Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi, I`m a small retailer of specialty products. I currently have a product that I think would be appropriate to feature in one the above`s magazines as a Christmas gift idea/home decor item. Would it somehow be inappropriate to send each of them a few? I sell online (from Canada) but was thinking it might be best to include a note with US retailers info, since they are in the States. I currently only use EBay, though I am deceloping my own site. Since I`m not the manufacturer, would there be any thing wrong with my sending them the product, etiquette-wise or legally? I don`t think so but wanted some input. I was also wondering if I should play up the "female small-entrepeneur" angle in my note, or not. Any insights? Thanks, I am new to this site and really learning a lot. -Lisa

Hi, Lisa,

Typically achieving PR for a product is left up to the manufacturer or parent company.  They will more than likely want to direct consumers to the company`s website.  If you`re interested in pursuing this, you should really touch base with the company.  They may already be working on achieving PR for their products. 

You`re goal is to promote your own business.  Do you have a website for your company?  You can focus on achieving PR for yourself by highlighying the products you sale and work in conjunction with the manufacturer.

I hope this answers your question.  Otherwise, feel free to contact me.

Best,

Jennifer

Thanks. The manufacturer has a website, and sells to distributors, who I buy from. They don`t sell from their site. Their PR is very French-centric (they are based in France). I have only placed 2 orders with my distributor...I wonder if he would send a few bottles to Oprah if I asked...however it wouldn`t help him much as he doesn`t sell to the public, and has already almost sold his supply of this limited-edition product.

Speaking from a manufacturer`s stand point, I would LOVE it if my customers (small retailers) were to take it upon themselves to promote my product!  Since I`m still T-Minus 2 months away from launch, this is all hypothetical, but it would thrill ME.  Every company and manufacturer is different, but I can`t see why it would be a problem.  I`m a newbie company with still tons to learn but right off the bat, I think it`s great.  Lisa has a great point though.  You should really promote YOUR company.  If you do get this particular product on Oprah, exactly how much of that exposure will trickle down to YOUR bottom line. 

-------------------------

Leslie
Founder and President
Charmed Life Products LLC
Grill Charms™… The MUST HAVE grilling accessory that is revolutionizing the American Cook-out AND The perfect gift for any occasion!
Grill Charms
                                                                                                    

I THINK a lot of it would, as it`s a hard to find item in N America, and I will be one of hopefully no more than 3 people selling it on EBay. I think I will just send them both a few, why not. Do you think I should send more than 2? To account for, I don`t know,  employee-theft, breakage? I was thinking of maybe sending 5 to each of them.