Question

Topic: Customer Behavior

How To Make Contact With A National Retailer

Posted by Anonymous on 4/10/2008 at 12:12 PM ET 125 Points
Hello,

I have a product that I am impoting from Asia and am the first to bring it to North America, therefor the brand name is not familiar to our culture. I have been trying to get in touch with some large retailers like Walmart and keep getting the voice mail and no one returns my calls. I have a website that they may visit to view the product and have mentioned that. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I may be able to make contact with the right person to set up a meeting? Also if I did get a meeting what might I prepare myself for?

Thanks
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by michael on 4/10/2008 at 12:34 PM Member
    Ryan,

    Are you a minority? If so, most companies have a Chief Diversity Officer.

    Don't get me started. I wonder if we're not all minorities.

    Michael
  • Posted on 4/10/2008 at 12:37 PM Accepted
    Here is the info I used to make my contact with Wal-Mart. CMO Stephen Quinn (479)273-4000. Mostly likely you speak with April in Marketing. She may direct you to another person in Cal. but it's a start.

    Good Luck
  • Posted by joshuacrumbaugh on 4/10/2008 at 2:22 PM Accepted
    Ryan,

    What is your product, and do you have exclusive distribution rights? I've negotiated these rights with some of the top Chinese manufacturers, including the second largest glasswares manufacturer in the world. If you don't have exclusive rights and one of these companies likes the product they will bypass you. So if you don't have those rights the first step is to get them. Plus, there is a plethra of details that need worked out prior to taking any product to the national retailers. I'd be willing to offer you some advise and find your week areas in order to better your chances of getting into these places, and I can even assist you with marketing to Wal-Mart.
  • Posted by Jessica_Castro on 4/10/2008 at 4:08 PM Member
    Ryan

    As someone who is doing the same thing right now...listen to the 2 men above me they are experienced and know what they are talking about.

    DO NOT TRAVEL THIS ROAD ALONE! Trust me I have done my research and consider myself very aggressive and highly motivated to learn and I still am baffled by the demands of big business. My best advice is find someone who can lead you through this trek and follow them closely...
  • Posted by joshuacrumbaugh on 4/11/2008 at 9:44 AM Accepted
    Ryan,

    Please contact me. I would like to assist you in making sure that your ready to go to these companies. That is the first question that needs addressed. The right product will open up endless opportunities once your ready. I was exactly where you are one day. I know the ropes and whether you decide to hire me or not I'd like to assist you by sharing well earned experience, and help you avoid some of the growing pains my company experienced.

    Thank you,
    Joshua D. Crumbaugh
    [Phone number deleted by staff]
  • Posted by Lazenby on 4/13/2008 at 8:53 AM Accepted
    I have been calling on WMT for over 10 years. I can tell you things are changing rapidly in the way they do business.

    I would suggest you work with a consultant to help you ensure you are ready to go with all the elements Rich referred to. In addition they will often have some great relationships which can be very beneficial especially in getting a supplier contract signed with them.

    You will want to make sure you get with the right people, I would suggest you work with someone located in Bentonville AR as most of the suppliers working closely with them today have operations located there. These groups can rep your goods in CA, US, MX, UK, or wherever you have the exclusive rights to sell it.

    This is not my gig, but know many people who do it and many of them formerly worked for WMT. Lastly, I would suggest you get on LinkedIn as you can find many Retail people on there and can make contact easily in this way.

    Feel free to email me if I can be of assistance.
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