Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi,

I am new to Startup Nation.  It’s really great to be able to find and connect with other entrepreneurs who share the same passion as me.

I am currently in the process of creating and importing a line of bedding products (comforters, blankets and maybe even bedding sheets..etc) that address the vast amount of population who suffers allergies and are looking for viable Down alternatives.

I have identified my suppliers; have the samples; base on the sample I received I am making some design adjustment; I am in the process finding a web designer to help me create my brand and my website.

So, the question is now that I have this wonderful line of products coming together, where do I connect with qualified independent sales rep. that already sale into the market I am looking for?  I have tried Google search and contacted one “general” sale rep. company; after they took down my information, they never called me back.    

Due to pricing point of the products and the type of the products (more along the luxury line), I am not looking to sell into Wal-mart, Target, Costco,…type of big box retailer;  instead my target market is boutique shops and higher end stores.

Any feedback, suggestions and valuable leads would be highly appreciated

Hmm, I don't see my response so I don't know if it posted. Search by category on my site (sales) for lots of info. http://fashion-incubator.com

best

kathleen

Hi Happy Goose,

Welcome! Have you check on those discussion forum dedicated to this web designs ?

Fallacy

Hi Katheen,

Thanks for your posted.  I checked your website.  Although it didn't have the independent sales rep.  information that I was looking for, it does have very valuable information on textiles that really opened my eyes.  It was quite an educational read! Thanks you!

As far as my question on how to find independent sales rep. for my products,  I think your website mentioned about going up to linkedin to search for them. I did that.   I searched for "Independent Sales Rep", there was 0 listed under textile.  I guess most of independent sales rep on linkedin seems to be either medical or high tech related.

Hi Fallacy,

Thanks for your reply as well.  However, I am not quite understanding what web design you are talking about and how that is relevant for me looking for independent sales rep. Did I miss something?  Would you elaborate?

Thanks!!!

HappyGoose

You didn't get to my site. My site is FASHION-INCUBATOR.COM (copy and paste) with a hyphen between "fashion" and "incubator". I think you went to fashionincubator without a hyphen. Big Difference. Their site is nice but small. Mine, you couldn't have read it all. There's over 1,700 entries there, some are 11 pages long.

On my site there is almost NO information on textiles (which you said you found there) and TONS of information on sales reps, sales and marketing which you said you didn't. Also, Linked In has only been mentioned on my site once and that was from a guest writer in reference to sweater design. There are many many articles about sales reps and believe me, Linked In or Start Up nation for that matter, are the LAST place I'd suggest you go. No, on my site I said go to "the forum". *our* forum, not this one, to find a sales rep or get the lowdown to see if yours is any good.

Hi and welcome,

Contact the sales reps below.  The women who founded the company has been in sales for several decades.  She also represents an interior floral designer and several other companies.  She might be able to take you on as a client or steer you to another sales rep.

http://www.gcsalesassociates.com/

Hello!

One thing you can do to find sales reps is to look at the websites of companies that are in your industry and target markets.  Often, they will list their reps on their website.  Trade organizations also tend to have lists of good reps as well.

Tracy

Hi nevadascul,

Thanks for the referral.  I will definitely take a look at her website and contact her when I get back from my business trip.

Hi Tracy,

Humm, that's an idea I have not thought of.  It's a good idea.  Since my target market is higher end and boutique stores, I will first find out who the top ones are locally first and see if they have websites.  Thanks for your input.

Hi Kathleen,

Thanks for turning me to your Forum section. It turned out I was on your site.  However, I didn't go to your forum.  I did a simple category search and found limited information; maybe it just searched your blog sections.  In any case, I went to your forum section and found that it's a close forum that required $600 in fee to get in.  That may explain why it didn't come up on the search.  Anyway, I will take a closer look after I get back from my trip.  Thanks!

HappyGoose

Hi Happy Goose

I still think there is miscommunication. I went to the Sales category and found over 230 separate articles. Try this link. Additionally, a closer reading of the forum registration page would show the cost is free if you have the mentioned book. If you don't have it, the cost is $60, not $600.

Have a fun trip!

Here is the website that can provide you guidance related to independent sales rep. Hope you find your solution here. http://jobview.monster.ca