How to Become a Vendor for Home Depot
Cracking the code on becoming a vendor for Home Depot may seem like an impossible feat. But its procedure for reviewing new applicants is as easy as visiting its corporate website. The challenging part is making sure your business, products and services stand up against the competition and meet Home Depot's needs.
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Instructions
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Supplier Diversity
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Visit a handful of Home Depot stores in your area and make a list of its products, services, packaging and pricing. Compare your list to your own products and services you want to offer as a vendor. As a vendor, can you make your products more eco-friendly, useful, cheaper or innovative?
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Research Home Depot's Corporate website (see Resources below) and study the section called "Message from the Supplier Diversity Director." This section will instruct potential vendors to follow its process for selling, research its companies and understand its product needs, and differentiate themselves from the competition. At the top left of its website, access the links in the orange box for sections on "What we Purchase" and "Becoming a Home Depot Supplier."
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Participate in The Home Depot supplier diversity program by obtaining certification through the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) or Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). You can learn more about the program by clicking on the "Supplier Diversity" links in the orange box on the top left-hand side of the Home Depot corporate website.
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Complete an online supplier application with Home Depot. Click on "Supplier Diversity Application," read over Home Depot's vendor requirements and follow the instructions to complete your application. Home Depot looks for quality applications that tell a story about a vendor's product and services. Attach certifications and other relevant materials, including photos, through the attachment section on your application.
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Check the "Calendar of Events" section on the Home Depot website, and look for conferences and business diversity events in your area to meet other vendors and buyers.
Supplier Center
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Visit the Supplier Center website (see Resources below) and read the "Supplier Reference Guide" and more by accessing the links on the left-hand side of the website. Ensure your business model, finances, goods and services surpass all of the requirements and expectations of Home Depot before submitting an application.
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Click on the "The Home Depot Supplier Submission Portal." Read over the application requirements and supplier information, including a $50 application fee, pre-qualification of business credentials, financial qualifications and insurance requirements.
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Click on "Apply To Be a New Service Provider," register and complete an application.
Attract Home Depot's Attention
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Establish a reputation for your products and services in Vinings, Georgia, where Home Depot is headquartered. Get your products and services reviewed by Atlanta-area newspapers, television stations and blogs. Contact the "Atlanta Journal-Constitution," "Vinings Neighbor," WSB-TV, and 11 Alive (see Resources below).
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Volunteer with KaBOOM! (see Resources below) and help build playgrounds in the community with Home Depot associates. Home Depot is a founding partner of KaBOOM!, and its associates participate in volunteer projects across the country.
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Become an expert in your field. If you offer services like kitchen remodeling, start a Do It Yourself website and post content to establish a reputation and gain a following. Pitch articles to trade magazines like "Hardware & DIY," and join the American Hardware Manufacturers Association.
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Attend the annual National Hardware Show and showcase your hardware, homeware, lawn care, paint accessories, plumbing and electrical goods and services. Home Depot and other major home and hardware retailers are regular attendees. Use the opportunity to network and make valuable contacts with buyers and associates.
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Tips & Warnings
Sell to smaller, independent hardware and home stores to establish a reputation in the industry. Email supplier_performance@homedepot.com with questions on becoming a Home Depot supplier. Take a part-time job at Home Depot to learn more about its products and services and gain valuable contacts.
Refine and polish your application before submitting. Buyers have the final say on accepting new vendors and rarely review your application twice. Be prepared for success, and anticipate mass producing your products or hiring a larger staff to accommodate services.
