Product Placement in Retail Stores?

[1SKruk1]

Hey all,

I have a question regarding product placement in retail stores. Currently I have a pending patent on a child safety accessory. I'm in talks with several distribution outlets, but had a question pertaining particularly to retail.

Hypothetically, lets say I was able to get into Target or Bed Bath and Beyond. How is the location of my product for display purposes determined? If I want it to be next to another business's line (as it is a complimentary item)is that possible?

[dslackman]

The company decides the placement without your input.

[SmoothEntrepreneur]

I'm sure you might be able to make some recommendations, but don't count on anything. From my experience, all of the national retail stores think they know everything.

As a side note, if you are pitching investors, don't include being sold in national retail stores as the foundation of your plan because getting into those stores is very difficult and good investors know that.

[1SKruk1]

I'm not pitching investors and not seeking capital. I have the warehousing, drop shipping, packaging, and even manufacturing capabilities all in-house.

Now its just pre-selling the concept / product and determining the correct marketing approach. I know its difficult to get into retail chains and am also aware that if you are fortunate enough, they tend to have you by the balls unless you posses significant negotiating leverage through economies of scale.

Currently there are two ways to approach market, but product placement could be an issue in terms of retail locations. Online distribution is a different concern.

Thanks for the insight.

[SmoothEntrepreneur]

Have you thought about going to more regional / mom-and-pop stores, providing your own Point of Sale display shelves free of charge to provide to them? This way, you can make your shelf space really stick out, while from the business owner's point of view they increased their available shelf space for free.

[DayTrader]

I'm sure you might be able to make some recommendations, but don't count on anything. From my experience, all of the national retail stores think they know everything.

As a side note, if you are pitching investors, don't include being sold in national retail stores as the foundation of your plan because getting into those stores is very difficult and good investors know that.

Really? Is it really difficult? I thought the idea of your products being sold in national retail stores will bring about a good thing for the business.

[Lambo]

its the shelf space which is expensive, and you need to convince them why your product is better than a branded similar one. ie) why would i go to the store and by a "generic" product when I can buy a well known brand like pepsi or coke.