Get a Good Supplier
It’s all in the buying is as sound a small business principle as you will hear. So as you start to make the decisions that will build your brand, don’t forget that the name of the game is to buy low and sell high, and that the key to that is finding the right suppliers who can help you buy low.Here are your best bets:
Referrals: Find similar businesses in neighboring cities and speak with them. They can tell you who their suppliers are and give you the name of the suppliers’ representatives. Call the reps and have them come to your store to show you their line.
Trade shows: Trade shows are maybe the best place to find products and suppliers for your new endeavor. Trade shows are presented by people in the business for people in the business. By attending, you will make invaluable contacts, see the latest trends, meet potential suppliers, learn the lingo, and essentially get a crash course in your new industry. Wander the aisles, find the products you like and speak with the rep in each booth.
Trade magazines: Pick up a copy of the trade magazine(s) for your new business and look at the ads. They want to sell to you. Call the companies whose products you like, and again, get them to send out a rep to meet with you.
Trade associations: Trade associations usually have a list of contacts who sell what you want to buy.
Go online: Go to the online version of the Thomas Register and type in the products you are looking for —www.thomasregister.com.
Go to the source: If you know what product you want and who makes it, then go online and get the company’s contact information. Call them up and ask for the sales department. Explain who you are, what you are doing, and that you would like to meet with the rep in your area.
No comments yet.
Leave a Reply