Approaching a boutique??

[Angelina Mia Bambina]

I live in a suburban area in California that has 5 specialty bouqitues within maybe 10 miles. Its a kind of upper class area. Clippies are $8.95 each and $13 headband (just the nylon type) this is what orginally inspired me to find you guys on this wonderful forum.

Someday when I become good enough and brave enough to think of approaching on of these boutiqe to look at my items how do you start?

What experiences have you guys had... I'm kind of shy...

[Angelina Mia Bambina]

I did but mostly its about selling to consignment stores. I'll keep googling! Thanks

[Sweet Baby Michele]

I took in a few of my things (of course had a few totes full in the car, and asked to speak with the owner. I showed her a few things, asked if she'd be interested in some new locally crafted inventory, and said I could do custom work. 2 of the 3 boutiques bought items on the spot, plus both gave me custom orders. The third store said to come back, as she had just placed a larger order with a company, and didn't have the money to spend at that time.
I'm a shy person as well, but I think my products spoke for themselves.

One of the boutiques said that she prefers to buy from me, because it's hands on, there is really no delay in her getting her new items (as compared to waiting for processing and shipping) and I can make to match some of the lines that don't have accessories that she carries.
I was on cloud nine when that boutique bought from me!
HTH...

[mommylaur]

Originally Posted by Sweet Baby Michele

I took in a few of my things (of course had a few totes full in the car, and asked to speak with the owner. I showed her a few things, asked if she'd be interested in some new locally crafted inventory, and said I could do custom work. 2 of the 3 boutiques bought items on the spot, plus both gave me custom orders. The third store said to come back, as she had just placed a larger order with a company, and didn't have the money to spend at that time.
I'm a shy person as well, but I think my products spoke for themselves.

One of the boutiques said that she prefers to buy from me, because it's hands on, there is really no delay in her getting her new items (as compared to waiting for processing and shipping) and I can make to match some of the lines that don't have accessories that she carries.
I was on cloud nine when that boutique bought from me!
HTH...

congrats on the sales! Did you take ribbon charts in for the custom orders? Or just show her your items, and they told you what else they wanted? Thanks!

[Amber427]

I emailed a store today. My first one. I saw their ad in the Sunday paper. HOPEFULLY they will call me back! I think when I go to my appt on Wed I will take a tote of bows with me.

I am not a shy person- but I am when it comes to selling my product.

[Sweet Baby Michele]

Originally Posted by mommylaur

congrats on the sales! Did you take ribbon charts in for the custom orders? Or just show her your items, and they told you what else they wanted? Thanks!

I wish I was that organized, and had that much ribbon! No, I just told her other colors, and she trusted me and went with it. She picked the different styles, different colors, and told me idea's she had. I ended up buying some stuff to get the right look, but I was soooooo excited!! Her store is going to be in an upcomming issue of Ophra (that what she said anyway) so I'm hoping maybe she'll add some of my stuff to her site, and get some sales from that!! (crossing fingers)

[kimberlea_6703]

I just started selling to an out of town boutique, the owner found me through my blogspot. I've set up an appointment for a local boutique this week. I've learned cold calls usually don't work. Call ahead of time and try and speak to the owner so you can set up a meeting. When you go, take only things you're okay making in large quantities. I took some ribbon roses with my last sample box and she ended ordering 30 of those... that wouldn't be SO bad but she wasn't even close to being done. The roses are a little time consuming for me and she needed her order done in a weak Lesson learned, LOL

[fragglerock]

Originally Posted by kimberlea_6703

I just started selling to an out of town boutique, the owner found me through my blogspot. I've set up an appointment for a local boutique this week. I've learned cold calls usually don't work. Call ahead of time and try and speak to the owner so you can set up a meeting. When you go, take only things you're okay making in large quantities. I took some ribbon roses with my last sample box and she ended ordering 30 of those... that wouldn't be SO bad but she wasn't even close to being done. The roses are a little time consuming for me and she needed her order done in a weak Lesson learned, LOL

So I did the opposite with the four stores that carry my line. I went cold turkey and all four of them placed an order that day. I state in my policy that delivery time depends on the size of the order and in what order it was placed. Once the order is placed, I give them an estimate on delivery will take. Also, I work a season ahead, so right now I'm working on Christmas, When I deliver Christmas, my stores will place their orders for Spring, this way I'm not far behind. I was very nervous about approaching the first store but my husband said it's like bungee jumping, the first time is scary as hell, but it gets easier and easier each time after that. Also, I would do some recon before you approach them, see what they already carry and their prices. See if you can offer them something unique and remember that whatever price they are charging, they probably buy them for half of that. If you are offering the same thing, make sure you can meet or beat the quality and prices they are already getting. If you are offering something different, you can probably charge a little more. HTH!