Category: Uncategorized

Is there a step by step guide to Costco placement?

By vendorco

Costco does not provide a step-by-step guide for manufacturers. The information needed to proceed with Costco placement can only be obtained through years of experience or through trial and error. This places many hopeful vendors at a disadvantage.

Luckily, there is help available through VendorCo. We are a manufacturer representative with years of experience, and we can help our clients through each step in the placement process.

If you are interested in becoming a VendorCo client or would like more information, contact us @ [email protected], or (949) 326-8909.

November Blogs – FAQ’s

By vendorco

Every day we receive thousands of visits to our website from people like you looking for answers or help with their Costco program. VendorCo is a Costco representative company, helping countless companies reach success with their program. We understand that not all manufacturers wish to work with a representative, and some of you are simply looking for answers to common questions.

Over the past 6 months, we have compiled a list of the top questions we receive through our website. Through this month and next month, we will address the top questions that we receive. November will be focused on answering your Costco questions. Here is a list of the top questions received through our website:

Is there a step by step guide to Costco placement?

How can I get a Costco buyer list?

How can I get a Costco vendor guide?

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

Where can I send my products for Costco review?

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

What are Costco’s vendor requirements?

If you have additional questions that are not addressed here, contact us to see how we can help @ [email protected]

Costco Sales Assistance

By vendorco

If you are looking for sales assistance with your Costco program, there’s no need to look no further than VendorCo. We are a representative company with experience, focus, success, and commitment to service.

Our focus on Costco Wholesale specifically guarantees that we communicate with the buyers on a daily basis. We are not distracted by the processes, procedures, rules, and regulations of other retail companies, because we ONLY serve Costco, making us experts in Costco product placement.

If you are interested in learning more about VendorCo, feel free to browse our website, send us an e-mail at [email protected], or call us at (949) 326-8909. We are happy to review your company and product to help determine your potential with Costco Wholesale.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Costco In-Store Returns

By vendorco

Costco is well known for their hassle free return policy. Members are able to return items at any time if they are dissatisfied with the quality of the product (with the exception of some electronics items, see below for Costco’s full return policy). Costco’s return policy may be intimidating for some vendors; however, most Costco returns are resalable and are returned with the first couple of weeks.

Costco maintains an excellent balance between satisfying the member, while preventing vendors from being buried with returns. They do this by only purchasing high quality items that that will satisfy their members. If a company does have a high return rate of non-saleable items, they are at a high risk of being pushed off the sales floor by Costco buyers. If your product is high quality, long lasting, and lives up to its promise, then Costco’s satisfaction guarantee return policy should not be a huge concern.

Our vendors benefit from VendorCo’s return assistance. We help our vendors anticipate the likely return rate, as well as provide customer service assistance. To take advantage of all that VendorCo has to offer, contact us at [email protected].

Costco’s return policy:
COSTCO’S RISK FREE 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

MEMBERSHIP:
We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.

MERCHANDISE:
We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. The following must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund: televisions, projectors, computers, cameras, camcorders, touchscreen tablets, MP3 players and cellular phones.

Costco In-Store Placement

By vendorco

There are some circumstances where your product may bypass a Costco test. This is decided by the buyers and their superiors, and should not be requested by the vendor. However, if your product does bypass a Costco test it will go directly to Costco In-Store placement.

Additionally, if your product completes a successful in-store test, you may qualify for Costco In-Store placement. While the buyers often set sales goals for a Costco test, meeting these goals does not necessarily guarantee that your item will qualify. However, when combined with proper knowledge and understanding of Costco’s processes, superior customer service, and commitment to a long term relationship with Costco, your company will be in a better position to move forward.

For assistance with a Costco In-Store placement program contact VendorCo today, at [email protected].

Costco In-Store Testing

By vendorco

Before the buyers will commit to reserving space on their sales floors for you item, they need be absolutely certain that the item will be valuable to Costco members. One way Costco does this is by putting products through a Costco test. If your item is under review for Costco placement, you will most likely be required to participate in a test program before proceeding to a full roll out.

It is important to understand exactly what a Costco Test entails, so you are aware of how to proceed before, during, and after the program. For assistance, preparation, and answers regarding a Costco test program, contact VendorCo at [email protected].

Costco In-Store “Deal Breakers”

By vendorco

Countless manufacturers and service providers have attempted to sell their products to Costco in-store. More often than not, these hopeful vendors are turned away. Due to Costco’s limited sku count and strict requirements, it can be very difficult for potential sellers to stand out and rise above the competition. So before you proceed with presenting to Costco or even before you partner with a sales representative, you should be aware of a couple non-negotiable requirements, or “deal breakers” for a vendor relationship.

First, Costco will not be the majority of any vendors business. In other words, you must have established distribution and sales before proceeding with Costco. Costco is not the place to introduce your product into the market, and you will not be considered if you do not have established distribution. And secondly, you must be prepared to serve the Costco member by providing your product at a lower cost and/or higher value.

If you believe that your company may be qualified for Costco in-store sales, contact VendorCo to get the most out of your program, at [email protected]

Inside Costco Warehouses: Paper or Plastic?

By vendorco

“Paper or Plastic?” is not something you will hear at Costco checkout line. More often than not you will be asked “Box or No Box”. Costco received thousands of boxed products which creates a box overage. Instead of throwing these boxes away, Costco protects our environment by using these boxes in place of shopping bags. Besides, how else can paper or plastic bags store large packaged products that can hold the 40lb bag of dog food or a 10 pack of baby wipes?  The box offers a sturdy solution for the shopper and a great outlet for Costco to reduce is box inventory each day.

If you are a supplier preparing to work with Costco or is looking to begin the process, VendorCo can help.  Call us at 949-326-8909 or email [email protected].

Defining Costco In Store Sales

By vendorco

Costco in-store sales can be defined in many ways. In-store sales may also be defined as in-line sales, national sales, warehouse sales, full roll out sales, or simply as Costco sales. In-store sales are the most common and the most sought after category of Costco sales; likely because they are typically the most profitable. When visiting your local Costco warehouse, most of the palletized items that you see on the sales floor are considered in-store sales (with the exception of Road Show and Test items).

October Blogs – Selling to Costco

By vendorco

This month we will be discussing Costco In-store sales, including how to sell to Costco In-store. The following topics will be covered in this months posts:

Defining Costco In-Store Sales

Costco In-Store Sales Opportunities

Costco In-Store “Deal Breakers”

Costco In-Store Testing

Costco In-Store Placement

Costco In-Store Returns

Costco Sales Assistance

Stay tuned throughout the month of October to learn more about Costco In-Store sales.

For expert manufacturer representation for your Costco program, Contact VendorCo at [email protected]

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