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megangoodell says: |
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Does anyone have any advice as to how to do this? Would it be appropriate to just stop in and show the manager your items? |
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Posted at 3:31 pm, March 6 2008 EST - Report this post
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CricketsCreations says: |
Hi Megan!
I currently sell with 12 retailers (my goal is to work with 20 retailers by years end), I started locally and now also work with 3 retailers in another state.
Gimme a little bit and I'll post some advice here....
Celeste (Crickets Creations Handknit Scarves) |
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Posted at 3:34 pm, March 6 2008 EST - Report this post
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RegalBeads says: |
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I looked into this a bit. I didn't like the fact that they didn't insure if something got stolen. I was REALLY glad that someone had passed that tip on to me! |
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Posted at 3:36 pm, March 6 2008 EST - Report this post
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megangoodell says: |
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oh, good to know regalbeads...I dont think I would have thought of that! |
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Posted at 3:36 pm, March 6 2008 EST - Report this post
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CricketsCreations says: |
Anyway, how to "get" stores...I always wear something really cute, edgy, trendy, eyecatching, etc when I go in. I wear make up (which I don't normally do), put my hair up, usually in piggy tails, so that it's not hanging around my neck and obscuring the scarf I happen to have on. ;) I have a big, confident smile on my face and I usually open with something like, "Hi there, I design and knit designer-quality scarves that would do well in your store, is your buyer available?" Yes, cheeky, I know, but it works--I've only been rejected a handful of times, and I actually have 2 new consignment deals coming up this spring when tourist season kicks up again--they approached me at a craft fair after several folks recommended me to them.
Sorry this is getting so long, anyway....when the buyer agrees to look at my items (yes, I do just stop in, and I keep my stock & tags with my contact info in the car at all times for impromptu moments when I see a neat, new store), I bring them in dangling on colored, plastic hangers. I carry them high like they're trophy pelts or something (well, so they won't drag on the ground, actually, but it definitely draws attention).
Anyway, while the buyer is looking I mention how many have sold since I started in August, how many other locations I have, how much they usually retail for, etc. Then they almost always say yes. :) By the way, it seems like the more scarves they keep on hand, the more they'll sell. So if they ask, I suggest that they start with at least 6-10 scarves as a beginning inventory. For example, here in Kanab I have 2 retailers, both equally high end and equally busy. One keeps 3 on hand and has sold only 6 so far. The other keeps 15-20 on hand and has sold more than twice that many (13 or 14, I forget the exact #).
Taking breath before I post more....hang on...must....get....air...
Celeste (Crickets Creations Handknit Scarves) |
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Posted at 3:43 pm, March 6 2008 EST - Report this post
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CricketsCreations says: |
Here's the intro letter I email to out-of-state retailers after I call on the phone and ask for "the buyer." Now, it's best to get local shops first before branching out to more remote locations, but I'm including the letter because it has lots of "talking points" you can use to your advantage, too.
(By the way, "net 30" means they have 30 days to pay after receiving the goods, which is the industry standard):
Hello!
I design, knit and sell boutique-quality scarves in resorts, galleries, boutiques and gift shops in Big Bear, Orange County & Lake Tahoe in CA and where I live, near the Grand Canyon. I currently work with 12 retailers and would love to work with you, as well.
I have sold over 250 scarves since I began in August 2007--my designs are very popular!
If you'd like to see some examples of my work, pictures are at http://cricketscreations.etsy.com/.
I offer a satisfaction guarantee & a net 30 option for established retailers who order a first-time minimum of 6 scarves (my scarves easily retail for $48 each).
I can typically produce 20+ scarves a week and guarantee your shipment will arrive within a week of your order for ready-made (a few days longer for large, custom orders). I cover the cost of shipping and send items USPS Priority Mail.
Please contact me to discuss pricing & which colors/styles would go best in your store (custom orders welcome).
Thank you,
Celeste Crimi (Crickets Creations Handknit Scarves)
435-689-0907
celestecrimi [!at] hotmail.com
http://cricketscreations.etsy.com/
http://www.flickr.com/people/cricketscreations
http://cricketscreations.blogspot.com
http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/CricketsCreationsHandknitScarves |
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Posted at 3:47 pm, March 6 2008 EST - Report this post
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