Wholesale help

[alondra]

About 2 months ago, I finally had the nerve to stop at a shop that a friend had suggested to sell my hairbows. While there, I observed that they already sell a diversity of bows (mostly with embroidery), headbands with flowers and clips.

I approached the owner to establish an appointment and she told me clearly that she wants a high quality product: no visible glue, cleanliness, good presentation, ribbon sealed, original, etc. She has 2 stores and the way she likes to operate is that I can leave her samples of my products, she will carefully look at them and will contact me if she is interested.

Well, I left 8-10 different items at her store on 6/16 and have heard nothing. All the sudden, I got an email from her telling me that she loves my products, that she has been busy opening a second store and wants me to come on tomorrow to meet with her.

Here is my question: I already left samples for her. Should I bring some more samples to our meeting? What should I bring? How about pricing? Please help!! :o

[Pretty Beaded Things]

You probably don't need more samples but if you leave some in your car you can alway get them is she wants to see more.

Take a colour chart or have something she can look at to choose colours and such from.

Pricing is hard for everyone. But if she is a savvy buyer she will want to purchase from you at about 50% of your retail. Some ladies don't put in enough margin to give that.

Know how much an item costs you to make and add what minimum you want for making it. If you item costs 1.50 to make and you want to earn $1.50 for making it then your minimum is $3.00 and you might retail or sell at shows for $6. I am just grabbing at figures but when you look at it from the other way - $6 product sell wholesale for $3 you make $1.50.

You should also set a minimum order amount like $50 and maybe if they have someone with a custom order then you get 70% and they get 30% because it does not meet your minimum of $50. Remember you don't want to do this for nothing. They WILL make a profit.

Good Luck!
Janine

[alondra]

Janine,

Thanks for your advice. It's a lifesaver. Will let you know later how it went!

Astrid

[alondra]

So, I went yesterday to my meeting and it went really well.
she was very knowleadgeable, upfront and nice.
I got in!!! I will start small and slowly increased based on sale of my products.cheerl
Thanks so much to all of you!:hug:

[Barbara Jean]

So, I went yesterday to my meeting and it went really well.
she was very knowleadgeable, upfront and nice.
I got in!!! I will start small and slowly increased based on sale of my products.cheerl
Thanks so much to all of you!:hug:
That is great! I know your things will sell well!!!!

@ Janine, thanks for sharing your advice about wholesale!

[GrandmaJ]

So, I went yesterday to my meeting and it went really well.
she was very knowleadgeable, upfront and nice.
I got in!!! I will start small and slowly increased based on sale of my products.cheerl
Thanks so much to all of you!:hug:
Congratulations! I'd love to do something like that.
And to have someone knowledgable that appreciates your work ... good for you!!!

[Calimama]

Congratulations!

[smurfette]

Very exciting! Hope it goes well for you!

[klm]

I am new to this site and to making headbands. I am in the process of my first one. I just had a little girl in Feb. and the transition to stay at mom has been very had financially. I am trying to do something to make a little extra money and something I can make for my little girl. How did you get started and would you mind sharing any of your pictures/processes? Thank you so much and congrats! Having your things in a store is a huge accomplishment! I already have a store in mind that I hope to do the same with. Fingers crossed! :)