Before Becoming a Vendor at a Brick and Mortar

Knowing key information about the business you’re partnering with is important before saying yes

As indie authors, we strive to get our books seen by any means possible.

One of these possibilities can be partnering with a business to become a vendor. And this can range from coffee shops, bookstores, grocery stores, and specialty shops. However, before we jump in, we need to know all the details to ensure it’s the right fit.

So, what research should we conduct and what questions should we ask?

Research

Before you head into any kind of deal, you should conduct your research about the business.

To start, begin looking at their online presence.

Do they have active social media pages? And if so, do they regularly spotlight their vendors and special items? How up-to-date is their website?

Seeing all of these aspects upfront will help you know what you can expect from the business in terms of how up-to-date they keep their customers as well as how their customers will know about your product.

In addition, it’s important to visit the business, if possible, to see their layout.

Seeing the business in person will give you an idea of how your products will be showcased, what areas of the business will see the most traffic, and what you can expect before speaking with them.

Questions

You will likely be speaking with the business you plan on partnering with via email, phone, or in person.

Don’t be caught off guard. Go into these conversations with a plan. And ask the questions you need answers to.

Now, if you’re wondering what you should be asking, here are some ideas:

• How is the foot traffic here?

• What are your busiest times of the year? (You can also ask month or week)

• What is the process like for vendors partnering with you?

• Who should I contact if I have any concerns or questions?

• Do you have a general idea of where my products will be showcased?

• What is the ideal price point for your customer base?

• Do you spotlight vendors on social media?

• How do you drive traffic to the business? (Special events, sales, etc.)

In addition to hearing all of this great information, your asking these types of questions shows you are serious.

What else should you remember?

When meeting with a business to be a potential vendor, be sure to come off as professional as possible.

This means you should:

• Have your products ready for them to view upon meeting them

• Have a business card to hand them for future contact

• Arrive promptly

• Shake their hand and make eye contact if it’s in person

• Be prepared

• Have your website and social media up to date

However you speak with this business, you must be prepared and professional.

Because, if partnering with this business goes well, it could lead to partnerships with many other businesses in the future.

Remember that partnering with a business as a vendor is a big commitment.

It means:

• sometimes space rental payments.

• product fulfillment.

• marketing on your end.

• creating a professional and inviting section for your product.

• maintaining a good relationship with the business your partner with.

Remember that branching out as an author sometimes means stepping out of our comfort zones and trying new avenues to sell our books.