6 Things to Know When Selling to Small Retail Stores

[@CreativeHiveCo]

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[@valerievienne]

super helpful! you are great!! :)

[@cherriaydelotte8327]

Hi Mai!! Any suggestions on consignment with small businesses owners?? I live in a very close knit community on the coast. It’s also a major tourist destination. I know many shop and business owners that would be willing to display my products. However, I’m just starting out and was wondering about consignment? Thanks, in advance 😉 ~Cherri Lynn

[@cherriaydelotte8327]

P.S…Your videos are extremely helpful!!! Thanks so, so very much😊

[@JanelleRuby-fs8ug]

I own a brick and mortar retail store and this video is spot on. I wish all the people who approach me about selling their products would watch this first. Especially about the part on 50% wholesale pricing. Their eyes get so big when I tell them that and they don’t have a clue of all the time and money I put into keeping the doors open.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Janelle! ❤️ It's great to hear it from a retail store's point of view.

[@Slimm_Sheedah1]

I love when ads don’t bombard viewers at the beginning of videos! Thank you and thanks for this info

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching, Elle!

[@opalrhue9032]

OMG me too!

[@flamingcandy]

As an owner of a small retail store this is the best thing for makers to watch!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Daniel! I appreciate that so much!

[@somethingbronzie]

I love how you have persevered and made your jewellery business work!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much! You can do it too!! I'm rooting for you! ❤️

[@yoclaire5456]

Oh my goodness this was so helpful as I am about to go into this type of business setting. I am so thankful for you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for saying that, Claire! I'm so happy to hear that. Thank you so much for watching!

[@qsweets3110]

Girl same!!! I’m nervous and excited!

[@danohrly]

Thank you for the information, and please keep making these videos! I started a handmade business this year outside my full-time job, and because it’s a big step into the unknown for me I find channels like yours so valuable!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Dan! I'm so happy to know that this information is helpful!

[@qsweets3110]

Ugh I love these videos that get straight to the point! THANK YOU!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching!! ❤️❤️

[@stop5gnowandrespectlife394]

I was wholesaling to gift shops for 10 years. I talked to managers in front of customers and always spoke in retail price "season specials" like $39.95. That way the customers got a bit enthusiastic. I also said that I really had no right to set their retail price, they could set the price as they saw fit, but I was looking for long term sales with each store I dealt with and I needed to deliver at least xx dozen each month. So together we set up a plan comfortable to both of us similar to your 3 month sales plan. I was a real winner with them. They were winners. The customers were winners and You're a real winner too.🎯🎶🎯

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That sounds great! You really knew what worked for your business (and theirs!) in that situation.

[@fashionbutterflies8604]

Were you going directly in the shops with samples? Someone told me that I should always try to contact the shop via email or Instagram if they are interested in my products.

[@assiaderraz2547]

May ask questions

[@jordanolesen8174]

Honestly, i never comment on videos on youtube ever, but this video has been so immensely helpful, thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much Jordan!! This really made my day and I'm so happy to be of help!! ️❤️

[@janececallaway6535]

Thanks Mei. Another fabulously informative video! I'm so glad to hear from you that "most retailers won't get back to you". I've definitely found face to face works well while emailing takes a whole lot longer to gain any response. I'll reset my expectations and keep persisting with emailing. Thanks so much for all your help and support. Have a lovely day

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Janece! I hope your persistence pays off!

[@janetscreativepillow]

I have to say that I have learned quite a lot from your informative videos. You are smart, you explain everything in detail and you are inspiring. I've been selling handmade products for a long time, but I am just starting to get into wholesale and thank God I found you. You answered all my questions. Thank you so much and look forward to more of your creative ideas and information. Wishing you tons of success always!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That makes me SO happy to hear Janet!! Thank you so much for watching, and loads of success to you too!

[@CKww32]

Thank you for giving us this free advice ! This is very helpful

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're most welcome!! Thank you so much for watching, Katherine!! ❤️

[@AntoinetteChanel]

Thank you!!! This is so helpful. I’m currently pep talking myself to go pitch my designs to stores 😅

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You definitely should! The worst they can say is no (which is very common so don't take it personally!). You got this!

[@AntoinetteChanel]

@@CreativeHiveCo Thank you so much! I will come back and update you as things develop.

[@AntoinetteChanel]

@@CreativeHiveCo I'm an author and I recently started making affirmation wall art. There is a coffee house and art collective in my area that has agreed to sell my products, so I just placed my first inventory order. One canvas sold over the weekend! 🎉 Still working on the major retailers, but I gotta celebrate every win.

[@hellomsnaomi]

I stumbled across your channel recently and it has been exactly what I needed! Thank you for sharing what you learned over the years - I can’t wait to try out your tips ❤️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That makes me SO happy to hear Asia!!

[@tinahanks7145]

EXCELLENT information👌 Thank you! I've subscribed and can't wait to hear more

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much Tina!! ❤️

[@keladaniel3503]

Extremely timely and helpful for me.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you for watching, Kela!

[@ccstars7423]

Around 5 minutes in was so helpful! I like the assembly line idea

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm glad to hear it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@rieatherawest]

I been looking for a video with information like this tysm

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy that you found it! Thank you so much for watching!

[@Ceilingkatwatchesus]

Thank you sooo much for getting straight to the facts with retailing. I just now gotten into this genre of wholesaling and can’t wait

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Excited for you!! Good luck!! ❤️❤️

[@StevenTheGreat_]

This is EXACTLY wat I was lookin for. Thanks so much. That 50% is good.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching!! ❤️❤️

[@Tyreselynn]

Thank you for the insightful video! I learned so much! I see that persistence, partnership, and following up with the stores are key components for being successful with partnering with them.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Absolutely! That and not feeling to down when they do say no or don't reply. That's just a part of the process.

[@lauraclarke7197]

Thank you Mei! Your video helped tremendously!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching Laura! I'm so happy you found it helpful!! ❤️

[@robertalexander3067]

Your videos are great!!! I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but I feel like your system was designed for me! Thankyou

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Awww, I'm so glad to hear that! That makes me feel like I'm doing something right! 💖

[@feeshac1974]

How do you have videos on every question i have about the handmade selling space?? And with such in depth answers too! Amazing!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm magic! 😂 But seriously, I'm so happy that I've been able to answer questions that you have!!

[@YourSoulSisBella]

Thank you ! Great information and well executed.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much Bella!! ❤️❤️

[@shundradeniseblackmon3904]

🔥 🔥 🔥 thank you for this!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@wanderingcryptid]

All your videos are super helpful, I'm learning so much thank you!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much, Diane! I am so happy to hear that!

[@KKLTTL]

50% yeahhh it’s definitely not for me but I’m glad I gained some knowledge on how this works

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's definitely not for everyone and is very dependent on what your products are. It's easier for some to manage than others.

[@mynewtunes]

very helpful and informative,thank you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@mariammaatouk179]

This was so helpful and honest, thank you!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for watching, Miriam!

[@anibalaloka2527]

Thank you very much. It was very useful

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much!! ❤️❤️

[@darrylgoodwin7461]

What a wonderful and helpful video this was, thank you🙏🏼👍🏼

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for watching, Darryl!

[@valerievienne]

I am also a jewelry designer and find all your information SO helpful and clear! thankyou so much and greetings from Vienna :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

This makes me so happy to hear Valérie!

[@pawyork7681]

Thank you for this video !!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@inglesiniciado8856]

Thanks for this 😊

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're most welcome!! ❤️

[@cryryl]

Thanks for your help, a lot of insights 👏🏽

[@CreativeHiveCo]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching, Cory!

[@The-Blue-Ghost-Plant-Co.]

thank you my love!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@jennlenay570]

Thanks Mei! New subscriber to your channel and love all of your info!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thanks so much for subbing, Jenn! Welcome aboard! 😊

[@ancad4549]

New subscriber here! Thank you so much for creating this channel. I really need and appreciate the help you’re giving me

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That makes me SO happy to hear Anca!!

[@arewahearts8223]

Absolutely amazing video

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@pranavthinks]

Denks and love from india keeep goinnnggg

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you, Pranav! I appreciate you watching!

[@MiseryWhipMetals]

Do you have any videos on where to design/purchase individual boxes for your jewellery? Or tips in general on coming up with an attractive box?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi! You can check out my blogs below 😊 www.creativehiveco.com/diy-packaging-ideas-for-handmade-business-cheap/ www.creativehiveco.com/5-creative-hacks-you-can-do-to-level-up-your-packaging/ Let me know if it was helpful for you! ❤️

[@ahsanuzair5467]

Really impressed ❤ From Pakistan Have a good day

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you for watching!

[@alexasuncion7718]

Thank you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching, Alex!

[@ananita6888]

Awesome video, Mey, thank you! Could you please share where did you get the white display rack? I did not understand the name of the business. Thank you again, you rock!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Ana! Thank you so much! ❤️❤️ I buy the white display rack from Palay Display. 😊

[@KimmieDeeToons]

Very helpful, just subscribed

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Awesome, thank you so much for the sub!

[@leiajohnson3021]

I would love to have professional looking packaging like that with my logo, clear boxes, etc but I dont know where to buy them. I looked up Palay Display and will definitely buy from them. Where can I find clear boxes like those? I think this will help my credibility. thanks Mei!!!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Liya, I can suggest Papermart, or simply google "clear boxes with tabs" for other options. :) www.papermart.com/p/clear-plastic-rectangular-hanger-boxes/16491

[@justjocelynn]

@@CreativeHiveCo What was the name of that display?

[@LifeHackRedone]

Thanks for the video!! Do you have a video on how to take transactions from a store? Is it done through check?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I don't yet, but you can set that up with them. Some will do checks, but now with Venmo and PayPal, shops may offer to do digital transfer. It will depend on the store, so that is something to make sure and chat about with them ahead of time.

[@mim1457]

I used to work for a small business! All of our wholesale orders were 50%

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That is definitely the standard. Thank you for watching, mim!

[@samboriboun2213]

Wow

[@CreativeHiveCo]

❤️❤️

[@falonfabrini9432]

very informative video, thank you for sharing. we are in the process of getting our handmade vegan cosmetics in stores.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

That's fantastic! Good luck!!

[@vaidyaayurvedaLife]

Great insightful information. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and time! Very well done :) I have a quick question: Is there a standard product pitch template with what product info and company details a buyer wants to see about our product and company? I want to provide the proper information they want without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. Thank you so much. You've been very helpful :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching Vaidya! ❤️ You can check out my blog here for some guide: www.creativehiveco.com/4-ways-you-can-get-more-wholesale-orders/ Hope that helps! ❤️ In case you're also interested, I also have an entire module inside my A Sale A Day course dedicated to selling Wholesale. I also mentioned about the A Sale A Day course in my free workshop. Here's the link if you want to register: bit.ly/3EGGC47 I think you're going to learn a lot from the workshop too. Hope to see you there! ❤️

[@himiyo8619]

LOVING these videos, so helpful, but finding the sound effects distracting from the classy tone you have/professional business advice you're giving :)

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for your feedback Himiyo, and thank you for watching!

[@jay2the]

thank you! does this apply if you use POD services?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi! It can also apply for POD products but you WANT to make sure you have enough margin to make profit from your wholesale orders. Most POD companies offer discounts on bulk orders which can help if you want to go the wholesale route too.

[@Delores999]

I like this. Help!

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hey there! What do you need help with?

[@jaerodriguez2780]

Hi! Might you have any suggestions on a script or quick intro question on how to approach a local store?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Jae! You can refer to my blog post here to spark some ideas: www.creativehiveco.com/wholesale-relationships/

[@misspimake]

Great video! ❤️

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching MissPImake!

[@gabi.markets]

I didn’t understand what is your guarantee policy. Would you explain again?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi! I offer 100% happiness guarantee. In case it'll help, here's a link to my blog for a written version of this video: www.creativehiveco.com/6-things-to-know-when-selling-to-small-retail-stores/ You can skip to #5 Persistence where I talked about my guarantee policy. Let me know if you have any questions. 😊

[@DebraKnight-cc3vw]

Your video was super helpful!!! Do you have a video or advice regarding writing a cold call email to introduce a handmade product to a small retail store. I have a pet product.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi! You can check out my blogs below for some reference. Good luck!! 😊 www.creativehiveco.com/7-steps-to-start-selling-wholesale-and-bring-in-the-big-bucks/ www.creativehiveco.com/4-ways-you-can-get-more-wholesale-orders/

[@gordophunkin]

Yo. This lady dropping fucking bombs out here like with the business fr😂

[@kadybamba540]

Hi so I am in the process of selling my products to a retailer, so we went through a few months of going back and fourth and they are finally ready to make the order and I get their order needs of how many of what products they need, and it’s a good amount for the first order but I don’t hand make the products myself I design them and have a factory overseas that make all my items and I pay them for whole prices and sell them for a larger price on my personal website. So my dilemma here is what profit do I make in this? I have let the retailer know the whole sale prices I pay my vendor to make my items in my line sheets but how am I personally making money out of this order. I just need help understanding if all of this was worth my time. It’s a well known retailer so I know it would be good for my brand but I also have to make money myself.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Kady! First of all, congratulations on closing the deal!!🎉🎉 I wish I can give you better answer but I think you're the only one who can determine if it's worth it to sell your products wholesale. It all depends on how much profit margin you put on top of your products (and if that gives you enough wiggle room to offer wholesale). Another option is you can try to negotiate with your factory if they're willing to further lower down their price for you so that way you can stretch your profit a little more. Take into account the shipping costs, packaging costs, etc. as well. I hope that helps. I wish you and your business all the best!! 🎉🎉💕💕 Good luck!! You got this!!

[@StevenTheGreat_]

Yeah I’m trying to figure out the proper Price to offer buyers.

[@StevenTheGreat_]

I don’t want to low ball myself or come in too high with the price.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi! If you're selling handmade products, you can check out my blog post and KZbin video below for some reference in pricing your products: www.creativehiveco.com/pricing-handmade-items-guide/ kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmTVaoBphs2hhLM Hope that helps! Good luck!! 😊😊

[@kateskreationsrgv6617]

I'm not sure if this question was answered in the comments but I have someone interested in purchasing wholesale from me but as soon as she learned my products would be branded with my logo, I never heard back from her. What are your thoughts on labels? I worked hard on my products, and I want them to be sold as mine. Not for someone else to take credit for my work, but is this something that I shouldn't hold on to and just let them brand it as their own?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi Kate! Great question! This is going to be a matter of personal preference. It's totally valid for you to want credit for your work. My perspective is that it could be another great source of income. You can charge more for white labeling so the customer pays more for the rights to rebrand it with their own logo. But that's just me and it's still up to your personal preference. There's nothing wrong in deciding white labeling isn't right for you. Good luck!!

[@kateskreationsrgv6617]

@Creative Hive Thank you so much. This new perspective has really got me thinking more and more. I never thought of charging more for white labeling or if that was even an option. Thank you so much for replying. It's good to know that there's someone out there willing to help other small businesses no matter how big, small Or what issues we may be facing.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's my pleasure to help, Kate. ❤️ Good luck to you and your business! Also, just in case you're interested, I have a free workshop where I think you'll also learn something from in terms of the steps you can take to grow your handmade business online. Here's the link just in case you want to give it a watch: bit.ly/3EGGC47 Hope to see you there! ❤️

[@vanessar.6085]

I didnt even consider wholesale selling in my research. I'll have to take more detailed notes.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yes! Definitely make sure you are factoring that in!

[@manuelamueller-restlessroots]

I'm in an area where the shops only do commission . I'm not too happy doing it, but nobody will go on wholesale .....on the other hand (although I offer really unique handmade displays for free) some of them still don't display so that it'll sell and of course if things get stolen or damaged it's all on me....... any tips or advice on that ? Thanks in advance :-) !

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Make sure that you include clauses for these types of things in your commission contract/agreement, and make sure you explain to the shop owner your expectations ahead of time, or you won't be able to work with them.

[@StevenTheGreat_]

100% happiness guarantee is interestin

[@gator3905]

Do you need a contract with retailer? How does it work

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi! Usually, you don't need one. They're like a regular customer, but with resale rights so they don't have to pay tax (they should show you their resale license). Here's a blog of mine that could be helpful for you too in case you're just starting out: www.creativehiveco.com/what-you-need-to-know-before-starting-a-wholesale-business/ Good luck! ❤️

[@sandiwilliams8191]

Where do you buy your displays?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

I find a lot of pieces on Amazon, but you can also check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, and some of the craft stores have jewelry display pieces in the jewelry department.

[@ShyOne1031]

Should the wholesale buyer pay for shipping? Or should I? Shipping can be EXPENSIVE! :/

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hi! This completely depends on you. If you can't offer free shipping, it's okay to charge the shipping fee to your wholesale buyer. There's actually an entire module inside my A Sale A Day course that's dedicated to Wholesale in case you're interested. If you want to know a bit more about my A Sale A Day course, you can join my free workshop (in case you haven't joined yet). I also mentioned about the course there. Regardless if you enroll for the course or not, I think you'll learn a lot from the workshop. Here's the link to register: bit.ly/3EGGC47 Hope to see you there! ❤️

[@joshuajeffries3963]

Excellent Video, thank you.

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Thank you so much for watching, Joshua!

[@pinecanyonprints1028]

Is it normal to simply ask to have my products placed in the store without the shop having to by the product from me first? And then we split the profit from the sales?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It's normal! It's called consignment. It's slightly different from wholesale in that the store owner is not buying your products upfront. You and them only get paid once a customer buys something. The cut is usually 60/40 (the artist gets 60%, the store owner gets 40%). Sometimes 70/30.

[@JDelights453]

I am a local catering business and am wanting to sell my dessert items to coffee shops. Will food products follow virtually the same steps? What is the best way to reach out to these businesses?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Food products can work in a similar way for sure. I would call the shops you want to work with or you can walk in and see if the manager is available to chat. Bring samples! 😉

[@JDelights453]

@@CreativeHiveCo update: I got into my first coffee shop ☺️☺️

[@goodimoh7157]

I just started selling perfumes, what if i decide to offer the retailers a commission based deal? As in offer them 20-30% for each sale without purchasing. Is that a fair deal?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You are talking about a consignment situation. It will depend on the retailer. Some will take a consignment deal and the percents will be determined by the retailer typically, but most want a wholesale agreement so they get at least 50% off the retail price.

[@goodimoh7157]

@@CreativeHiveCo thanks for getting back to me. I would have thought that it would be a lot less since they won't be buying anything just selling and taking a percentage of the profits x

[@ricklannoye4374]

It's been decades since the time when thousands of independent department stores dotted the American landscape. But in the latter half of the 20th Century, large corporate department stores, like Walmart, put thousands of small town department stores out of business! Both the working owners and employees were left jobless, and together with other large corporations, owned by private individuals who do no work at all, sent factories overseas to places where children and desperately poor adults work in the most squalid of conditions for pennies an hour, or used their stolen wealth to weaken unions in the US in order to pressure workers to accept huge pay cuts, leaving American workers no other way to survive other than to take the pitifully low wages and zero-to-no benefits, such as what the typical Walmart employee receives! Interestingly, the justifications for stealing wealth from workers goes directly back to when the owners of large lands excused their claim to own, not just the wealth workers created, but the workers themselves--overt slavery! They, too, bragged about how "generous" they were, "providing homes, clothing and food" to their "servants"! They further claimed to have delivered their slaves from pagan darkness and "provided them with honest work"! Sure, we can be glad that over slavery was outlawed in the US, but the owner class has, ever since then, done all they can to get as close as they can to enslaving the vast majority of Americans by claiming it's OK to own, if not the workers themselves, all the wealth their work creates, only to return a very small portion of it back to them, and they return even less every chance they get! Rick Lannoye, author of www.amazon.com/Capitalism-Slavery-Taking-Workers-Illegal/dp/B08BD9CWLP

[@stephaniezeris2097]

What if the store want 40$ a month ? But if I don't sell anything I still have to pay ?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Yes, you are paying for the "advertising" fee of being in a store that brings in customers. It's like a rental fee for the space.

[@gammagamma1052]

Random guy: Hey, Whats your name? Mei: Mei Random guy: yeah you

[@CreativeHiveCo]

Hey there, Random guy! I hope you found this video helpful!

[@chelsealovell6164]

What quantity would a shop expect you to make if it was say a coffee shop selling your cakes/ would they expect you to bake cakes every day Thankyou

[@CreativeHiveCo]

It would depend on your agreement with them. Some places may ask for a weekly delivery, some may want more often depending on the need. It would be very specific to each individual shop.

[@timothydickens9876]

Thankz for your help!! Question..Are you single ?

[@CreativeHiveCo]

You're welcome! Thank you so much for watching!