What Information Will Retailers Need to List Your Product?
To get a retailer to list your food product, you’ll need to provide them with comprehensive information about your product and your business. Retailers want to make informed decisions about the products they carry, so be prepared to share the following types of information:
- Product Details: Provide a detailed description of your food product, including its name, brand, packaging size, and any unique selling points or features that set it apart from competitors. Include high-quality product images.
- Product Category and Market Positioning: Clearly define the category your product falls into (e.g., snacks, beverages, condiments) and explain where it fits within that category (e.g., premium, organic, gluten-free). Highlight the target market for your product and its potential appeal to customers.
- Pricing and Margins: Share your suggested retail price for the product and any available pricing promotions. Be transparent about your wholesale pricing and the margin you expect the retailer to earn when selling your product.
- Packaging and Labeling: Provide information about your product’s packaging, including materials used and any eco-friendly or sustainable attributes. Ensure that your product’s labeling complies with all relevant regulations.
- Ingredients and Nutrition Facts: List all ingredients used in your product, including potential allergens. Share the nutrition facts and any health claims if applicable.
- Certifications and Compliance: If your product has obtained any relevant certifications (e.g., organic, non-GMO, Kosher), share the certification details. Ensure that your product complies with all food safety and regulatory requirements.
- Production and Supply Chain: Describe your production process and supply chain, including details on sourcing ingredients, production capacity, and any plans for expansion.
- Quality Control: Outline your quality control measures to ensure the consistency and safety of your product. Highlight any testing or certifications related to product quality.
- Sales History and Performance: If you have previously sold your product in other retail locations or through e-commerce, provide relevant sales data and performance metrics. This information can help demonstrate the product’s potential success in their stores.
- Marketing and Promotional Support: Share your marketing plans and any promotional support you can offer to drive sales. This could include in-store demos, social media promotions, or joint marketing efforts.
- Testimonials and Reviews: If available, share customer testimonials or positive reviews your product has received. Positive feedback can reinforce the product’s value and customer satisfaction.
- Samples: Offer the retailer product samples for them to try and evaluate. Sampling can help them experience the taste and quality of your product firsthand.
- Terms and Conditions: Be prepared to discuss terms and conditions related to product delivery, payment terms, and any exclusivity agreements if applicable.
Remember that each retailer may have specific requirements for listing products, so be flexible and open to accommodating their needs. Being well-prepared with detailed information and a professional approach will increase your chances of successfully convincing a retailer to carry your food product.
Food Biz Mentoring Think Tank 12-week Start-Up Strong Program will give you ideas and insights on how best to navigate retail opportunities that best fit your brand.