How do I get my accessories stocked at a place like Target or even small stores?
Answer:
Stores like Target, Walmart, etc. don't make marketing decisions at the store level, but they probably do have the national contact for their buyers. You will need to prepare a sample and provide pricing information for various levels of sales and maybe other info as well. Some stores, like Safeway, carry a combination of products that they like as well as what the headquarters tell them to sale. Again, go in and find out who does the buying and see if you can provide a sample. Smaller stores won't have the advantage/disadvantage of a national buyer. You will have to take in a sample and provide them with your pricing info
All of this goes without saying that you need to know what you're doing. You need to know what your products cost and what you want as a profit. You should find out if there is different taxation or regulation for your product in different states, and you will need to set up an accounting system. If you go national, you will need to find some labor and a place to make your wares. Good luck.
Go to the smaller stores and speak with the managers. They are the ones who can refer you to the right people. You can try contacting the larger chain's district offices to see what you need to do to get your headbands in their stores.
If you have a decent number of locally-owned apparel shops in your area, why not join the local chamber of commerce? That could help you network with those owners. You can pitch it to them like this: since you already have a small following of people wanting to buy your headbands, those buyers will bring more shoppers to their stores.
You might also try some online craft-selling sites like etsy.com. I don't know exactly how it works but it's pretty awesome!
And, if you do, let me know because I'm totally into headbands right now. :)
Stick to the smaller stores (like tourist shops) first, so you don't get so disappointed. Put it on the internet, like ebay. Get together a good presentation. Find the people in charge, dress nice, practice what to say and just go sell it baby!
Companies like Target, Walmart, etc. have links to their corporate office. Inquire about a vendor/supplier/supplier application packet. They will ask for your financial history etc and see if you can meet their vendor demand requirements and quality standards..
Some require you to be certified minority, women and/or small business enterprise as part of its diversiy program. If you are a minority owned business, register your business with a regional certifying authority. Contact your local government's Purchasing/Procurement Department and speak with a "Buyer" or someone specializing is small biz assistance and ask for a referral to such an agency.
It will cost hundreds of dollars and if u have all of your "books" in place.it will often take about 90 days to process ur application.
If u are a non-minority owned biz, but woman owned, u may have to resport to the SBA. The catch is with them.u have to be in biz for about 2 years. Ick!
I hope that helps ya out.
Best wishes.
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