[ProteinPower]

I am in the process of developing a protein product that will be geared toward sports fitness and supplemental nutrition. I have been debating how I should sell the product(s). I have been looking into various larger retailers as an option for mass distribution; however, it seems extremely difficult to get in the door or to meet capital requirements - particularly as a start-up.

I know that I may just need to get a website going and sell the product on my own initially and that may help me get to a position where I would be more attractive to a major retailer.

I am just curious if anyone has any feedback or has been in a similar position. How did you handle it?

Moreover, has anyone successfully gotten Walmart, Target or GNC to buy into their idea and stock their product? If so, what were the minimum requirements or monthly averages? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks!

[BALLERMODE]

I don't know much about selling to retail stores, but I do know a little about how Wal-Mart will treat you...

Watch this documentary, and then decide if it will be worth it: Hulu - CNBC Originals: The Age of Wal-Mart - Watch the full episode now.

Wal-Mart buys as CHEAP as they possibly can, and it is a long process. If they even like your product, and you don't sell for what they want to buy at- they can care less. You're literally 1 in a million.

[ProteinPower]

Thanks for the video, I will check it out. I knew that Walmart or a larger retailer would be difficult because they throw their weight around. The only advantage would be based on the potential volume of product that could be sold. Additionally, the exposure of having your items on the shelves across the country wouldn't hurt.

Walmart would not likely be my first stop, for several reasons; however, I could see down the road how it might be a viable option. Therefore, I have been looking at the marketing and product development from all different angles.

Thanks again.

[snowskateskim21]

I work at a GNC. There are corporate GNCs and there are franchise GNC's. The franchise run GNCs can sell any product that they want without corporates authorization. So a good way to get started would be to try and sell your product to a franchised GNC and start off from there.

[TVL]

I would also suggest that you try to make it available to small independent personal trainers, so they could sell it to their clients and then order it from you.

I dont know, just a thought

[ProteinPower]

Hi Snowskates - do you know where I can find a list of which GNCs are franchise and which are corporate owned? I would think that may or may not be available on the internet.

Great info - thank you.

[jonathanfigaro]

Thanks for information.

[snowskateskim21]

I do not know if there are any 'lists' but the best thing you can do is just go to the local GNC and ask the person working if they are corporate or franchise. If they are corporate they should still know of franchise locations. What state are you in?

[ProteinPower]

I am in Southern California.

[snowskateskim21]

Oh. well im in MD so i cant help you lol. But i would do what I said in the previous posts if you want your product in a quality nutrition store.

[inle]

Hi hi..

I am into marketing & I hope to help you out..
I am making an assumption that you had went through at least the SWOT to justify that your offerings are marketable, both in the short & long run..

Moving on is to create an AWARENESS strategy for you to penerate into the market..
You will need as much exposure & leads possible to help you kick start..
I am unaware of your market environment on your side so I will need more info before I can offer more concrete ideas & campaigns to boost your leads..

please do pm your concerns ya..
I will very much like to help you..