Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi guys,

I`m running an online store selling unique origami roses, and we`re targeting american and european buyers. I`m based in Malaysia.

Since the roses are also available in bulk ( and we want to establish a supply chain to certain stores in the US ), i`m now cracking my head at figuring an effective way to initiate contact with the store owners. We want to be able to sell bulk roses to restaurants/hotel/wedding planner stores that need the roses - should I just use plain e-mail to initiate contact?

What should i mention in the email? I`m afraid that they`ll just pass off the email as some spam from Asia. ( yes it happens )

What do you guys think? I`m from outside of the US, trying to get inside the US, which isn`t easy at all i realized.


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Like the sound of Origami Roses?   |   visit http://www.yeemi.com   |   our roses are carefully hand-folded, perfect for gifts/home decor   |   We also sell bulk origami roses for events such as weddings and conferences. Even restaurants and hotels come to us for origami ideas!

mikechong... One step you have already done correctly. Become an active member of the Startup Nation! Although it doesn`t create credibility, it does add to it. Your products look well made and very beautiful. Welcome to SuN.

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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

thanks Vincent appreciate it

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Like the sound of Origami Roses?   |   visit http://www.yeemi.com   |   our roses are carefully hand-folded, perfect for gifts/home decor   |   We also sell bulk origami roses for events such as weddings and conferences. Even restaurants and hotels come to us for origami ideas!

A couple of thoughts: First, I have a DSL line, and it took nearly 30 seconds for your home page to load, with the nicely animated images. I`d suggest putting those animations on a separate page where people can take the time after initially seeing your product. Perhaps have a "Demo" tab on the menu, or some word indicating video-animation? On the main page, load it fast, and have lots of static, quick-loading pictures of those roses. They look great!

Secondly, I know there are manufacturing conventions, product conventions, and just about every other kind of convention. Here in Chicago, they have the big Trade shows at a huge building, and thousands of people come together to work out deals.

There has to be a trade show convention specifically for your market, and for restaurant (etc.) wholesalers. I`d look into some sort of directory of these kinds of shows, finding the retail vendors you`re targeting. Then buy a booth and give it your best shot.

There`s a program on Food TV that follows small businesses in the food industry. One show I remember involved a mom and two daughters trying to sell a new frozen dinner package. They eventually risked the $3,000 for a 2-day convention tradeshow in New York City, and were on pins and needles. But out of that came a contract with the US military commissaries. They talked about the huge gamble, based on the cost, but decided the potential returns were invaluable. And they won.

Take a look at "lizzers" post, "Tradeshow/Festival Questions," and I`ll bet the two of you have a lot in common. :-)

Hello Mike -

Have you considered hiring/contracting a direct sales person (distributor) in your target markets?  A person who can make the calls, visit the shops and attend events in a few cities in specific target areas. Or a beautiful direct mail peice that you send to gift shop owners, flower shop owners and the like?  I agree with CraigL and connecting with conventions that target your clientle.  I would also ad getting into catalogues that target your market.

Dr. LA

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Dr. LA www.SpiritofWealth.org Your purpose for your life is not written on some cloud in the sky; the blueprint is mapped in your Spirit, designed by your mind, and materialized by your actions ~ Dr. LA