Hey there,
Are you *really* ready to approach store buyers?
I always stress that it’s not necessarily about how many stores you can get in with, but rather about the quality of the store you can connect with. Did you take the time to check out the store (in-person or online) and see if you’re a good fit for that store? Finding your ideal store that perfectly complements your style is worth so much more than randomly calling a list of stores.
A good relationship goes both ways. Feel empowered to choose the type of stores that you want to do business with but when you call to speak to a buyer, be prepared to share with them why your product will be a good fit.
Take your time before reaching out to anyone. Do your homework. Does the store have a website? Check it out! Have there been articles written about or by the buyer? Read them! The more you know about the store and the buyer, the better you’ll be able to appeal to them on a more personal and well-informed level. You’ll come across better and won’t waste your (or their!) time with stores that won’t be a good fit for you anyway.
xoxo,
Grace Kang
Your Retail Product Mentor
image: rifle paper & co
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post Grace! I’ve been thinking about this topic lately and I agree that one should research stores before sending off a product pitch. The trouble is how to skillfully incorporate that research into your email. Compliments on the store’s aesthetic or assortment (however sincere) can come across as contrived and comments on the store’s set up like “I noticed you don’t carry any prints in your baby section and I thought my work might round out your assortment” can sound presumptuous. I’m sure the shop owner has reasons for the products and brands they carry. They don’t need to hear my opinion on it. I can’t decide if an aesthetic match will show I did my homework or if a personalized sentence or two is really needed.
hi dana,
i think you will enjoy the post that is going out tomm. just be you… and be true to why you felt the connection with the store. store owners and buyers want to do business with people they genuinely like and connect with… and then let your product speak for itself. sometimes it’s all in the timing too…
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