Manufacturers have long since been aware that staying
competitive in the world of retail means keeping up with the demands of the
consumer. In spite of the crowded market space, there are still plenty of
opportunities for new businesses to own their own share of that space and find
a spot on store shelves. They key is giving the people what they want. One of
the greatest areas we have seen growth in the last few years has been with
organic and all natural products. Visit our store to shop http://www.luxuriouslynatural.com
From clothing and handbags to bath and body products to
food, consumers are becoming more conscientious about what they come into
contact with and what they put on and in their bodies.
Total sales for the natural and organic industry increased
56 percent between 2002 and 2006. While consumers did back off on purchasing
natural and organic products during the height of the recession, they have once
again become more focused on purchasing all natural products. Retailers
observed a seven percent increase in sales from 2009 to 2010, with another nine
percent of growth in 2011.
Steven Hoffman, managing partner of Boulder, Colo.-based
consulting firm Compass Naturals, notes that the “The number of natural
products shoppers has increased so much that stores like Whole Foods are now
opening in secondary markets.”
If you produce a natural or organic product, there are,
according to the New York Times, several steps you can take to get your
products onto store shelves.
1.
Start small. While you may want to see your
products on the shelves of Whole Foods or Target eventually, it’s not going to
happen right away. Begin by selling your product online, where you can test
your product on the market and get achieve proof of concept. Another great
option is to take it to small local stores that would be willing to consider
selling them for a share of the profits or a small fee.
2.
Know your unique value proposition. In other
words…know what differentiates your product from other products. Talk to and
observe other retailers and buyers and make sure your product meets the demands
of the customer with the features and colors they want. It may require you to
make changes in your product, but in the end your product will sell more
easily.
3.
Expect to hear no. Rejection is just part of the
business, unfortunately. It may take years of emailing buyers or pushing your
product at local businesses before you achieve your goals. However, you have
proof of concept and have proven that your product will sell, so just keep at it
and take any rejection in stride.
4.
Trade Shows. Trade shows can be expensive but
they are also a great way to get your product in front of many people and/or
store at one time. However, make sure you select the right show you or will
find yourself out potentially thousands of dollars with no results to show for
it.
5.
Hire a broker. If you can’t afford a salesperson
and don’t have the time to do it yourself, consider hiring a broker who will
get pair only when they make a sale. Typically they have relationships with
buyers and will be able to move your product more quickly.
While you may have a great product, be prepared that getting
onto retail shelves won’t happen overnight. Everything about getting your
product into the hands of customers is all about building relationships,
relationships with brokers, buyers and, of course, the customer.
Bio: Sheena is a specialist in custom labels. When she
is not writing for LabelValue.com you
can find her at the beach or on her latest trip. Thank you Sheena for great information to help us share our crafts more with the world.
We are continually working on improving our products for you. Please visit our website at http://www.luxuriouslynatural.com to see what new items we have in store for you.
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