In our recent blogs, we’ve been talking a lot about Melamaster trade accounts and the benefit of setting up an account and selling our bespoke melamine products, especially if you’re looking to get a custom print on our products. Sounds exciting right? Let us stop you right there. We’re taking it one step further and we’re going to delve a little deeper into the all-important discussion on selling in big stores versus small boutiques. Either way – our bespoke melamine products will make a beautiful addition to any shelf.
Should you stock your products to department stores or boutiques?
This is a common question that any Melamaster trade account holder should ask. But let us set the scene. You’re excited about your new and bespoke melamine products and if you’re an aspiring artist or designer, you need somewhere to sell your products. The important thing to remember is that there is no right way to go about it. What may work for one brand or artist might not work for another and this is okay. However, if you’re a small boutique or store, this may be the best option for you.
Whether you decide to sell your products to department stores or boutiques, or you own your own shop then there are a number of factors to consider with Melamaster trade accounts. Naturally, the factors affecting your decision are dependant on where you are selling, what you are selling, your budgets, your audience and individuals goals and most importantly, the size of your company.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and disadvantages of each retail channel presents.
Selling to big stores
Naturally, the big stores, especially those with bigger brand awareness and greater validation will see more footfall of audiences through their doors. This, in turn, means that your custom melamine products will be seen more. The bigger the order from the store, the higher the purchasing power that comes with it. This is great for opening up communication with the stores and more importantly, for negotiations on pricing. You will also get more store opportunities such as promotions, sales campaigns and movement on where your products can be shelved. Sounds pretty good eh? Unfortunately, we’ve got a few cons that you have to consider. Reaching a buyer for a big store is very difficult and stores have buyer turnover. This means that products and offerings change frequently and having your products stocked consistently is near impossible unless you yourself are a very established organisation. You may also have to prepare yourself of poor or little communication. Big stores have a lot to deal with, so if you have a quick question that needs answering, it may take some while for them to come back to you.
Selling to boutiques with a Melamaster Trade Account
If you’re new to selling your own products or an aspiring artist or designer who wants to get their name out there, selling to boutiques with your Melamaster trade accounts may be the perfect solution for you. If you own your boutique, chances are that you also do the buying. If you want to stock any melamine products, then this opens a gateway for consistent communication and access to our diverse range of products. The beauty with selling at your boutiques means the quantities of products can vary. In simple terms, if you like one product – you can order as many as you like. By stocking custom melamine products in your small boutiques or stores means your offerings are more bespoke for your customers. Naturally, you will have fewer products to compete with on the shelves which means your products are more likely to stand out and be a crowd pleaser. After all, we can appreciate how popular personalised and bespoke products are.
We’ve dipped our toe on Melamaster trade accounts but we know you’ve probably got a list of questions after reading this blog. We’ve got a dedicated team who are always happy to give you some more details on how to get started with our trade accounts. We want to help stock your shelves just as much as you do.