How to Sell a Product at Target

How to Sell a Product at Target

Introduction

How to Sell a Product at Target. Target is one of the leading market places in the US, with over 1,900 stores across the States, and there’s no doubt that any product sold at Target, will fly off the shelves in little to no time.

Of course, with every good investment comes challenges, and due to the trustworthiness of Target as a large store and name, there is a lot of competitors fighting for the spotlight on their products.

Due to this, anyone with the intention of selling their products at Target, must be fully equipped with all the necessary information, steps and strategies to successfully sell their products there, and remain relevant and sought after.

Daunting, as it may seem, it is not impossible. This article explains in details, how to successfully put your product up for sale at Target, and promote your brand’s unique identity, while at it.

Step 1: Research and Understand Target’s Business Model

To be a successful approved vendor at Target, it is necessary that proper and thorough research is carried out, in order to fully understand the store. Study Target’s history, their drive/mission, and the values they both promote, and expect.

You must also understand their target audience, and the demographics of customers who shop from them, and what categories each of them frequently purchase from. This will help you, in shaping your product to suit the right audience.

Unlike an online marketplace, Target makes use of physical stores, scattered across the United States of America, and every store has the same layout. It is important to visit one or two of these stores, and get familiar with their layout and the assortment of products that are on sale.

This knowledge is useful, as it will help you save time, in the sense that you understand the next steps, and what to avoid, when preparing your product. This familiarity and knowledge also gives you confidence from knowing that you are on the right track.

Step 2: Develop and Prepare a Product That Meets Target’s Standards

The next step is preparing your product, or creating it, if it is a product you have to make from scratch. This step is very crucial, and as such, must be treated with the utmost importance.

Target has products in all their listed categories and subcategories, so to stand out, you must ensure that your product is of high quality. Enough to make customers make a choice, without much internal debate.

Your products must meet Target’s quality standard, as well as their safety standards. You need to ensure that your product is innovative, with such uniqueness that solves problems. While making sure that this is in place, you must make sure that it aligns with Target’s brand image, and does nothing but promote it.

For a product you want to sell, it is important that people require it. One way to ensure that they do, is by conducting market research. There has to be demand for your product, before it can leave the shelves.

Step 3: Prepare Your Sales Pitch and Marketing Materials

Creating a sales pitch is a necessary aspect of setting up a product for sale. A sales pitch ensures that the motive behind your product sale, is clearly communicated to prospective customers.

Your sales pitch must be compelling enough, as it should highlight the unique benefits and features of the product. It should also communicate to customers, why it is the best choice in its category. These competitive advantages will provide a basis for quick and effective sales.

Your product sales pitch can be found in marketing materials such as product brochures, sell sheets, and even product demos.

You must understand that customers look forward to seeing the sales pitch of a product, for further compulsion, and a good enough reason to make a purchase, so the advantages and benefits of the products must be clearly highlighted, for the sake of clarity.

Step 4: Attend Trade Shows and Industry Events

It is advisable to foster relationships, when selling at Target. You can attend trade shows and industry events, where you will be likely to meet people who shop at Target.

This way, you get to showcase your product and sales pitch to them, leading them to your products. With this relationship, it will be easy to understand their needs and pain points, and either choose the right products to sell, or tailor your already selling products further, to attend to those needs.

Getting this information raw, from the customers mouths is the best kind of research you can make, to ensure that you have the right products on sale. This will also expose you to the fast selling products, from which you can make a choice.

Step 5: Submit Your Product for Review

The discussed steps above, are all in preparation for your product’s introduction to Target. In this step, your product meets the market.

Target has guidelines for product submission, so you must be careful enough to follow everyone of them. The submission process must be done according to Target’s laid down principles.

Target will require that product information such as, product description, pricing, and images are submitted through their vendor portal for review.

Submit products 6-9 months before desired stocking date for Target’s review and approval.

Target might require extra documents, information and samples, if need be. Target’s buying team reviews products for quality, innovation, and demand, notifying you of acceptance or decline.

Step 6: Negotiate and Finalize an Agreement

Negotiation will be required, if Target shows interest in your product. It is up to you to negotiate with them, and come to an agreement.

Understand that Target has terms, and while negotiating, follow all of their conditions, pricing and payment terms, anticipating successful sales.

Step 7: Manage Your Business with Target

When your product is safe in the hands of Target’s capable market, you should work with their logistics and supply chain, so as to maintain smooth product delivery.

Try to follow up and monitor sales, as much as is moderate, and learn what customers think of your products. Collecting this feedback will help you grow, by adjusting accordingly, and improving quality to suit customers’ preferences.

Additional Tips

Target might require additional information and samples of your products for cross checking, and you must be willing to cooperate, providing everything required of you, as Target’s aim is to promote their brand, and your product, as an extension.

As a business owner, you must learn to be open to criticism and opinions which may vary from yours. You must also be knowledgeable, such that you are capable of answering questions, and attending to opposition intelligently.

Building a strong relationship with Target buyers is crucial, as it opens you up to growth, and even more information that you may need.

Conclusion

Selling your product at Target is a great investment, as their credibility keeps customers coming. Follow shared steps and tips to remain relevant and make your products stand out on store shelves.

Remember to focus on providing high quality products to customers. And with these, your chances of success in selling your product at Target will be increased.