Seven Ways to Distribute Your Product to Grow Your Business

You've got a great product. You know people will love it. So how are you going to distribute it so people can buy it? Here are seven ways to distribute your products to grow your business.

Distributing locally

Distributing products locally has several advantages including the ability to network and combine costs with other business owners in your area. Consider approaching local stores and boutiques to see if they would be interested in carrying your product. You can meet local business owners through activities sponsored by your local Chamber of Commerce.

Attend local trade shows, expos, flea markets, and other shows relating to your product, selling your product from a booth or taking orders at the event for later delivery. Open your own brick and mortar retail store so customers can touch, see, and possibly taste your product. Do your homework carefully before choosing this option because it has higher up front costs.

Distributing products online

Try launching an online store with order fulfillment so you can ship your product directly to customers. You can purchase online store software if you're better with developing products than building websites. Consider using online auctions sites to sell your product. You've probably heard of eBay, but they're not the only auction site out there. Marketing costs are low when using an auction site, and shipping companies like Meyers Transport Inc. will pick up packages directly from your business.

Delivering products through Distributors

Recruit a distributor. When Mary Kay Ash first designed her line of cosmetics, she recruited a woman to sell and distribute her products. This method worked so well for Mary Kay Cosmetics that it is the only way they sell their products today. You can do the same thing, recruiting a local salesperson who will buy inventory and sell your products for a commission on each sale.

There is another type of distributor you might want to explore. A distribution company orders products from manufacturers to sell to retail stores, either locally or around the world. Manufacturers generally like to sell products by the case or truckload. Yet retailers don't need to buy products in that quantity on a regular basis. Distributors buy your product in a large quantity and sell it to a number of chain and independent retail stores.

Leverage multiple distribution methods

Don't limit yourself to one distribution method. Leverage multiple methods for sustainable business growth and maximum exposure to your customers. Here's to the success of your new product.