So, you’ve launched your business and you want to start selling your products. You’ve realized, however, that there are a few key pieces missing from your sales strategy. You might have the idea, and even have the funding, but how do you get your product into stores across the country? The process of selling your products takes many steps, but it can be accomplished if you’re committed to doing the work.
The process of creation
The product development stage is obviously the first step of the process. You might have the means to make it, but it’s worth really doing your research to get the design right, first. Market research may help you determine what your audience is looking for. Identify the pain points they might find in using your product and have people test your prototypes. Ensure that your design is comfortable, easy to use, and effective. You can even enlist the help of retail scientists to help you ensure that your product meets market regulations.
Finding the ones to sell it
Once you have a product, it’s all about convincing retailers to stock it on their shelves. One of the best ways to do that is to build a little hype before you pitch it to them. If your product has a fit within the many trade shows happening every year, that is the first place you want to show it. Besides building awareness, make sure you have a solid pitch with a demonstration and fact sheet for the audience. Be sure to include a listing of the key attributes such as cost, dimensions, and potential market share. Retailers need to know that you’ve put the thought into the market viability of your own product.
Getting it out there
Of course, unless you plan on only dealing with local retailers you also need to look at how you’re going to distribute your products. That is where the logistics industry comes into play. Do you need a simple courier van, or will you require flatbed trucking to transport your products? Outsourcing your transportation helps you save on the cost of maintaining and fueling vehicles. You will also be sharing transportation with other clients, so the costs of the space your products take up is subsidized by other businesses.
Have the supply to meet the demand
If you’re going to fill those trucks up, you have to make sure that you have manufacturers creating your product. Most businesses can’t afford to start manufacturing their own goods entirely independently, so you want to look at established manufacturers. Find those who have experience in creating goods of similar materials.
Building the right partnerships, with manufacturers, with retailers, and with logistics, is crucial. The sooner you start networking and scanning the market for the right partners, the sooner you can get your product in stores.
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