Here's What to Do When a Retailer Wants to Carry Your Brand

Congratulations! A retailer has shown interest in carrying your brand, marking a significant milestone in your business journey. This opportunity is a testament to your hard work and the quality of your products. Before you dive into the next steps, take a moment to celebrate🎉🥳 This guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare for and manage a successful wholesale partnership, ensuring that your brand continues to grow.

Step 1: Assess Your Readiness for Wholesale

Before committing to a wholesale agreement, it's crucial to evaluate your ability to fulfill bulk orders. Consider these key questions:

• Inventory: Do you have enough stock to meet the retailer's demands?
• Production Capability: Can you ramp up production quickly if needed?
• Logistics: Are your supply chain and distribution channels robust enough to handle large shipments?

If you're confident in your ability to meet these requirements, you’re ready to move forward. If not, take steps to address these areas before proceeding.

Step 2: Ensure Product Quality

Quality control is paramount when entering the wholesale market. Retailers expect high-quality products that meet their standards. Here’s what you need to do:

• Consistent Quality: Ensure every item meets your brand's quality standards.
• Professional Packaging: Invest in packaging that protects your products and enhances their appeal.
• Compliance: Ensure your products comply with all relevant safety and regulatory standards.

Step 3: Create a Comprehensive Line Sheet

A detailed line sheet is essential for wholesale transactions. It serves as a catalog of your products and provides crucial details to the retailer.

Key Components of a Line Sheet:

• Product Images: High-quality photos of each product.
• Style Numbers: Unique codes for each product.
• Color Options: Available color variations.
• Material Details: Fabric content and prints.
• Size Range: Sizes available for each product.
• Shipping Window: Estimated timeframe for delivery.
• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): The minimum number of pieces required per style and color.
• Wholesale and Retail Prices: Clearly defined prices to avoid discrepancies.

For an easy-to-use template, consider the Make Good Fashion line sheet template.

Step 4: Prepare Your Order Form

You’ll need an order form to facilitate the ordering process. While advanced platforms like New Order are available, an Excel sheet can suffice for beginners. Ensure your order form includes:

• Product Details: Corresponding to the line sheet.
• Quantity Fields: For buyers to specify order quantities.
• Automatic Calculations: Total cost and other relevant calculations.

Step 5: Vet the Retail Store

Before proceeding, ensure the retailer aligns with your brand values and target market. Use a business application to gather necessary information:

• Store Details: Name, address, and website.
• Brand Alignment: Types of brands they currently carry.
• Reputation Check: Ensure they have a good payment history and positive reviews.

This step helps you avoid potential issues and ensures a good fit for your brand.

Step 6: Send Line Sheets and Order Forms

After vetting the store, send them your line sheet and order form. Highlight your best-selling products and offer personalized suggestions. This can increase the chances of a successful partnership by ensuring the retailer stocks items likely to perform well.

Step 7: Set Payment Terms

Clear payment terms are crucial to avoid misunderstandings. Here are common options:

• 100% Pre-Shipment Payment: Ideal if you have inventory ready to ship.
• 30-70 Payment Terms: A 30% deposit upfront with the remaining 70% due before shipment. This helps fund production and secures the order.

Step 8: Draft Terms and Conditions

Create detailed terms and conditions to protect your business. Include:

• Return Policies: Conditions for returning defective items.
• Payment Terms: Payment schedules and methods.
• Delivery and Shipping: Responsibilities and timelines.
• Legal Compliance: Adherence to relevant laws and regulations.

Step 9: Invoice and Shipping

Once the order is confirmed, send an invoice including product costs and shipping charges. Ship the goods only after receiving payment to mitigate risks. Ensure your invoice clearly outlines:

• Product Details: Items ordered and quantities.
• Total Costs: Including shipping and any additional fees.
• Payment Instructions: Methods and deadlines for payment.

Conclusion

Entering the wholesale market can significantly boost your brand’s growth. By following these steps, you’ll ensure a professional and efficient process, building strong relationships with retail partners and expanding your market presence.