I need some advice...

Re: I need some advice...

I don't know the industry and (sorry) I can't give you details about the suppliers and distributors, but what I do know is that you have to look to sell what people want, not necessarily what you THINK they need. That can be difficult. You really have to put yourself in the shoes of the customer.

Additionally, I don't really understand your question about 'getting a distributorship going'. You must already have suppliers, no? In a lot of cases, if you spend the time with them, they should be able to tell you what their 'best sellers' or 'A' list items are.

Sorry I can't be of more help but I am struggling to understand what you are really looking for.

Re: I need some advice...

Hi..
You look very enthusiastic person don't worry about result keep going ahead You will succeed.
Your idea to do this business is also perfect one stick to your plan and try hard for it.My best wishes with you.

Re: I need some advice...

If you're looking for a manufacturer, you can go to http://www.contractauction.com . You can post or bid on manufacturing jobs for free. They have all kinds of things. Good luck!

Re: I need some advice...

dayonthewake,

Why don't you ask your customers or perspective customers what they would like to see in your store? Spend a day or a weekend in the area of your storefront and talk to people, introduce yourself point to your business and ask them what they would find useful. This will serve a number of functions, you put a face and a person with the store and you get to talk to people who may or may not be future customers. It is a great opportunity. If you can't take the time to spend a day or a few hours walking the area around your business you might do some sort of survey (hand them out at the store, post it online, hire someone to walk the area and ask people some questions). Don't pass up this opportunity to talk to your customers!!! Also, be prepared that you are going to get answers all over the map. You will get a huge range of answers so you need to ask enough people to get a decent 'sample' and if possible you should try to qualify the people you ask. For example, you will probably want to listen to someone who has a boat slip nearby and who is a frequent visitor to the area vs. someone who is on the water with mush less frequency. Visit other businesses in the area that serve people who are there for the water and see what they sell. What you will probably find is that regardless of what people sell there are probably some common items that they all carry and you might get some ideas that you hadn't thought of. Talk to the shop owners, introduce yourself and ask the questions. They may be hesitant as you are now the competition but you will learn a lot.

Good luck,
Greg

Re: I need some advice...

Do you have website? if you don't set free website with your own domain. Then get your stuff listed in ebay.
goodd luck!

dayonthewake;45750 wrote: I will make a long story short, I left my big corporate job to own my own small business. I had a place picked out where I was going to sell discount boating supplies and water sports gear in a shop that was on the way to a launch ramp, in my mind I had an ideal plan, and some good sources of inventory. Recently things changed a little and a new shop on the water became available for about the same monthly rate as the other location, I couldn't pass it up, it sits in front of a major attraction and approximately 80,00 people plus pass by my door every weekend. Here's my problem, I believe that my original idea for inventory will not be enough, and I realize that I don't really have a clue what to showcase. With all of those people passing by I know that I need a larger variety of items to sell, I currently have the basics (Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Flip Flops, Ice, and a variety of close out watersports items ie; wakeboards, skis, life jackets etc.) What I am hoping is that you might give me some insight on what you might be looking for to buy on vacation, boating with family and friends. I have managed 35 employees in a manufacturing facility before, but don't even know where to start to get a distributorship going. Is there companies out there that distribute for multiple companies, or do I have to approach each manufacturer directly to buy inventory? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and giving your valuable feedback. CJ