Have you ever noticed how important shelf space is when you are grocery shopping? Eye-level shelf locations are the most expensive for products. If you look towards the top or bottom, you’ll see the store brand options of the product. This isn’t a coincidence, this is how shelf space is marketed. You want your product to be in the consumers face, in their hands, and finally – in their shopping bag. How do you get there?
Fitting your Retailer
It greatly depends on what retailer you are going after. If you are shooting for Target or Walmart – your product will need to fit those retailers. Does your product appeal to consumer’s who shop there? Is there a void in the market that your product fills? What are the pricing policies and regulations for your product for these stores?
Affordability
When entering the big box retailers, it is imperative to understand the true cost of your product. You need to know the wholesale price, your time involved, cost of returns, coupons, etc. If your product is being sourced from a factory, a big box retailer may require that those factories comply with their standards. Your factory will be subject to an inspection, which costs additional money. If you’re not ready for the investment of a big box retailer, start local! It’s great to get your feet wet with selling your product to the local community. When you do make the move to a big box, you will already have a following and support team.
Packaging
Having the right packaging can make or break your product – no matter how wonderful the packaging is. Working with a company like Unique Printing & Labels allows you to work with experienced professionals. We will help you showcase the most important draw to your product. Is it locally sourced? Is it a healthy product? You wouldn’t show up to a meeting with Target without being dressed appropriately. Don’t sell your product short by cutting corners when it comes to the marketing and packaging aspect.
Slotting Fees
Did you ever wonder how your favorite brands ended up being the easiest to reach brands? Slotting fees are costs included in the product deals. Many stores charge to be at more desirable levels for shopping. Not all big-box retailers include slotting fees. Whole foods, Costco, and Wal-mart are some of the big box retailers who do not require slotting fees. Surprisingly, Wal-mart is known as one of the biggest retailers to carry local brands.
Be ready for the presentation
You’ve seen the questions the sharks ask on Shark Tank. You need to know your product better than you know yourself. Be sure to understand the industry standards for your product. Bring samples, price catalogs, your marketing presentation, and your business card. Know your product pitch and brand strategy inside and out. You want to leave a lasting impression on this important meeting.
Let us help ensure your label’s design pops off the shelf! Contact our team below and get a custom quote!