Vendor Question

[Guest EMercier]

I have an opportunity to vendor at my BF's job. They always have people there and when he told the lady about my doing candles and B & B, she really wanted me to call. She was telling him about some of the specifics. I called and haven't gotten a response yet. This will be in the beginning of the year as I'm on vacation until next year. ANYWAY, he was saying that she stated they don't charge a specific flat rate, but want 20% of your sales. I don't think that's quiet fair. Does it seem fair to you all? I was going to talk to her about that. I mean if I sell, let's say $1,000 I give them $200? I don't think so. I know I also have an opportunity to have a kiosk, but it's too much for me. I know this mall is really looking for people to be there, but I don't have the patience to be open when the mall is. Maybe they will work with me since they are desparate, but not sure if I want to do that.

Bottom line is, is it too much to ask for 20% of sales to be a vendor at a job?

[ChrisR]

I've had my products in a natural food store this past year and he takes 25%. I don't pay any rent, etc. and he does all the work selling and keeping track of inventory. I just refill products when needed and collect a check every 2 weeks. So I'd have to say no 20% is not too much!!

[Accents]

Sometimes I would prefer the percent to a booth fee. For those times all I cover is booth cost, it would be nice to know I'm only out 20% of what I sold in case people don't happen to be in the buying mood.

[MichelleOH]

I don't think 20% is bad at all. I do a holiday bazaar at a private school and they ask for 30% of my profits.

[SSR Candles]

20% isn't a bad share for that kind of thing. You gotta figure that they're providing the place and the customers, so they're deserving of something. The local shop that I'm in charges me 20%, so I think it's pretty fair.

[SoapDiva]

I pay 15%, at first I thought it was high, but considering SHE has to pimp my stuff to make money on it, its a good deal IMO. Also, she has sent a lot of business my way in the form of additional gift bags etc.

[CC on Maui]

20% of sales is very reasonable as a vendor participation fee.

I have two shows I used to do that I paid 25% of sales, plus a flat fee.

I'd do it.

[mystical_angel1219]

This raises a few questions, I would proceed with caution and have then sign an agreement with terms and policies to make sure you are protected. Selling in a store, I would suggest making sure you have insurance- first and foremost. IMO, these are things to keep in mind.

~Are they paying you up front, weekly or per sale, in cash-?

~Where do they plan on putting your products? (do you have a say?)

~Do they expect you to rotate stock for holidays, seasons- etc?

(regardless of they are selling fast or sitting on the shelf)

If they are just charging you a flat rate 20%, this isn't a bad deal.

You basically have no overhead with this route, expect for keeping them stocked with products. I would pay a few visits, see what kind of operation they are running and what type of clientele they have.

I pay my reps 20%, and give them bonus product perks at defined goals.

It is hard to find quality salespeople/retail outlets that are going to do this for much less. People are motivated by money, bottom line.