How do i approach selling to local business

Hello, I am currently running a relatively new online cosmetic store I am seeing good sales online and am looking to expand into local business as a wholesaler all my products are handcrafted, Branded, and are gift-boxed.

How would I begin to approach local businesses?

• Would I first send an email with one of my brochures attached?
• Should I enter and talk face to face or set up a meeting with a manager/owner so they can review the products for themself before becoming a stockist?
• Could I advertise to surrounding businesses through FB or another medium and let them approach me?

I have little to no experience selling B2B and any experiences and resources would be greatly appreciated

Thank you

HI The Gump,

I've done this before with a product. Everything you've suggested could potentially work. I started off looking for 'buyers' on Linkdin and managed to get the product in a few physical and online department stores, deal of the day websites and smaller local shops around town. I found the person responsible for buying on LInkedin, if it was a smaller stall I would usually call first and get a name, then email them directly (not using generic email accounts but directly to the person), The emails usually worked (with product descriptions and indications of pricing), i'd setup a meeting and show the the product. If the emails didnt work, I finally called and often left a message and was called back. I've generally found if they feel they can profit they are happy to taken on products. I always ensured they were reputable stores and the deal was on consignment, they liked this ! Then you start getting repeat orders. If its a good product at a good price and the store wants it, you cant go wrong ! Best of Luck.

TheGump said:

Hello, I am currently running a relatively new online cosmetic store I am seeing good sales online and am looking to expand into local business as a wholesaler all my products are handcrafted, Branded, and are gift-boxed.

How would I begin to approach local businesses?

• Would I first send an email with one of my brochures attached?
• Should I enter and talk face to face or set up a meeting with a manager/owner so they can review the products for themself before becoming a stockist?
• Could I advertise to surrounding businesses through FB or another medium and let them approach me?

I have little to no experience selling B2B and any experiences and resources would be greatly appreciated

Thank you

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The ideas that you mentioned here could in fact work very well. I would first recommend making a list of all local business owners with who you would like to get in touch, and then start searching them online. Preferably, you should reach them first on LinkedIn as it's easier for connection, and if you don't get a reply there, you can move on to email. When you present your offer, try to explain to them why you think your products would be good for their businesses and how they would profit from mutual cooperation, and yes, you could attach some brochure then. After you get a reply, try to set up a live meeting.

As for advertising, this would also be recommendable, for B2B LinkedIn ads would be the best choice and upgrading your profile to premium.

Contact the owner on LinkedIn. Do not send too many emails at one time. Go slow.