Although e-commerce is gaining stronger grounds in the world, some retailers in the clothing industries often require to see who they are dealing with personally. How you package yourself and your brand as a fashion creative determine if your product makes it to their boutiques. Here are some points to help you achieve these goals and get you in the good books of your prospective retailer.
Understand the Market Margin
Yes! You have to understand that boutiques sell their products more than double but less than triple the total cost. Understanding this will give you an idea of what price to peg your price, putting in mind that another margin from the boutique will be added to the product. Don’t forget that most boutique stores also own an e-commerce platform and are likely to factor in shipping and delivery costs.
Make your Pitch in Person
Top-notch boutiques get a lot of mails regularly and sometimes have little or no time to respond. If you aim to get your products hanging in a boutique of your choice, then consider visiting the store personally. Visiting in person gives you the privilege to book an interview or a meeting. You can read the expressions from your prospective retailer and answer questions thrown at you about the product.
Don’t Forget the Samples
How else do you plan to impress a prospective retailer? You should expect that a retailer will ask for your product to touch, smell or view it. They need to factor in how well your product will fit, the pricing, shelving, and other store aesthetics. At the worst, you should go visiting with crispy clear photographs.
Own a Sell Sheet
A sell-sheet is that document you leave with your prospective retailer. This sheet contains all the needed information about stocking your product. It contains details such as the photograph of the product, pricing information (factor in the price the retailer should sell it), customer testimonial, ordering information, and your contact details. Upon drafting your sell sheet, give it to trusted persons to critically appraise and give feedback. Also, make sure it’s aesthetically pleasing and legible.
Package & Market your Product
When you finally get hired, you don’t want to deliver your product unappealingly. Make stocking a faster and easier experience for your retailer. It is not a bad idea if your product comes in pre-packed, bar-coded boxes. Ensure that your packaging helps the retailer’s process of shipping and delivery. Wholesomely, think first of your customers in the packaging process.
Your product will keep getting orders from the boutique if you diligently market it and send more people to your retailer’s store. Work on your packaging and marketing techniques, and you are on your way to a successful partnership with a boutique store. Feedbacks are good. They help grow your business. Be open to criticisms and do not compromise the quality of your product or service at any point.