Many successful dollar store business owners make it a practice to continually look for new merchandise suppliers for their store. But where do you look to find these new product suppliers? And how can you be sure that they are legitimate companies that will perform as advertised?
They recognize that the dollar discount supplier network is fluid. While there are many well established suppliers, there are also many distributors and suppliers that come and go in the industry. Yet locating a new supplier that performs well can very positively impact the bottom line for the business.
As with all industries, the internet is the place to start. A few searches will yield pages and pages of potential suppliers. Check out their websites, make contact with those of interest and conduct telephone interviews. Ask questions about how long they have been in business. Ask for references. Check out those references. As a dollar store business owner it is your job to be sure that all companies you deal with are legitimate.
Attend industry trade shows to discover potential suppliers. Shows are held throughout the year in locations across the United States and Canada. Visit with prospective suppliers in person. This is your chance to see what they have to offer. This is your chance to conduct face to face interviews with those of interest to you. But don't stop there. Check references before making a final decision, especially when dealing with new companies.
Consider giving prospective new suppliers a smaller 'test' order before committing the time and money required for a large order. By slowly increasing the size of the orders over time you are providing an opportunity for the supplier to demonstrate that they deserve your trust. If they falter during this testing period you have less at risk and can walk away knowing that you did give them a chance to earn your business. If, on the other hand, they perform as expected, you have lost only a little time in the testing process before entering a full-sized order.
You also should always be concerned about the quality of the products that your suppliers provide. Check them out thoroughly before you buy! Follow up and always hold them to those same standards.
To your dollar store business success!
Do you want to learn more about opening a dollar store? See Insider's Guide to Opening a Dollar Store at http://www.openingadollarstore.com.
Bob Hamilton is an entrepreneur, author, writer, business consultant and trainer.
http://www.rescue-me-now.com
http://www.MarketingSuccessCenter.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Hamilton
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