Unlocking Retail Success: Sell Etsy Products to Retail with Etsy Wholesale
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Selling to Mass Retailers
- Creating a Product in Bulk for Mass Retailers
- Dealing with Manufacturers Overseas
- Selling to Small Retailers and Boutiques
- Building Relationships with Small Retailers
- Relying on Reps for Other States
- Selling on a Regional Level
- Knowing the Regional Buyers
- Selling to Retailers with Regional Buying Offices
- Selling on a Local Level
- Allowing Store Managers and Owners to Purchase
- Targeting Local Retailers and Convenience Stores
- Understanding Product Types and Targeted Retailers
- High-end Products and Department Stores
- Creating Secondary Products for Mass Market Audience
- Finding Opportunities for High-End Products
- Conclusion
- About Retail MBA
- Subscribe to Retail MBA Channel
Which Retailers to Approach Based on Your Etsy Product
Selling your homemade or physical product on Etsy is an exciting venture. However, figuring out which retailers to approach can be a daunting task. In this article, we will provide you with tips and strategies to get started on identifying the right retailers for your product.
1. Selling to Mass Retailers
If your goal is to sell to mass retailers, you need to consider how to create your product in bulk. Mass retailers have significant buying power and seek products that can be mass-produced and stocked in their stores. This may require setting up a warehouse near your home or working with manufacturers overseas to meet their quantity requirements.
Pros:
- Ability to sell your product in large volumes
- Potential for higher profits due to larger orders
Cons:
- Requires additional resources and logistics management
- Competition may be fierce
2. Selling to Small Retailers and Boutiques
Selling to small retailers and boutiques can be a more manageable option. While it may require more effort to build relationships with multiple retailers, it offers greater flexibility. You can open accounts gradually and even rely on sales representatives to expand to different states or regions.
Pros:
- Easier access to retailers
- More personalized and targeted approach
Cons:
- Requires more time and effort for account setup and management
- Lower volume orders compared to mass retailers
3. Selling on a Regional Level
Some retailers operate on a regional buying strategy, which can be advantageous for product creators who cannot meet large quantity demands. Retailers with regional buying offices divide their store locations into regions and have buyers responsible for purchasing products for a specific region. By identifying regional buyers, you can get your products into stores on a regional level, allowing for more manageable order volumes.
4. Selling on a Local Level
Certain retailers, such as convenience stores or local boutiques, allow their store managers or owners to make purchasing decisions for individual stores. This approach is ideal for creators who cannot produce products on a large scale. Selling to retailers on a local level can still provide opportunities, even if it means selling to a single store of a well-known retail chain.
5. Understanding Product Types and Targeted Retailers
The type of retailers you can target will vary based on your product category. High-end jewelry or fashion accessory products often align well with department stores. However, it is worth considering creating a secondary, more affordable version of your product to appeal to the mass market audience. This strategy allows you to make money from a wider customer base without compromising your brand's exclusivity.
Pros:
- Increased customer reach through affordable product options
- Extra income to support the creation of high-end products
Cons:
- Potential brand perception challenges
- Requires additional marketing and promotion efforts
In conclusion, determining the retailers to approach for your Etsy product requires careful consideration of your goals, product type, and willingness to scale your business. Whether you choose to sell to mass retailers, small boutiques, or explore regional or local opportunities, there are various avenues to pursue. By understanding your product, target audience, and market dynamics, you can make informed decisions to grow your business exponentially.
For more in-depth guidance on selling your physical product to retailers, check out our training system called Retail MBA at retailmba.com.
Highlights
- Understanding the different strategies for selling to mass retailers, small retailers, and boutiques
- Exploring regional and local selling opportunities
- Considering the creation of secondary products to reach a broader market
- Balancing high-end products with more affordable options
- Leveraging department stores and unique distribution channels
FAQs
Q: Do I need to create my product in bulk to sell to mass retailers?
A: Yes, mass retailers require products that can be bought in large quantities. It is essential to figure out how to produce your product at scale to meet their demands.
Q: What are the advantages of selling to small retailers and boutiques?
A: Selling to small retailers and boutiques allows for a more personalized approach and can be easier to access compared to mass retailers. However, it may require more time and effort to build relationships with multiple retailers.
Q: How can I target retailers on a regional level?
A: Identify regional buyers within retail chains and focus on getting your products into stores within a specific region. This approach allows for more manageable order volumes.
Q: Is it possible to sell products to individual stores of well-known retail chains?
A: Yes, certain retailers, especially convenience stores and local boutiques, allow store managers or owners to make purchasing decisions for individual stores. This can provide opportunities even if you cannot produce products on a large scale.
Q: Should I consider creating secondary, more affordable versions of my high-end product?
A: Creating secondary products for a mass-market audience can be a lucrative strategy to generate additional income and reach a wider customer base. However, it is important to carefully consider brand perception and marketing efforts for both product lines.
