Katcameback Posted October 27, 2006 Share Posted October 27, 2006 I have only been selling for about 8 months, just mainly to friends and co-workers of my hubby abd the odd online sale. I haven't been putting alot of effort into selling because I don't want to freak myself out until I know what I'm doing, lol. Anyways, someone emailed me today, and this is what they said "I would be interested in retailing your candles in the mall. Please forward a price list and case lot info." I sent this person a copy of my catalogue. But I have no idea how much to sell them by the caselot. Also.....does anyone have any good advice on what to do or not to do about this kind of thing? I feel that this person didn't even give me enough info about anything. I don't even know where this mall is, if it's even in the same city as me! Anyways, any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristinesShower Posted October 27, 2006 Share Posted October 27, 2006 First thing I would do is send him a wholesale agreement, find out what he wants and go from there. Lay your rules down FIRST - you would be surprised how many people can sway you when they wave a little money under your nose.Don't freak out - this could be a great opportunity for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katcameback Posted October 28, 2006 Author Share Posted October 28, 2006 Thanks. Because I have never done this, what things should I be wary of? What kinds of rules should I have? How much less should I wholesale for? Percentage wise? Sorry for all the questions, I just don't wqant to gedt burned, lol.This was their reply when I asked where the "mall" was: Its called the USA flea market, don't let the name fool you its 350000sq ft large with 1100 venders, I have been there for ten years selling water equipmentSteve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmp Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Hi Kat,First, this sounds like a great opportunity to "cut your teeth" in the retail biz if you do your homework, take it slow, and know your limits. Who knows where this may lead! My only caution would be that this person "cold called" you and there is no prior relationship, so be on alert.Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janette Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Hi Kat,I agree that this could be a good opportunity. Do remain vigilant though. If it were me I would ask for payment up front. Often times with wholesale, the buyer is given 30 days to pay for the order. This doesn't have to be the case. Since it is your first dealing with this buyer and this type of sale, prepayment could save you a lot of worry. Once you are paid, what he does won't really matter to you. Hopefully he will do well and re-order. If not, at least you were taken care of.Wholesale is normally 50% of your retail price. Be sure that you know for certain what your costs are and be sure your wholesale price is possible for you. HTHJanettePS- I like your site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katcameback Posted October 28, 2006 Author Share Posted October 28, 2006 Hi Kat,First, this sounds like a great opportunity to "cut your teeth" in the retail biz if you do your homework, take it slow, and know your limits. Who knows where this may lead! My only caution would be that this person "cold called" you and there is no prior relationship, so be on alert.Good luck!I think that is why red flags came up for me. They have never even seen my candles, so how do they know what they are like? Also....they never gave me any kind of info at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katcameback Posted October 28, 2006 Author Share Posted October 28, 2006 Ok. Should have some sort of terms of agreement? I'm not sure if there is anything that they can do that will turn out bad for me, lol. IS there any kinds of rules and regulations that I need to folow, or terms I should havbe them agree to? Thanks for the compliment on the site. I dabble in web/graphics design. I have a fetish for purple I think, lol. I have made about 4 or 5 websites. Hi Kat,I agree that this could be a good opportunity. Do remain vigilant though. If it were me I would ask for payment up front. Often times with wholesale, the buyer is given 30 days to pay for the order. This doesn't have to be the case. Since it is your first dealing with this buyer and this type of sale, prepayment could save you a lot of worry. Once you are paid, what he does won't really matter to you. Hopefully he will do well and re-order. If not, at least you were taken care of.Wholesale is normally 50% of your retail price. Be sure that you know for certain what your costs are and be sure your wholesale price is possible for you. HTHJanettePS- I like your site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
royster13 Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 It would be important to check with your liability insurer about USA sales....You need to make sure that your coverage still applies.....Many Canadian insurers are not comfortable with USA sales and put restrictions on the coverage....Give your broker a call and if they say you have coverage get something in writing to CYA...Good luck....RCS... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairieannie Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 The first thing I would do is determine whether or not the company who contacted you is legitimate! I would be pretty skeptical of anyone who wanted to sell my candles in their store sight unseen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmp Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 The other thing I thought of is the flea markets that I am familiar with are known for deep discounts, poor quality, all sales final, etc. You may want to see if your product is compatible with this style (if this flea market is what I think it is).But I would continue to pursue it with eyes open. It sounds like even if it is not a match, at least a seed has been planted in your mind as to whether you want to expand your business beyond friends and co-workers.Good luck, and keep us informed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candlewitch Posted October 28, 2006 Share Posted October 28, 2006 Might of been word of mouth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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