WAHM Forums

Alright, I just got my information papers and scent sample and stuff in the mail and I love it! It's the SOCP which I thought I would hate (chili peppers and oranges???), but I actually really like it- especially since it seems to fill up my whole living room and dining room with just that one little votive that was only lit for an hour or two! But...I've got another question (yes, more...).

I've seen a lot of you talk about having them in shops, stores, etc. and that sounds like a really good way to get them out there to people that you probably wouldn't meet otherwise. Someone said that they just take a letter and a votive to the store to ask them about having them in there. Is that how you all do it? Is there any way to do it without actually going there to ask them about it? I just don't think it would be very "businessy" to walk into a store lugging around candles and a 17 month old, but it seems ridiculous to try to get a babysitter just to do that. What about mailing the letter with a votive or scent samples? Is that too impersonal? Just a waste of time and money? Do any of you actually do it like that?

I still haven't signed up yet, but I want to have everything all figured out before I do. Thanks for you guys' help!

I usually will scope out stores & spas when I am out or look in Yellow pages & go thru whole collum of each catagory & call. I tell them my name & ask for owner or buyer & I sell natural wax gourmet candles would they be interested.

Some are interested some aren't. Direct Sales is a lot of calling. They sometimes will request more info sent to them before setting up appointment. It does take alot of effort to get the candles in places.

Some stores will only be interested in consignment. So you need to have some inventory.

Doreen

I agree I would def call them and see if you could set up a time to come in, then you could make several appts for one day and make visits at once. That way maybe you could get someone for a few hours to watch kiddos. Just enough time for you to go in and show them the products etc.


You could also call and tell them etc, and ask if it would be ok to send in some samples and information. Keep in mind you wouldn't be sending a jar, so they wouldn't get the full affect.


I think once you join us and start putting these candles under people's noses you will see how easy and FUN it is!!

Start out with the people you know and you are a customer of. I did this, I went to my beauty shop and flower shop, since they know me they were thrilled. They are both doing this as consignment.


I go with my kids to refill and check on them, but because they know me I think that isfine. I started out with those too, and now I am ready to branch out to a few more.

I have a space in a shop and it was pure luck. I went into an Avon shop today to buy Avon, brought some samples with me and this lady is a candle fanatic. Well we worked out a deal and starting next week, my candles will be in her store. YAHOOO!! Oh and I also signed up with Avon, to have my ins with partys and stuff.


I am on my way!!


Deanna

Congratssmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gifsmileys/smiley32.gif


Ruth

Hi:


I just came back from Fall Fling and wanted to mention something to think about that Charlie talked about. He doesn't think putting candles in stores is such a good idea. Most stores want to buy at a fairly cheap wholesale price and are always looking for cheaper products (not to mention they may have more than one line of candles at one time). If they put your candle in the store and then find one they want to put in instead, they will really discount your candles to move them out which will then cheapen the credibility of our candle. I can certainly see his point, although I really think this wouldn't be a problem in salons or with masseuse.


Just a thought.


Barb


www.CandleSuccessInfo.com (http://www.CandleSuccessInfo.com)

I see your point and I took all that into consideration, but my candles will be the only ones in there. I dont plan on bringing lots of inventory, every month we have a Candle of the month and she will burn that scent and then take orders. The only thing that she asked for in return is 10% off the candles and that I join Avon. Which I had no problem, because thats all I buy.


In return, we will share ideas and contacts.


Deanna

It is hard to get the candles in shops. Alot of them do all ready have candles. Private Spas & Boutiques also Massage places are good place. I have a hard time getting places to commit even when they are interested.

It's definately better to get them in places that you know the owner or have made a contact with. People do business w/those they either know or trust first.

I've cold called alot of places & responce is mixed.

Doreen

That sounds like a great situation for you Deanna. I wish you lots of luck with it.


Barb


www.CandleSuccessInfo.com (http://www.CandleSuccessInfo.com)

Thank you, this is all new for me and I love it!


Deanna