Wholesale Toy Store Suppliers
Wholesale Toy Store Suppliers to independent specialty stores focus on satisfying the store’s needs in what type of products their customers demand. Retailers want a product that has been established and will sell quickly. Contacting local Wholesale Toy Store Suppliers is a good first step to get a feel for what products do well in that market.
Finding a wholesale distributor or wholesale supplier who already has an established relationship with independent retailers is essential. The wholesaler and retailer relationship is important in product placement in retail stores. If a wholesaler has a good reputation with a retailer the process of getting products into the store is a lot smoother.
Building a relationship and a positive track record is a very important part for the distributor. It is important for the distributor to do some research on what kind of specialty products do well in each store, which can be dependent on where they are located. If a product does well in one retail store the likeliness the wholesaler will recommend it to other stores is high. In independent retailers and stores in general it is all about shelf space and what sells well will claim that shelf space. Products that do not, will be given less space or no space in order to move in a new product that sells well.
Wholesale Toy Store Suppliers look for products that are innovative and will set them apart from competitors. So, new products have a better chance of making it into an independent wholesaler that works with independent retailers vs. a big box store. A wholesale supplier will have a stronger personal relationship and knowledge with products compared to big box stores as well. This is beneficial to everyone involved because having knowledge about the product in stores will improve sales.
In order to get a product into a wholesale specialty market contacting the correct supplier is the first step. The next step would be sending samples and other pertinent information to that wholesaler if requested. They like to see proof of sales and selling points of that product. Communicating about price points and minimum order quantities is very important. If the distributor likes the product and thinks it would be a good fit for their route they will purchase the product.
If the product does well in stores, the wholesale supplier will continually order more. Proof of sales will bring more orders and getting in contact with other distributors, wholesalers and suppliers in other parts of the country is the next step. A product with proven sales in a few independent specialty stores will make its way to independent retail stores all across the nation through different distribution channels. Establishing and building relationships with distributors and wholesalers is the best way to get products into retail stores.
Here are the 6 steps you need to take to have your product picked up by a supplier.
1. Start with the right questions.) Before you try supplying your product, you need to ask yourself a few basic questions. Do you need to build demand for your product, or is there already a demand for it? Do you know that the supplier would be interested in selling your product? If you can strike a deal with them, can you handle the production volume? Do you want to sell directly to the supplier, or do you want to license your product to a manufacturer that will handle supply?
2. Be prepared to profit.) Does your product offer enough of a profit margin for a supplier? Can you sell your product at a reasonable enough profit to cover the packaging, shipping, commissions, marketing and wholesale supply? Check the supplier’s guidelines for other fees that you will have to build into the cost of your product in order for you to be able to turn enough of a profit to make the effort worth your while. If you work with a discount retailer, they will try to strip your profits down to zero in order to keep their prices as low as possible.
The typical breakdown of margins are: If a products costs $1 to produce, that product will retail for $4. That product that retails for $4 will wholesale for $2 to suppliers and stores that purchase direct. Big box retailers like Walmart may offer to pay $1.25 to the manufacturer if the product costs $1 to produce. That is the typical profit margin.
3. Determine if the supplier is the right one for your product.) The relationship between you and the supplier starts with you browsing the store’s that they service for competing products. If the stores already has a similar product, it is going to be very difficult to get your product picked up. Picture in which zone your product would best fit on the shelf and keep in mind that the most precious asset that these big box stores value are their shelf space. Keep this information in mind when you are preparing your presentation to the supplier.
4. Pitch your product.) Decide whether it will be you or a representative to present your product to the supplier. Your presentation depends heavily on your strengths as a businessperson as they will most likely ask financial questions and logistics questions.
It’s common for companies to hire a broker to pitch their product to a supplier, as it will be more likely that your product will make it to the next stage if the individual pitching your product has industry knowledge or a personal relationship with them. The percentage of commission verses, however generally a broker will take around 5% to represent your product.
We at Mr. Checkout have experience dealing with brokers and know that there are several retail brokers that have poor business practices that can potentially damage your brand. If you are seeking a legitimate broker, please give us a call for a recommendation. It could save you a huge headache and a lot of money.
5. Complete the required paperwork.) Often a supplier will have you go through an application process. However, before submitting the paperwork required, you should contact them and let them know your intentions. Having a contact inside of the company will potentially move your application more smoothly through the process.
6. Anticipate the need for increased volume.) Having a supplier pick up your line will most likely mean a significant increase in volume. You should be prepared to ramp up your production and informing your manufacturer of this opportunity.
Having production, logistics and supply to sync is not only difficult, it requires a significant amount of time invested in customer relations. Also, suppliers may have stipulations in the contract that may penalize you for delays in shipping and production. Have an attorney explain all contracts to you if you don’t understand the terms.
If you’re looking to distribute your product through a supplier, be sure to thoroughly assess the marketplace, carefully prepare for production growth, and take full advantage of resources available to help you grow your business.
Top 5 Wholesale Toy Store Suppliers
These are products that derive much appeal from parents. It is a popular feature in millions of American homes to have toys of kids flying around in the house. Toys have been taken to the educational level. With education psychologists coming up with new research by the year on how to make kids learn better with toys, the demand has risen.
The toy manufacturing industry has increasingly grown to become that of the Chinese and billions of dollars of these products are shipped into the United States every year. However, what is needed here is the distribution of these products to retail outlets.
The distributor is a very important factor in the toy supply chain. Kids may not be able to get the varieties they love if no one gets the products from the manufacturer. This is what a distributor does. Wholesale toy store suppliers would be listed in no particular order.
License-2-Play
License 2 Play is a one stop solution for wholesale toys, gifts, novelty items, candies, and more. They have been in business since 2004, during which time they have specialized in wholesale toys and gifts, and they are proud to have been helping local gift shops fulfill customer’s needs for over a decade.
Their selection of wholesale toys and gifts are fully licensed and available at wholesale prices, and they can be ordered on their website.
Shepher
Since 1945 Shepher Distributors, a family owned and operated business, has successfully grown to become the largest wholesale and closeout toy distributor in the northeast.
The company has an experienced sales force and a tremendous selection of toys, games, dolls, sporting goods, and novelties. Shepher continues to be the most comprehensive full line distributor in the industry. The company’s objective is to provide retailers with all toys, games, dolls, sporting goods, and novelty needs from one location.
H & J Liquidators and Closeouts
H & J Liquidators and Closeouts, Inc. specializes in providing high-quality merchandise at prices often unheard of in the closeout industry. With 30 years of experience, the company offers customers the unique ability to choose from a large selection of merchandise for prices that start at under five cents. Serving almost the entire wholesale and retail community, all of their merchandise is on-site and ships from Des Plaines, Illinois.
CoTa Global – Wholesale Toys, Gifts & Souvenirs
CoTa Global is a premier international manufacturer and distributor of high-quality souvenirs, toys, and gifts. Their collective portfolio of brands includes over 4,000 products spanning multiple categories. CoTa Global’s dedicated and knowledgeable staff has helped the company become the first choice for price, product, and performance.
NOVELTEES WHOLESALE
Newest and hottest novelty items, toys, flags, costume jewelry, light up novelties, inflatables, tricks, jokes and gags, gifts, patches, magic trick toys, pins, hats, tees, small party favors, patches, beanie caps, tee shirts, baseball hats, dolls, do-rags, banners, sunglasses, knives and lots more!