Wholesale Discounts

[PillowThrowDecor]

I would like to set up some wholesale discounts for some stores that I would like to sell to.  There is one in which I have sold some pillows to already but by the time they add on 100% mark-up it puts the prices out of range for the other pillos that they ae selling  (imported mass produced).

I would love to hear some comments on wholesale accounts and discounts or any other ideas.

Cheers

Christine

[Loopy4ewe]

Wholesale tends to be 50% of your retail price.  Most consignment is a 60/40 split (60 for you).

I don't think it's fair to compare handmade to import.

If you can't afford to give a 50% discount perhaps you should increase your price? With wholesale you can also set minimums for orders and reorders which helps to ensure that someone doesn't ask for wholesale for 2 items:)

Not sure if this helps any:?

[PillowThrowDecor]

Oh yes. Thanks ever so much.

I agree... it is pointless to try and compete with some of the really cheap imports. Again.... that's why it is nice to have online handmade sites like this one.  .

Cheers

Christine

[Loopy4ewe]

Sorry - I had a little one pulling at me yesterday so my reply was quick:)

When I sell wholesale it's a bit bitter sweat. Since starting to sell I"ve double the price of my hats to allow for wholesale purchases. You certianly don't make as much as if you were to sell direct but the amount you sell is significant and it's a much larger cheque in your pocket to allow you to pay yourself a bit and then purchase more materials for your business then you would be able to if you were doing it directly.

I'd also recommend that you nuture good wholesale accounts. Build a relationship with them. If they do well, you'll do well. I've had a couple of people ask me if I sell in shops so they can see the product in person, but I've also have more people find me on the internet because they saw my product in a shop:) There are certainly advantages to it getting your name out there

[GalleriaLinda]

I understand about having your product in a store next to imports.

Perception is everything, especially when you cannot stand there to tell the customer all about why your handmade product is special.

Can you make (print off your printer on card stock) some artist's cards (often called "romance cards") and attach to your work?

It could include marketing blurbs about quality, handmade, materials, design effort, the artist, etc....

They are usually small so not a lot can go on them but if designed in an "artist's" or "designer look, can be very effective. Just black ink on a pretty card stock - maybe handmade paper or something unusual, attached with a string. The size of a business card type thing. Especially with pillows this could work.