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10 Tips for Selling Wholesale to Stores

Posted by Stylebuy

On October 27, 2021

For independent brands, breaking into the wholesale market can be a game-changer, offering opportunities for sustained growth and expanding your reach significantly. However, navigating the terrain of selling wholesale to stores can be daunting without the right strategy. Here, we offer you 10 wholesale tips for effectively selling your products wholesale to retail stores.

1. Develop a Competitive Pricing Strategy

Pricing your products competitively is crucial for attracting wholesale buyers. This involves balancing attractive price points with healthy profit margins.

Task	Action Item	Example
Offer Volume Discounts	Create tiered pricing systems where discounts increase with the order volume	“Order 50+ units and get a 10% discount” similar to platforms like Alibaba
Determine Minimum Orders	Set minimum order quantities to ensure profitability	Require a minimum of 50 units per order

2. Optimize Your B2B Sales Channel

Streamlining your B2B (business-to-business) platform should be a priority to make the ordering process seamless for your wholesale customers.

Task	Action Item	Example
Use B2B E-commerce Platforms	Utilize platforms like Shopify Plus or BigCommerce B2B for seamless transactions	BigCommerce’s B2B platform for easy order management
Mobile-Friendly Sales	Ensure your B2B platform is mobile-friendly	Grainger’s mobile app optimizes ordering for mobile users

3. Cultivate Strong Relationships with Retailers

Building and maintaining strong relationships with retailers is key to long-term success in the wholesale market.

Task	Action Item	Example
Attend Industry Events	Participate in trade shows and networking events	Set up a booth at MAGIC Market Week to engage with potential buyers
Follow-Up Regularly	Maintain consistent communication with retailers	Schedule periodic check-in calls or emails to keep the relationship warm

4. Leverage Technology

Integrate technology to streamline your processes from ordering to inventory management.

Task	Action Item	Example
B2B E-commerce Platforms	Use Shopify Plus or similar platforms for seamless wholesale transactions	Utilize Shopify Plus for its B2B-specific features
Order Management Tools	Implement tools to manage orders, inventory, and fulfillment efficiently	Use TradeGecko for order and inventory management

5. Create High-Quality Marketing Materials

Investing in professional marketing materials can make a significant difference in attracting and retaining wholesale clients.

Task	Action Item	Example
Professional Catalogs	Design and distribute high-quality product catalogs	Ikea’s seasonal catalogs showcasing new collections in a visually appealing manner
Case Studies	Develop case studies that highlight successful partnerships	HubSpot’s customer success stories demonstrating effective use of its solutions

6. Offer Flexible Payment Terms

Offering flexible payment options can make your brand more attractive to potential wholesale buyers.

Task	Action Item	Example
Flexible Payment Terms	Provide options like Net 30/60/90 terms to give retailers time to sell before payment is due	Offer Net 30 payment terms for wholesale orders
Early Payment Discounts	Incentivize prompt payments by offering discounts for early payments	Provide a 5% discount for payments made within 15 days

7. Showcase Your Brand’s Unique Value

Make your brand stand out by emphasizing what makes it unique and beneficial for retailers.

Task	Action Item	Example
Highlight Unique Selling Points	Emphasize features that set your products apart	Detail sustainable practices, unique designs, or local manufacturing
Brand Story	Craft and convey a compelling brand story that resonates with retailers	Write an engaging brand story that is shared in meetings and marketing materials

8. Provide Excellent Customer Service

Exceptional customer service can be a decisive factor in ensuring repeat business and positive referrals.

Task	Action Item	Example
Dedicated Account Managers	Assign account managers to handle wholesale accounts	Salesforce’s dedicated account managers offering personalized service
24/7 Support	Ensure around-the-clock customer support to address any issues promptly	Amazon’s 24/7 customer support ensuring reliable and timely assistance

9. Engage in Effective Email Marketing

Email marketing is a powerful tool for nurturing relationships and keeping retailers informed about your brand.

Task	Action Item	Example
Regular Newsletters	Send regular updates, promotions, and product announcements to subscribed retailers	Mailchimp’s segmented email campaigns targeting wholesale customers
Personalize Emails	Personalize your email communication to make it more engaging	Tailor newsletters to specific retailer interests or past orders

10. Train Your Team

A knowledgeable and well-trained team can effectively represent your brand and handle wholesale inquiries efficiently.

Task	Action Item	Example
Product Training	Ensure your sales team is well-versed in all product details	Conduct periodic training sessions on product features, benefits, and USPs
Sales Training	Equip your team with sales techniques and negotiation skills	Use sales training programs to improve communication and negotiation skills

Is your brand ready to take the next step? Sign up on Stylebuy.net to connect with a community of innovative brands and gain access to a vast network of retailers seeking high-quality, unique offerings. Start showcasing your products to a wider audience and watch your brand flourish in the wholesale market.

Happy wholesaling!