bound to get ideas! :-)

[Former_Member]

What Tina said, shops do appreciate it if you provide the stand (I got mine from a store going out of business).Pre-package the cards/envelopes in cello-sleeves .

Try approaching not card shops but rather gift shops that don't already have cards. Make cards exclusive to each shop, so that they can charge whatever price they want without competition.

[Former_Member]

I think the first thing you need to do (if you haven't yet) is to form a legal company. Stores need to buy from legally established businesses for tax purposes. I know this might be pretty obvious but I mention it just in case because I know people who didn't have a clue. Approching a store without being the legal owner of a company is unprofessional and amateurish, so probably not a good thing. Unless, of course, you know the owner or something like that.

[Former_Member]

Thanks all for your help. I think the legal company thing is definitely a good start! Although I am already, for others who aren't, it's a good place to start.

I think when I am ready to approach a shop, I might ask them first what they will allow (kind of stand, signage, etc) and then come back to them with my proposed display.

Anyone else have any advice on this?

[Former_Member]

i've actually had decent luck in salons... i've seen a lot of salons and spas with all sorts of jewelry, accessories, and other assorted items for sale... lots of them love selling items made by local artists! i've casually brought it up while getting my hair done and it's actually worked! make sure you find out each place's policies and commission rates, though... i was selling jewelry at one boutique and thought it was going to be great because the commission rate was low and they gave me a really awesome display area, but then (without my knowledge) they had a store-wide sale and the discount they offered was so big that i barely broke even...

[CSavelsCollectibles]

The best thing is to either phone and make an appointment or actually go into the store and arrange an appointment (some may see you immediately).

Most stores, if they are interested, will firstly just carry a small amount of your stock to try and test the market. They will either purchase a small quantity or they may consider doing sale or return. In this case, you will be able to leave your cards and if they sell, they shop will pay you at that time and if not, they will simply return the cards to you.