Category: Uncategorized

Costco Shipping Preferred Carriers

By vendorco

Earlier this month we discussed Costco’s shipping terms and emphasized the importance in understanding the options available. This is also important when it comes to selecting a carrier.

Depending on the shipping terms selected by Costco you may or may not have the freedom to choose your carrier. Also, depending on your terms, you may need to decide on a carrier that offers full truck or LTL shipping. Imagine how detrimental to your costing it would be to quote the wrong way. Once you put your price in writing, you highly risk missing the sale for any potential increases. To insure you are accounting for any/all potential costs, and shipping, partner with a knowledgeable and respected Costco expert representative company like VendorCo. We have the tools and experience you need to obtain your highest potential for success!

Costco Shipping Containers and Trailers

By vendorco

If you have any experience with overseas shipping and/or domestic full truck shipping, then you understand that there are various container/trailer sizes and methods of loading. Vendors often make the mistake of quoting the method and size that is most familiar to them. Perhaps you ship internationally on a 20’ Size container on particular style pallets. Or you may ship domestically via a flatbed trailer with floor loaded master cartons. However, your methods may not be accepted by Costco.

Additionally, all load capacities should be based on maximum utilization of trailer space. For example, loads on pallets need to be turned inside the trailer in a very specific way. Failure to do so may result in additional freight charges to the vendor. Any small change or discrepancy can result in a significant price difference. Don’t make this mistake. Be informed of all Costco’s shipping container/ trailer requirements and load diagrams, by partnering with a knowledgable Costco representative company like VendorCo.

We help our clients understand the “do’s” and “don’ts” of Costco shipping before a price is quoted to Costco, so there are no false assumptions, no guessing games, and reduced potential for losses based on incorrect price quoting. Contact us today to get started, at [email protected].

Costco Shipping Terms

By vendorco

When you develop your pricing for Costco, it’s important to clearly define your shipping terms, and to ensure that the offered terms are in a format that is accepted by Costco. There are various ways to go about this, each dependent on the avenue of Costco that you are selling to (ie: Costco-US, Costco-Int’l, Costco-ecommerce, etc.).

Many potential vendors approach Costco with a single unit price. Without duties, customs considerations, or freight added to the equation. The assumption is that the retailer will pick up the product from an overseas factory or port. This is one of the many options; however, it’s recommended that you proceed with caution when dealing with these terms. You may encounter unexpected fees.

Another option many vendors provide is a delivered cost. Again, it’s important to be very clear and detailed as to where the products are being delivered to and that your offer is in accordance with Costco’s requirements. Also, did you take into account Costco’s locations in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico?

When it comes to shipping terms, it’s important to understand the various options. You cannot quote a price to Costco without having this clearly defined, in accordance with Costco’s terminology. This is an area where a knowledgeable rep can be extremely valuable. At VendorCo, we help our clients understand the options and account for shipping fees, so you have all the tools you need to make the best decision for your business. If you are interested in Costco representation for your products, contact a VendorCo Account Manager today at [email protected]

Costco Shipping Pallets

By vendorco

Understanding Costco’s pallet requirements is an important piece to shipping, as well as quoting your final price. Depending on whether you are shipping domestically or internationally, you may need to account for the cost of pallets in your final pricing. Additionally, Costco’s pallet requirements could be vastly different from how you are accustomed to shipping. If your price is quoted with the wrong pallets, it could be a potential pricing and logistical disaster. Your pallets must meet particular sizing, construction, and heat treatment guidelines to avoid shipment refusal, and all may vary by country.

So how do you plan ahead? Costco provides the detailed pallet specifications as a part of the new vendor packet; however, at this time, pricing would have already been submitted. Costco’s vendor documents are not easily found, and will generally not be provided until a program is accepted.The best way to plan ahead is to partner with a 3rd party rep like VendorCo. Contact us today to find out more information about our services, and how you can cut out the guess work: [email protected].

Costco Shipping

By vendorco

Costco’s shipping logistics are complex to say the least. With such an efficient and rule-bound system, vendors must be up to par to make the cut. For example, all Costco Wholesale orders are considered “Shipper Load and Count.” What does that mean you might ask? Well, the vendor is therefore responsible to ensure the order is properly packed and loaded according to Costco’s guidelines and standards to prevent any transit damage and tampering. Everything is at the vendor’s expense and responsibility when it comes to the Bill of Lading, piece count of the load, and driver count and appointments. It is easy to let these pieces fall through the cracks.

This month, we will delve into the different areas of Costco’s shipping requirements, including the following topics:

  • Pallets
  • Shipping terms
  • Containers and Trailers
  • Preferred Carriers
  • E-Commerce
  • Third Party Shipping
  • And More

As you navigate Costco’s shipping requirements, you may find they are even more complex than you might have originally anticipated. Having an experienced representative to check your steps will ensure fluidity, so partner with VendorCo today by contacting us at [email protected].

How can I get a copy of the documents required for Costco vendor set-up?

By vendorco

If your product is accepted by the Costco buyers, you will be provided with all of the documentation that you need to be set up as a vendor. Often, it can be beneficial for potential vendors to review these documents prior to submitting their offer, so they know exactly what will be expected of them if a program is accepted.

Unfortunately, these forms can only be obtained through the vendor extranet, or through Costco’s buying staff. These documents are considered to contain proprietary information, and are not handed out to any manufacturer that asks for them.

VendorCo clients benefit from advanced knowledge of what is required in the necessary documentation. Often, this knowledge can help vendors develop an appropriate price point and strategies for optimized success. We help all of our clients understand what will be expected from them, from beginning to end of any program.

For more information about how VendorCo can help, contact us at [email protected] or (949)326-8909

Where can I send my products for Costco review?

By vendorco

It is not recommended that potential vendors send samples directly to Costco’s corporate offices for review prior to making contact with the buyer, especially if you are working independently. There are several reasons for this, but perhaps the most important is that you should ensure you are working with the correct contacts before proceeding. It can be a nuisance to the buyers if you mistakenly send your product to the incorrect contact. Also, if your product is not a good fit for Costco, it will simply be a waste of the buyer’s time. They do not appreciate receiving unwanted samples that they then must spend their time disposing of.

Before sending your products to Costco, it would benefit you to receive feedback from an impartial third party, even if you prefer to proceed independently. VendorCo offers a sample review service and telephone consultations with one of our expert representatives. If you would be interested in representation, or if you would like your sample reviewed before proceeding independently, contact us to arrange for a sample review at [email protected] or (949) 326-8909.

How can I gain access to Costco’s vendor portal?

By vendorco

Costco’s vendor portal, also known as Costco’s Extranet, is a web based system that provides Costco vendors with access to a plethora of important information. The system is a free and secure accounting tool that allows vendors to track and maintain records of purchases and payments.

And it doesn’t stop there. The vendor portal keeps updated records of important forms and memos as they are released by Costco, as well as additional vendor maintenance and vendor services tools.

However, the extranet is only available to Costco vendors with a valid vendor number. Potential vendors do not have access to Costco’s vendor portal until they receive a vendor number.

If you need help getting your program accepted with Costco, contact us today to see how VendorCo can help at [email protected] or (949)326-8909

 

How can I get a Costco vendor guide?

By vendorco

Costco has many “guides” available to existing vendors, including manuals for logistics, credit, quality assurance, and more. Once you become a Costco vendor, these guides are readily available to you through Costco’s vendor portal.

Many visitors to our site ask to obtain a copy of a Costco vendor guide, and unfortunately, this request is too vague to provide any proper assistance. Costco’s vendor guides are documents created by Costco and are proprietary to existing or new vendors only. If you are an existing vendor seeking a Costco vendor guide, this can be obtained through the vendor portal or through Costco’s buying office.

We assume this question is mostly geared to hopeful vendors looking for a guide to product placement, and unfortunately, no such guide exists. That is, there is no physical document created by Costco that guides vendors toward product placement; however, you may receive guidance through VendorCo!

Let us be your Costco vendor guide, and we will direct you, coach you, and lead you through each step in the Costco sales process. To find out more, contact us at [email protected], or 949-326-8909.

How can I get a Costco buyer list?

By vendorco

Costco no longer provides buyer lists to vendors. You are able to call their corporate office to get the name and information of the appropriate buyer for your department. However, buyers are constantly rotating departments and moving positions, so it is important to stay on top of your department’s movements.

VendorCo maintains our own internal buyer list based on the contacts that we communicate with on a daily basis. Please know that we are not able to share this information with anyone outside of our clientele list. If you are simply looking for the contact information of your Costco buyer, please contact Costco directly.

If you are interested in becoming a VendorCo client, not only will you benefit from up-to-date buyer information, but we will help channel the communications for you. We are in contact with many of the top personnel and buyers at Costco on a daily basis, and can help bring your product to the buyer through a familiar face. For more information, contact us at [email protected], or (949) 326-8909.

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