Vendors Be Cautious

So, I just wanted to post this idea out there for vendors who have had a similar situation. This is just some food for thought... I had a woman contact me about selling my products in her new store about wanting wholesale prices. So, being that I'm already signed up with An Artisan's Emporium in Roxoboro, I wanted to know what this new store was about and to do my research first (always do your research first!). Plus, I wanted to keep my arranged agreement updated as they have a right to know. Anyway, so I asked normal questions such as "what is the name and location of the store?" and "what items are you interested in?". I got a response back that stated she was interested in soaps, hair, and skin products. Anything organic for the body. She also mentioned that they were not disclosing the name of the store until construction was complete, but that the building was located in downtown Greensboro, NC. So, there were red flags all over this:

1. The main red flag--Even though construction is not complete, I have a right as a seller to know who and where my products are being sold. The fact that she is not willing to disclose the name of the store regardless of whether or not construction is complete is a big NO for me especially since I am in a contractual agreement with a local store in Roxboro.
2. The fact that I asked her which of my products she was interested in for me to give her wholesale prices and she did not give me a list of any of my products makes me suspicious. It tells me that she did not even look at my products on my store page. 
3. She did not respond after I told her I was in a contractual agreement with another store and needed to update them on other venues where I am selling.

So, I just let it go. 

My point is to just be careful when someone sends you a message and wants to do business with you. My tips for being fair to yourself and prospective business partners is

• Research your prospective business partner. Are they an actual business? Do they have a physical location? Ask for their address and business name. Don't be afraid to ask for this information, You, as a vendor, have a right to know about the possible venue where your items are being sold.
• If you feel like you are being pressured into something, think twice before you say "yes". Don't feel obligated or pressured into a sale or business proposal. Depending on the situation, it may not be in your best interest. Think about it before you do it.
• With the previous bullet, look at all of the factors before signing on. Is the business well-known? Do they have a lot of good reviews? Pay attention to the attitude of your prospective business partner. Will they represent your items well when you're not around? Remember, just because someone else may be selling your products, the people who are selling your items for you are also representing your brand. Customers and potential customers usually don't differentiate between physical store and what is carried in the store. So, if your customer or potential customer has a bad experience at the store where your products are being sold, it could result in a potential customer loss. It just depends on situations and customers. However, with that being said, a lot of times, you won't know if a customer has had a bad experience unless the customer expresses through personal complaint, social media, or other way.
• Make sure all of your questions are answered upfront before making a decision. Get all of the details on fees, booth/spot costs, payment dispersal, etc.

I am sure there may be some more that come to mind. So, if I think of any more, I will update this post.

Hoping this helps my vendor friends and followers!

Cheers!

Kristine