Whats The Best Way To Approach A Store.....

**Lambo** · 07-26-2008 05:21 PM

Okay here is the situation.

I have a line of products that I want a nearby store to potentially hold. Its a small martial arts store that is thinking of acquiring supplements. (i know this because i casually walked in there earlier and asked a couple general questions)

What would be the best approach on taking this to the owner/manager of the store and proposing a sit down? Or perhaps a presentation of some sort?

The product I have is far superior than any other ones out there...so right of the bat it is adding value.....

I just dont want to go in there and have him say no at first glance.

Any suggestions?

**chrispalko** · 07-26-2008 09:03 PM

I'm assuming you are selling the supplements.

Well, this is basically sales. You are going to need a good pitch and be ready to answer any questions.

Be ready to give them some samples.

If you have a laptop, prepare a PowerPoint presentation to use as you speak with them. Don't have MS PowerPoint? Search OpenOffice.org. Free desktop software.

If you don't have a laptop, design a few documents that advertise your product and display it's benefits. A document that the store owners may keep and make reference to.

As with any sales, you should know the technical details of your product in case they ask, but you need to sell it based on the BENEFITS. Instead of focusing on how much percent of this or that is has, explain the effect that a user will feel or see out of it.

I am undecided on whether you should call and schedule an "appointment" for their time, or just walk in, either has it's up and downs, that will be your call as you are familiar with the store and owners.

Dress appropriately and be professional. Most of all, be confident in what you are selling (which shouldn't be a problem, you sound confident about it).

Just make sure you have all of your facts straight and be prepared for any and every question.

This is all I can think of for now. Good luck with your pitch.

**andrewrichardgale** · 07-26-2008 09:06 PM

make sure you offer him a better price than hes already seen because obviously he has a ballpark range of how much it will cost if he was already thinking about supplying them

**patweber** · 07-27-2008 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by Lambo

Okay here is the situation.

I have a line of products that I want a nearby store to potentially hold. Its a small martial arts store that is thinking of acquiring supplements. (i know this because i casually walked in there earlier and asked a couple general questions)

What would be the best approach on taking this to the owner/manager of the store and proposing a sit down? Or perhaps a presentation of some sort?

The product I have is far superior than any other ones out there...so right of the bat it is adding value.....

I just dont want to go in there and have him say no at first glance.

Any suggestions?

FIRST you want to find out MORE about this prospect. Do not start your spiel until you know which way to pitch. The pitcher is always in more control right? But he knows the batters tendencies.

So your best approach would be to go in to find out about his or her needs. You said they are already THINKING of supplements. Find out why.

Do they want to increase their revenue?
Do they think supplements would be a healthy option to their students?
Are they wanting to compete with other martial art studios?

See if you go in pitching superiority, and their real interest, their real pain point, is that they want to compete, then you have pitched the wrong way.

Always find out as much as you can about your prospect FIRST so you can then tailor your presentation to their needs, not YOUR wants.

This is the way of top salespeople.

Good luck! and let us know how your first call goes.

**Lambo** · 07-27-2008 04:41 PM

thanks for the pointers

**ttfing** · 07-29-2008 02:07 AM

I would think that if it's just a locally owned, small business, just asking the owner straight up if he wants to sell your products would be sufficient. I think that most supplements are virtually the same. So he probably already has a certain brand he wants to go with. If that's the case, then just hope you can offer him a better price.