Demo Staffing

As a vendor, you can choose whether or not to enlist a third party for in-house demonstrations. There are many points to consider when making this decision, including location, pricing, training, and staff availability. Costco has 2 third-party companies that they recommend, both of which will abide by and adhere to all of Costco policies and standards. Additionally, all staff members will be food safety certified. If you choose to elect a third party for demo staffing, you will be charged an hourly fee by the designated company. Often, using third-party staffers is the more convenient, but more costly choice. The best choice can vary based on your company’s specific goals.

Need help deciding which staffing option is right for you? VendorCo helps coach all of our partners through the arduous decision making process that will arise throughout your Costco program. If you want to partner with experts to help you make the right decisions, contact VendorCo at [email protected].

Costco Regional Sales: More Information

The regional sales process, like all of Costco’s internal workings, can be complicated for new vendors to understand. There is no manual to help potential vendors navigate Costco’s buying processes. The time, energy, and resources that companies expend to research Costco will only pale in comparison to first hand experience. Trial and error is not the way to go with Costco. You often have one chance to prove your product/company success, and it’s important to make the most of it.

 

With over 25 years of Costco experience, VendorCo’s sales representatives are experts in Costco’s procedures, and sensitive to the needs of companies small, medium, and large. We are passionate about making sure our partners are fully informed of all options, benefits, risks, etc. Having an inside source can help your company make a clear decision of how to proceed, without having to guess.

For more information about Costco regional sales, consider partnering with a manufacturer representative like VendorCo. Our knowledgeable and experienced representatives will lead your company through the complex Costco channels. We provide you with the tools to obtain the ultimate level of Costco success. Contact us today to get started at [email protected].

Costco Shipping More Information

Costco operates a streamlined supply chain that minimizes material handling and promotes efficient packaging, which gives them a competitive advantage and adds to the low cost pricing structure that members are so accustomed to. In a matter of hours, goods can be transferred from the depots to the sales floor, or direct-to-store from manufacturers.

Vendors are responsible for arranging transportation and all other logistics in shipping their product from origin to Costco. Understanding all aspects of the shipping process for in-store and .com is vital to the smooth operations of your program. If you need help with this complex choreography, work with an experienced representative at VendorCo. We can help you prepare and plan to ship to Costco, and cut out the guess work. Email us at [email protected].

Costco Shipping E-commerce

E-commerce shipping at Costco may or may not deviate from processes that you currently have in place. It is just as important to understand the online shipping options as it is to understand in store. To further complicate the process, Costco is pushing for combined buys of many of these items. This means that the in-store and .com buyers work together to make their buying decisions. This process varies depending on the department and item, especially if it is a bid item.

You should know before presenting your item to Costco if it could potentially fall into this category. The pricing structure and process is very different from independently purchased items. Work with a representative to help you with the process. Email us at [email protected].

Costco Shipping

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].

Costco Sales Assistance

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.com Vendor Advantages

First, Costco.com offers greater buying potential to manufacturers. If your company is unable to land a Costco in-store account, you can always attempt to pursue Costco.com. And while Costco in-store items must serve a larger demographic, Costco.com items have the potential to fit in a more niche category.

Costco.com items can also help reduce return rates for impulse buys, and an optional survey is provided at the time of a return request. This option allows Costco and your company to pinpoint exactly why members are returning your product to locate areas of growth and improvement.

Additionally, Costco.com offers members the opportunity to review your product. If you are able to land an account with Costco.com, chances are good that your product is high quality. Member reviews allow potential customers to hear firsthand accounts of how great your product functions for the Costco member.

Costco.com also offers advertising and sales opportunities that are not available through Costco in-store, and are delivered directly to the member. To read more about advertising and sales opportunities, check out our next blog post.

Costco Specialty Departments

Costco has several avenues outside of those listed in the previous entries. Specialty Departments may include Costco’s Travel, Optical, Pharmacy, and many more. Some items may cross over to specialty departments, and if so, it is important to understand how they differ from other Costco avenues.

If you believe your product or service may fall into a specialty department and are interested in seeking representation, contact VendorCo today to get started at [email protected]

Costco.com

Costco’s ecommerce products do not necessarily match the warehouse inventory. Not all products that you see on Costco.com are available in the warehouses, and vice versa. Costco.com offers a higher SKU count and a wider demographic, as you do not have to be a Costco member to make a purchase on Costco.com. This makes Costco.com an attractive option to manufacturers having difficulty with in-line sales placement.

Before you get too eager, you should know that Costco.com does pose certain challenges for the hopeful vendor. For example, you are typically expected to be responsible for your own fulfillment with capabilities to drop ship to any US address, included Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. It is important to account for this, and many other responsibilities that you will have as a Costco.com supplier.

For more information about what is required for Costco.com sales, or to speak to VendorCo sales representative, call us at (866) 883-4480 or e-mail [email protected]

Selling to Costco – Which Avenue is Right for You?

VendorCo is all about helping manufacturers and service providers sell to Costco. There are many common misconceptions about Costco’s business that can be detrimental to potential vendors seeking a relationship with Costco.

One way that many companies hinder their relationship with Costco is by misunderstanding which avenue is most appropriate for their product. This month we are dedicating our blog to introducing and explaining the multiple avenues of Costco Wholesale. This month, we hope to help potential Costco vendors gain a better understanding as to where they should start.

Although we will explain the main avenues of Costco briefly, the information provided is in no way a comprehensive explanation of each area. There is much more to know about each area of Costco that can only be acquired through hands on experience, or by speaking to an expert at length.

An even better option is to have an expert by your side while you navigate each bump and hurdle. VendorCo offers representation to established companies that are prepared to work with Costco. We are happy to review your business and provide our opinion regarding your Costco readiness. If you would like to speak to a VendorCo executive account manager, or if you wish to move forward with a sales representative, contact us at [email protected].

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