Procedure to sell a product to real world retailers.

**dom44** · 09-22-2009 01:26 AM

Hi,

I have some clothing related products which I wish to sell to retailers who have a store from. I am targeting novelty stores and not big chains. My question is what do I need to have in place before I approach them? The only thing I have as of right now, is that I have registered my business.
1) Do I need some special license to do this?
2) Do I have to provide documents to them from where the product was manufactured (fyi: china)?
3) What documents do I have to provide, to prove that I am not selling stolen merchandise?
4) Do retailers usually pay upfront? or they ask for credit? If so what kind of billing system do I have to setup with them to ensure I can paid at the end of the period?

Any help with these questions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Ps:- I am located in Canada, but any advise from the States is also welcome.

**peteVA** · 09-22-2009 12:50 PM

You should not require any documentation. Just some good sales literature is all you'll need. And I'm sure a business license of some sort. But no one will ask to see your credentials, as if you were a cop or something.

Retailers hardly ever pay upfront. Many have been brought up on 30 day accounts, where they pay 30 days after the invoice date, or "prox" terms where they pay for the preceding months total purchases by a specified date the following month.

BUT - many are now used to paying by credit card. They can pay you upon shipment of delivery and still get "terms" from their card company. Plus, many now use "purchase points" type cards that earn them goodies. You get your money right away, less the fees, of course. And you will also pay a higher fee for the points type card use by your customers. Even so, 100% now at 4% or so is better than 90% and having to collect the rest in 30 to 45 days,

If you want to sell outside your immediate area you should hook up with some sales rep agencies to promote your goods across the country.

**leonyu** · 09-23-2009 03:32 AM

For the retail, you will need to have stocks in the long run.

I do not have much experience in retail as I only do export for the garments.

Regards.