Wholesale distributors get the products from the manufacturers and they distribute to retailers. They have the connection and the facilities to get several products, store them in warehouses, transport them, and distribute to retailers. Wholesale distributors have to sell the products they have in the warehouse as storage space is needed for other products. It can be very demanding to distribute to thousands of stores within and outside the country but with the connection and reputation established, things get easier.

Here are some marketing strategies for wholesale distributors.

Create an execution plan

Wholesale distribution requires the understanding of the market and the planning for it. You need a plan on how to get the products to retailers and other markets. Look at market variables and plan also for them. It can amount to big distribution flaw when issues unplanned for arise. Ensure your facilities are all in proper shape.

Pick some 50 – 100 businesses you would like to sell to

You should have your customers outlined. This will help you in planning and coordinating your distribution strategy. Not every business will need supply at the same time; thus, respond to orders in batches in order to save cost on logistics and to ensure proper inventory management.

Start with the good old cold calling tactic

Cold calling is almost as old as the telephone itself. This is the call to a person to give business information or to advertise. Cold calling can be very effective if done to the right audience. Thus, distributors can get the numbers of retailers from the industry directory and make cold calls to them. This can help inform them of better prices and more flexible supply than the one they are used to.

Send out cold emails

Just like cold calls, cold emails are sent to receivers who are presumed to be interested in a particular business or take action on an advertisement. Mail addresses can be gotten from industry directories. Since the aim is to reach businesses which retail or get bulk supply of products, offers, promotions, new products, and better distribution benefits can be advertised to them.

Offer sample products to potential customers

You should have samples to show to your customers. This is what will convince the customer that you distribute quality products. More, retailers want to be sure you distribute a wide array of products; thus they would require samples from your inventory.

Attend networking events and meet people

In business, you need to be connected to the right people. However, these people won’t just come walking into your distribution center, you have to be at industry and networking events to meet people. Attend tradeshows, launching of new products, seminars, and workshops.

Get listed in industry directories

You need to be visible to other players in the industry and being listed in industries is the first step. Retailers and manufacturers who need to connect with you can easily do this as you are listed in the industry directory.