Tag: Costco Expert

What NOT to do: Utilize Unapproved Manufacturing Facilities

By vendorco

While the US has shifted toward a service economy, most production jobs have moved overseas where the prices are far below what most domestic factories can deliver. Although this migration of production has many benefits to manufacturers and consumers, there are also great risks to human rights and safety. Stories of factory violations are all too well known, including violations of child labor laws, safety hazards to workers and consumers, chemical exposures, and the list goes on. Costco makes it a top priority to ensure that all factories are compliant with their standards, which can even exceed what the law requires. It is extremely important that your factory and products can pass high level audits, including state and national requirements related to all risk related aspects of production.

VendorCo can help you understand what is likely to be required from you in a Costco factory audit, which in turn can potentially avoid failed inspections, as well as damage to your reputation and relationships with the buyers.

If you are looking for expert Costco representation from a company that can help prepare you for the unexpected, contact VendorCo today.

What NOT to do: Exaggerate Your Ability to Deliver

By vendorco

It is extremely important to be completely honest with Costco regarding your ability to deliver what is promised to the Costco members. A large marketing firm with top names in the sports industry was hoping to move forward with Event Tickets that would be sold through several avenues within Costco, including Costco Travel, Costco in-store, and Costco.com. The company assured Costco that they had the appropriate clearance to move forward with multiple programs if it was approved, and Costco was thrilled to begin. However, the company was dishonest about their rights to sell the program, and they were unable to gain approval to sell the program to Costco. The dishonesty and irresponsible actions of this company resulted in a complete loss of any potential relationship with Costco. Not only was there a loss of the programs pitched to Costco, but the buyers refused to consider any additional items for the duration of their term as buyer.

What NOT to do with Costco? Never overstate or exaggerate your companies capabilities and rights. Costco only wishes to partner with established, honest vendors that will serve their members diligently. If you have an honest program offer and need help pitching your product to Costco, contact a VendorCo representative today.

What NOT to do: Underestimate Costco’s Demographic

By vendorco

An energy drink company was able to secure regional sales at Costco’s warehouses. After performing a sales analysis of their current distribution, which was largely to C-Stores, the company found that diet energy drinks were 30% of their sales volume, while regular energy drinks were 70% of sales volume. The company chose to base their Costco test on this sales data, providing 70% regular and 30% diet energy drinks to Costco. However, the company failed to take into account Costco’s demographic data provided to them, and they experienced a lack of inventory for diet drinks, and a surplus of regular energy drinks. Due to this miscalculation, the test failed.

What NOT to do with Costco? Never underestimate Costco’s demographic. It is extremely important to be cognizant of who you will see your product on Costco’s sales floor. VendorCo can help your company avoid costly miscalculations like this that can result in a failed test, as well as damage to your reputation and relationships with the buyers. Find out if your product qualifies as a Costco ready item, and contact VendorCo today for expert representation.

VendorCo Client Benefits – Ongoing Relationships

By vendorco

VendorCo is selective of the companies that we choose to represent. Our goal is to form long term relationships with established manufacturers and service providers, while continuing to strengthen our clients’ relationships with Costco. We seek to partner with companies that are also looking for long-term solutions to their Costco sales needs. Over time, we work for you to help the buyers recognize your company and appreciate your products. This relationship is not formed over night; it takes time, patience, and follow through that VendorCo is prepared and qualified to assist you with.

At VendorCo, we tailor to your needs, assist you with preparation and presentation, as well as follow-up and follow through throughout the duration of our representation. If you are looking for a long-term partnership where you receive all of these benefits, contact us today!

VendorCo Client Benefits – Follow-up and Follow-through

By vendorco

Let’s say that you have now presented your product to the Costco buyers. What should you do if your program is denied? And what are the next steps if your program is approved? VendorCo’s clients receive ongoing assistance, whether it requires following up with a rejected program, or following through with one that is accepted.

If your program is denied, VendorCo can help gather feedback, as well as assist and consult you with repositioning your product pitch, redesigning elements of your product and packaging, or selecting additional items to present in your next round with the buyers. In addition, we provide a suggested timeline for following up depending on the department, product, and reason for rejection.

If your program is approved, VendorCo will be by your side throughout all of the various administrative tasks, as well as prepare you for what to expect when the program begins. With VendorCo’s assistance, our experts become part of your team, assisting you throughout all steps in the process. In addition, we continue to provide our feedback and suggestions regarding advertising and other opportunities that enhance visibility of your product and potentially increase revenue.

If you are interested in adding VendorCo’s experts to your team, contact us today.

VendorCo Client Benefits – Preparation and Presentation

By vendorco

Every retailer goes about their buying processes differently, and from our experience, many companies miscalculate Costco’s procedures. Unfortunately, even the smallest errors in presenting your product can result in a rejection of your program. At VendorCo, we work with the Costco buyers on a daily basis, and we know the processes and procedures that work in getting your items on the sales floor.

As a VendorCo client, you will receive assistance with all aspects of your presentation. This includes consultations that prepare you for what to expect, how to contact Costco buyers, what specific information should be included in your presentation, and much, much more. Additionally, we will not only be by your side through all steps in the process, but we will help pave the way to greater success.

We understand that you are the experts in your business, but we also recognize that most companies are not experts in Costco’s business. It is extremely difficult to reach this status and truly understand all that Costco has to offer. Fortunately, with over 20 years of experience our executive account managers at VendorCo are Costco experts, and we can help you position your company to reach its highest potential with Costco.

If you are interested in working with Costco and would like assistance with preparation and presentation from VendorCo, contact us today.

VendorCo Client Benefits – Tailored Assistance

By vendorco

VendorCo is committing to serving the individual needs of our clients. Some manufacturers and service providers come to us with a Costco ready brand and product packaging, and they simply need assistance preparing, presenting, and moving forward with their program. Others come to us with a strong brand for retail, but the look and feel of their brand may not be appropriate or well-suited for Costco specifically. We witness a variety of different manufacturers and service providers with a variety of different needs that we are ready and willing to serve.

Many of our clients are unaware of just how much work is needed to move forward with a Costco program, but we perform a detailed analysis of your company brand, product, packaging, etc. to inform you of what will be required to move forward. Our feedback and recommendations are directed toward your specific needs. From customer service assistance to accounting and invoicing, VendorCo is prepared and qualified to provide tailored assistance to your company.

If you are interested in working with Costco and would like tailored assistance from VendorCo, contact us today. We will analyze your company and create a partnership that is customized according to your needs.

January Blogs – VendorCo Client Benefits

By vendorco

Deciding to form a business partnership is not a decision that is to be taken lightly. There must be comfort and confidence within both parties in order to form a cohesive relationship, and the servicing company should be able to clearly communicate the benefits of a partnership. VendorCo takes this commitment seriously, which is why this month we will be focusing on the services that you receive when you choose VendorCo as your manufacturer representative.

When you partner with VendorCo, your company becomes part of a team with over 20 years of Costco experience. This experience is tied to an array of invaluable benefits that can save you time and money – not to mention stress and strain associated with any unfamiliar retail program. Though certainly not an exhaustive list, the following posts will cover several of the benefits our clients receive:

Happy New Year!

Starting Fresh – VendorCo Representation

By vendorco

If you are looking for expert representation to guide you through Costco, look no further than VendorCo. Our successful track record, years of experience, strong relationships and daily interaction with Costco buyers are just a few reasons why we are qualified and prepared to assist with your Costco program. We have hands on daily experience that simply cannot be matched by other representatives.

Start fresh this month by partnering with VendorCo and increase your chances at Costco success.

Contact us today!

Starting Fresh – Expert Representation

By vendorco

The theme of September thus far has been to start fresh with Costco by partnering with an expert. However, we urge you to be cautious of the representation that you choose. An inside sales representative may have experience working with Costco, but experience does not always align with expertise. Costco is an exceptionally large retailer with many different avenues, offices, and departments. Not all Costco buyers conduct their departments in the same way, so experience in one specific area with one specific product means very little when looking at the big picture.

We recommend searching for an outside representation company that works with Costco every day, through many avenues, offices, and departments. This will ensure that your partners have the knowledge, relationships, and experience that are needed to navigate you through all of your endeavors with Costco Wholesale.

Contact VendorCo for expert representation: https://vendorco.com/contact-us

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