Tag: Become a Costco Supplier

Become A Costco Vendor

By vendorco

To become a Costco Vendor is a dream of many (if not most) manufacturers and service providers. With the potential to place your products in hundreds of stores nationwide, with millions of members to view on monthly basis, who wouldn’t want to partner with this retail/wholesale giant?

However, only a select number of manufacturers and service providers actually succeed at becoming a Costco vendor. This is partially due to Costco’s limited SKU count of approximately 4,000 items per store (compared to WalMart and Target with upwards of 100,000 SKU’s!). But for most vendors, this is because the processes and procedures required to navigate Costco Wholesale can be vastly distinct from other retail avenues. Most executives and administrative personnel, even those who are avid Costco shoppers, are unaware of the unique buying strategies utilized by Costco’s corporate contacts. Obtaining this information can prove to be exceptionally difficult, if not impossible, and the sales techniques you are accustomed to using may actually serve to undercut your potential relationship.

So how do you become a Costco vendor? How do you become a Costco.com vendor?

Fortunately, VendorCo can help you. VendorCo is a full service manufacturer representative company specializing exclusively in Costco Wholesale programs. With over a decade of Costco specific experience, our Senior Account Managers can be an invaluable asset to your Costco program. We have helped many companies become Costco vendors, and you could be next! Read just a sample of our success stories, and imagine what you can achieve when you partner with a global retailer like Costco.

Ready to get started now? Contact VendorCo to speak with a Costco expert at [email protected]

5 Things To Understand BEFORE Selling to Costco

By vendorco

If you are not aware of the benefits of selling your product to Costco, a simple Google search or cyber stroll through our website will provide ample proof as to the seemingly never ending benefits of the Costco climate. But before you get too eager to pitch your product to Costco, there are many things that you need to know.

With the prospect of selling to Costco being so attractive, the flip side of the coin is that Costco is very selective of whom they choose to work with. At any given time, there are only around 4,000 unique items per warehouse. Compare this to Wal-Mart and Target stores with over 100,000 skus at a given time, and you realize how fierce the competition is to place your product in Costco. When your item faces name brand competition, it is even more difficult, if not impossible to succeed. However, if you have planned well, have the right support to back you, and have a Costco appropriate item, your odds may be greater than you realize! That is, if you are able to effectively pitch your product to Costco.

The importance of your product pitch cannot be overemphasized. Your presentation can be the difference between a successful program or a rejected program, a long term relationship or a short term relationship, and a positive projection of your business or a negative one, to name a few. This month, we are providing you with 5 points that you MUST know before approaching the Costco buyers. Incorporating this information may not guarantee success, but it will certainly help you be better prepared.

In no particular order, here are the 5 things you should understand before approaching Costco:

Costco Returns

Costco Product Testing

Costco Delivery

Costco Advertising

Costco Members

For an even greater chance at success, contact us directly for tailored, ongoing assistance and a proven track record of success! (949) 326-8909 or [email protected].

Costco’s Pricing Structure

By vendorco

Costco is a business that has strategically created its own market for bulk buy at a great price. When you think “Costco” what comes to mind? Most people think of great value. Costco focuses on providing members with the best bang for their buck, and does so by working with businesses that supply reliable and well priced products.

Founding a business that supplies its consumers with the best possible price point is part of what makes Costco so successful. Even without advertising, Costco has managed to reach the top of the US sales charts. From eCommerce to warehouse sales and more, Costco has becomes a retail superpower with a sterling reputation.

Talk to us at VendorCo today to discuss how you can grow your business through working with one of the fastest growing and already successful businesses on the planet!

[email protected] | (949) 326-8909 or visit out Contact web page

Rejected Programs: lack of POTENTIAL

By vendorco

Becoming a Costco vendor certainly has its benefits, one of which is the potential for a long term relationship with Costco, the number one warehouse chain in the United States. In fact, Costco appreciates and places a higher value on manufacturers and service providers that offer the potential for multiple placements down the road. So, if your company currently offers only one product, then your chances of becoming a Costco vendor are significantly more difficult than a competitor offering multiple products. Sure, you can make the argument that you will continue to transition the same product in and out of Costco for a long period of time, but the scope of your relationship remains limited.

If you are a company with only one product or if you have been turned down because your potential relationship is perceived as limited or temporary, there may still be an opportunity to gain a relationship with Costco. VendorCo is constantly researching unique ways to assist hopeful Costco vendors, and we have developed a unique program specific to smaller companies, or companies with a limited scope. If your company falls in this category, contact us today for more information on how we can help you.

Step Four: Make an action plan

By vendorco

Now, focus on each of your long/short term goals one at a time and make a list of steps that you will take to achieve each of your goals. You will want to develop a succinct plan of action for each goal, so you know the exact direction that your company is heading.

Maybe your goal for 2012 is to begin speaking with Costco about product placement. Your action steps should be first to evaluate your Costco readiness, locate the buyer, develop product presentation, etc. etc. As you can see, your action plan will depend on your short/long term goals.

Keep in mind that the plan of action for your long term goals will be incomplete and may depend upon your short term goals first.

Costco Vendor

By vendorco

A Costco vendor is sometimes referred to as a Costco Supplier.  A Costco vendor is any company that is currently selling products to Costco, or has sold products to Costco in the past. A company that has an established brand in a particular region or nationally could be considered by Costco to become a vendor.

Would you like to become a Costco vendor? Get started with your Costco program and contact VendorCo today: [email protected].

Costco Vendor Guide

By vendorco

Costco is one of the largest retailers in the United States with vendors jumping at the chance to sell their products in the warehouses. However, in order to satisfy Costco and the Costco member, vendors must have an understanding of Costco’s processes and the ability to implement them.

Vendors are responsible for managing creative, manufacturing, packaging, delivery, accounting, customer service, and so much more.  In order to serve Costco well, a vendor guide can be very useful.

An effective vendor guide may be in the form of a manufacturer representative, also known as an independent broker or product placement company/individual. Representatives often specialize in a particular retailer.

If you’re looking for a Costco vendor guide, look no further than VendorCo. We offer over 20 years of Costco specific expertise, saving you time and money with your Costco program, and cutting out the guesswork. We offer many services that are useful for current and future Costco vendors.

Browse our website for information about the scope of our business, or contact a VendorCo representative today: Contact Us

Knowledge is Power

By vendorco

It was the great English author and philosopher Sir Francis Bacon who said “Knowledge is power”. Life and business success are achieved through knowledge. Experienced, knowledgeable experts are absolutely necessary to the success of your business.

VendorCo is a 20 year retail product placement and program development expert and the creator of the 15 Elements of Successful Product Placement book, specific to newer businesses.  If you or your company need cost effective knowledge about retail, purchase a 50 minute Professional Phone Consultation and receive a complimentary copy of 15 Elements of Successful Product Placement.

Click here for more information or to purchase your 20 Minute Professional Phone Consultation.

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Amazon Book: 15 Elements of Successful Product Placement

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