Please read - need some advice

[neatTreats]

I was contacted today about bulk ordering one of my soaps to carry in a gift shop.  They want me to open an account and discuss an order.  They also have a festival in June that would tie in directly with the soap they are interested in.  Is anyone retailing their products in a gift shop, and if so I'd appreciate any advice you could offer.

I do own a business off-line but it's not retail and I'm really a fish out of water here.  I'd appreciate any and all advice.

Many thanks.

Pam

[PillowThrowDecor]

I have a number of different arrangements with some retailers but I know a fairly typical scenario is to see to retailers at 50% of retail if they out and out purchase it.  Consignment I have heard of the artisan retaining 70 to 75% of the retail price but they are only paid if it sells and usually on some sort of pay schedule.  I always worry about a place going broke with my product inside. Not ever happened to me but I have heard from others.

In both of these scenarios the retailer has sent me custom clients  that have worked out very favorably for me.  You have to consider if there is value in that sort of arrangement for you.

That help?

[Fairy Cardmaker]

CONGRATS!

I've never done it, never thought about it and certainly never been asked.

BUT, my one tip would be to ask about if there are any exclusivity clauses and whether there is an order schedule you have to fill.

From your side, think about whether you want to set order/batch minimums and also about how much notice you require per batch.

Cheers,
Lisa.

[PillowThrowDecor]

Wow... good suggestions!!!