How to Crack Big Box Retail

Making a deal with a big box retailer is a way to grow your business like nothing else. Their huge purchasing power will help you gain consumer recognition and market share; provided your company is ready for the challenge. Here are some tips for getting your foot in the door.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Do some good old fashioned market research, and have a glossy report to show for it. Gathering information about consumer habits and the niche your product will fill is essential for getting big box retailers to believe in what you are doing.
2. Put the time into consumer education before you approach the biggest retailers. The most competitive stores tend to sell products that the customer is already comfortable with. If your product is something new and exotic, choose a venue that will allow you to influence people's buying habits.
3. Develop a dedicated sales staff. Brand recognition is a 2-way street. Of course, you benefit from a big box retailer's famous name; but they look for what your brand can do for them as well. Make sure the people who represent you are passionate about getting people to buy your product.
4. Think about the right time to approach a retailer. Big box retailers like to get companies while they're young, but not too young. Products change as you make your dreams a reality. It is important that you have the opportunity to learn from those changes before you deal with the demands of big box retailers.
5. Have the perfect pitch down for your meeting with corporate. If your company has an amazing story, get ready to tell it. And be confident. Your posture in the board room has a lot to say about your overall preparedness.