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Gymnastics-wholesaling Resource For Non-profit Org
Posted By: keyridge* on 9/11/2004 7:48 PM (CST) 125 Points
As part of a non-profit gymnastics group for children/teens, I had the idea of selling gymnastic related items to other groups w/in our province (state). Presently our only source is out-of-province, and customer service is not their strong point. Felt we could do 100% better, and make a profit to fund our program.

Where or how do you go about finding the wholesalers? I don't believe territory is an issue, as there is presently no coverage here.

Posted by: W.M.M.A. Member Response
9/11/2004 10:17 PM (CST)
What would be considered "gymnastic related items"?
If you are talking about tights, shoes, T-shirts, etc., are these not 'generic-type' products which can be purchased direct from manufacturers? My initial thoughts are to not go through distributors, but to go direct to manufacturers. If they have a distributor network and prefer to work through this network, they will advise. Otherwise, I would go direct.

Also, would you mind telling us (KHE network), more about your company via your registration information?
Thanks, Success to you.
Randall W. Montalbano
Senior Advisor
White Mountain Marketing Associates
 
Posted by: keyridge* Author Response
9/11/2004 11:31 PM (CST)
For the "gymnastic related items", more in the line of novelty items Ie. pendant or bracelet with gymnast engraving, jewellry, grips for bars, etc. Direct makes sense, since eliminating as much "middle" as possible, provides more fund profits for the group programs.

To answer your 2nd question, my company manufactures hardwood urns for the funeral home industry, as well as direct sales to individuals. We are presently adding additional product lines, but a sample is at http://www.keyridge.com

Thanks for your response Randall. Chris
 
Posted by: W.M.M.A. Member Response
9/12/2004 12:48 PM (CST)
In Houston, Texas (I imagine in most large cities in North America), there are Far-East-type importers and warehouse "districts."

If I were wanting to accomplish the goals you stated, I would locate those districts, and spend a couple days walking through them, getting ideas and pricing.

I am confident that you will be able to locate the type of products you seek.

Good Luck. Nice Product Line, by the way.

Randall
WMMA
 
Posted by: Jett* Accepted Answer
9/13/2004 5:42 PM (CST)
Almost every brand has a wholesale pricing program for their products.

1.Make a list of the brands you want to sell,

2. Go to their website, send them an email (and keep sending emails until you get to the right person). You may want to call the main number for the compnay headquarters as for the "Wholesale Purchasing Department". You will most likely end up dealing with a salesperson because larger volumes will reduce pricing, but nonetheless, they will help you. Make sure you have all your non-profit Tax ID#'s and related info handy. You may get them to supply product for free in exchange for a profit share! Go to CocaCola.com and find their youth/charity program area. They are VERY active in the communites for enriching children's lives...especially athletics.

This is where I would start. Before you do so, make sure you have some kind of informative packet about your organization prepared. The packet should contain pictures of the kids, lists of activities, current enrollment, future goals, etc.

Offering "association" with big brands in exchange for merchandise is a great way to build relationships with large corporate sponsors. They have a LOT of money to write-off every year and if they can use it to help children versus paying taxes, they will do so.

I hope this helps!
 
Posted by: jose04 Accepted Answer
10/2/2004 3:01 PM (CST)
Hello keyridge*

Wholesalers love the margins you provide, and the higher they are, the more they love you. Since you are a non profit organisation, your appeal + the monetisation plan you have for the middlemen should get you committed wholesalers.

You may have already covered and researched the related business offerings in the market. You would have by now, looked at the price differentials for the products lines you plan to sell. Your plan should work out reasonable margins to the wholesalers keeping volume selling as a working strategy. If you are able to establish a trustworthy channel, you could even work out a collaborative business plan to target and service the teen market segments jointly.

If your market coverage is restricted, then instead of volumes selling (when woholesalers will help), direct selling and maybe establishing a more restricted and personalised marketing approach may be more sensible

Hope these thoughts help!!
 
Posted by: Val (Moderator)* Moderator Response
10/7/2004 12:00 AM (CST)
Hello all. I am closing this question, since its more than 10 days old. We do this to make sure members' contributions are rewarded in a timely manner and to improve the visibility of newer questions. Thanks, so much, for participating!

Val (Moderator)
 


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