Promotional products business coach and sales trainer, Rosalie Marcus, "ThePromo Biz Coach",  shortens the learning curve for people in the promotional products industry, helping them make more money with less effort in less time! To sign up for free monthly sales-boosting tips and a free FREE Promo Biz Sales-Boost Kit visit her web site:
http://www.promobizcoach.com

Friday, August 29, 2008

What Would You Do?

By Rosalie Marcus
http://www.promobizcoach.com
http://www.promobizwoman.com


What's your opinion? This week a promotional products distributor sent me this question...

"I have a quick question and would love to get your opinion. The commercial printer I use for my business cards and stationery here in town has approached me with the offer to market my products from their store. They would like to be able to buy promotional products from me at a small discount and then bill/collect from their customers at the retail rate. I use their graphic designer at times (she’s reasonable and quick) and they seem to have a nice business. Any thoughts? "

My answer:
Strategic alliances in the promotional products industry are common. This can be a good opportunity and great way to grow your sales.

A few things you'll want to know in advance:

1. Does the printer have a reputation and values that match yours?
2. How much of a discount are they expecting?
3. Who will be calling the supplier to follow-up on orders?
4. How will any mistakes be handled?
5. How and when will you be paid?

I would recommend having an agreement with the printer that you either get paid in advance, or you get a deposit to cover your costs on all orders.

Good luck and keep me posted as to how this is working.

What's your opinion? Do you have any marketing partners or strategic alliances set up? If so, with what types of companies? How has it worked for you? How would you answer her question? Just hit the comments button below?

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Rosalie Marcus, promotional products business coach, speaker and educator, teaches people in promotional products sales how to get more business, better clients and a higher income. Get a free special report: How To Attract Promotional Products Sales in 30 Seconds or Less at: http://www.promobizcoach.com

Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com or 877-570-6766

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posted by Rosalie Marcus @ 8:23 AM   2 comments

2 Comments:

At 12:59 AM, Anonymous Helen Goldman said...

I have a referral program with a couple of local print shops. I give them some samples for a small display. The refer their clients to me and after the order is complete and everything is paid for, I send them a 10% commission check.

 
At 10:10 AM, Anonymous Jon Dubbs said...

All good ideas. And put those agreements and understandings in writing.
Set a date within 90 days to review the success, from both sides. Just as
you need to have a way into an arrangement, you also need a clear way out -
fair to both partners - if things don't work. Renew annually.
Cover product liability issues too.

That help? Jon

 

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