Hmmmm... looks like the distributor isn`t willing to work with you. Okay, so you should look for different distributors who are willing to deal with a startup part-time online venture.
The decent distributors will want to see how you present your business which will be the backdrop for their products. Some won`t even talk to you unless you have a shopping cart feature all ready to go on the web site. To snag a few good manufacturers or distributors you`ll also need decent credit and of course, your business licenses. So, while you`re looking for those distributors~ get your web site started and align yourself. You can do this for as little as $10-$20 dollars a month.
Having a good representation of your web site business online can make a huge difference in getting good, solid distributors on board. It shows you`re serious. You may consider starting with a static site focused on craft brews. Write about what you know, maybe start a blog. Get others to participate with comments. Fill out the site with information relevant to others with the same interest. Optimize for search and work to drive targeted traffic to the site.
Once you have all of that rolling along you should have a good web site to show your prospective distributors. And, by that time you should be ready to go from somewhat of a static site to a dynamic site adding an ecommerce cart and products.
Some additional info with regard to searching for manufacturers or distributors for your online business:
Look for manufacturers or distributors with good ethics who will provide real wholesale pricing. Don`t be fooled by the middle man distributor. Greedy manufacturers and distributors are a pet peeve of mine. It`s my opinion that they should be selling wholesale to you and NOT competing with you.
-
The decent distributors will certainly have great interest in how their product is represented on your site.
- The greedy manufacturer or distributor will not care.
-
A decent manufacturer or distributor will NOT compete against you by selling to the end-user (the consumer).
- A greedy distributor or middle man most likely will compete against you with his own site or many of his own sites.
-
A decent distributor will set suggested MSRPs making sure his vendors don`t go below a certain % in discounting and they will police this agressively.
- A greedy distributor or middle man may offer prices to the consumer for lower than you can buy from him!
-
A decent distributor will offer marketing tips and sales support material and will often refer customers to your site.
- A greedy distributor or middle man won`t care how or even if you market.
-
A decent distributor will offer excellent customer service.
- A greedy distributor or middle man often won`t respond in a timely manner, if at all.
-
A decent distributor will help YOUR business be successful.
- A greedy distributor or middle man usually only cares about HIS or HER own bottom line.
Aligning your business with decent manufacturers and distributors can make a BIG difference in your success.
MiteyMite4/4/2008 2:30 PM
New Topic
Post Reply
Follow Topic
