Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

It is our factory based in China.

I think this should be clearly explained on your home page somewhere around the video player.  Since the company names are different it looks like this is where you get your products.  This would give a big retailer the wrong message and make them think they could go directly to that company and leave you out of the deal.  If at all possible you should show your company name in the video not the unknown one.  Otherwise this a very mixed message that will detour many customers, both retail and wholesale.  It is my opinion that this is true even though it is a very good video.  I hope this input is helpful.  Noticed this when I was shopping at your site today so I thought I would let you know...

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

I am sure there are many sites like this one, but recently I found a site that is selling through big box retailers.  They are doing what I have been suggesting as the way to do it right.  The site is http://sunforceproducts.com.

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

This is one of our OEM clients, sell in Homedepot, Costco and Wal-mart.  

I am really confused now.  Where does one purchase your products?  I know you say places in this thread but you have not given your visitors a clear path to purchase.  When you go the the site the SunForce site you just click on "Where to Buy" from any page and you know.

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Bert at Harvey Software, Inc.
Multi-Carrier Shipping Software and Supply Chain Solutions for Internet Retailers

Also a provider of free shipping information and resources at Harvey Software`s Parcel Shipping Blog along with free tracking solutions at TrackingPage.com...

KB buys from our factory in china and distributeds to retailors. Now our factories are making our own brand "saunaking". In the long run, what we want to do is slowly eleminate KB so to speak cutting of the "middleman". Therefore, "SaunaKing Products" business structure or strategy should somewhere close to KB.

At the moment, for the compnay to "survive"--pay high warehouse rent, employees, etc, we would have to do some retails thru our own website.

KBhas been doing this for over 20years. Yet, we are brand new to American retailing market. There are some "prices" we would have to pay before finding the right path.

 

I don`t think you need to have a warehouse, rent, employees etc and you certainly don`t need to sell online.

The large retailers will do an DI program with you - let then commit to a container and pass on the savings to them. You get an LC first, produce to order as per their pickup date and minimize the risk.

There are many examples of 20 year old companies getting clipped by innovative and aggressive companies that know how to make it work using current technology and know-how!

How do you know that KB`s business strategy is the best? What if another mfgr from China decides to do exactly what you are doing but goes direct? Then you have TWO issues - phasing out the middleman while combating a new entrant into the marketplace.


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A good idea is a good idea NOW![sup]TM[/sup]

ethnicomm inc. | sales | marketing | web | strategy consulting

Dear ethnicomm,

Alex,

How are you communicating with them, phone or email?  The problem with buyers is that they are always busy with new or existing vendors and will not respond when we want them too even if they are interested in your product.  You should send an email and be direct and ask them if they are still interested in your product and if they are what are the next steps you should take.  By sending them an email, it makes it easier for them to respond.  If you call them, you might get their voice mail and never hear back from them.  One thing that I have learned is that once you get someone interested in your product you need to hurry up and close them or they will find some excuse to lose interest.  Make sure you uncover all their objections if there are any.  I have other sales and marketing tips on my website www.boostmyproduct.com that can help you understand a buyers mindset and how to close them once you have their interest.

As a former buyer, I would not suggest sending an email and being so direct. Buyers are busy but if you`re proposal is compelling, they will think about it. The reason is that they do not want to miss an opportunity to differentiate or risk being embarassed that a hot product is carried at their competitor. When the boss asks "did you know about this product" the buyer does not want to say "yes but I was too busy to check it out".

I would suggest a voice mail - it`s harder to ignore than an email. The key is capturing their interest so they DO return the call.


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A good idea is a good idea NOW![sup]TM[/sup]

ethnicomm inc. | sales | marketing | web | strategy consulting