Tag: Costco Vendors

Costco.com – Additional Sales Opportunities

By vendorco

One thing all can agree on is how effective and appreciated Costco samples are. +Costco samples may even be the driving force for a member’s visit to their local warehouse. It may seem as though nothing could match this appeal on Costco.com, but you may be surprised.

Costco.com also offers a sampling program that is designed mostly for non-foods items. Much like in-store sampling, there is a fee to be included in the program which includes prime positioning on Costco.com’s site. Additionally, you have the opportunity to opt in to marketing opportunities that will boost your products presence on Costco.com and visibility to the Costco.com member. (more details are available for our clients and Costco vendors).

In addition to the sampling program, Costco.com also offers the freedom to pitch your product in a way that cannot be done in the warehouse through website descriptive text, images, and videos. If your item is chosen for placement, you have the freedom to develop your website text and include images and video at no additional charge, and with buyer approval. This provides the opportunity to inform Costco members about your product, and to sway “on the fence” consumers to add-to-cart.

If you are interested in Costco.com sales, contact VendorCo today at [email protected] or (949) 326-8909.

Costco International

By vendorco

Costco has several international buying offices outside of the US, including Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Australia. Additionally, Costco is always expanding. International programs operate differently from the US in many regards, including testing requirements, regulations, and procedures.

Working with international buying offices can be an extremely beneficial for several reasons; however, it can also be difficult to approach and navigate.

VendorCo can help hopeful Costco vendors manage their international programs. With a history of international success within Costco, we understand the processes and procedures necessary to create a long term relationship with the international buying offices.

For more information, contact VendorCo at [email protected]

Costco Test

By vendorco

Although we have included a Costco Test in available avenues within Costco, a test program is not actually a sought after category. Instead, a test program is a precursor to Regional or National sales. If a buyer believes that your item may be a reasonable fit for regional or national sales, he/she may choose to test your item before placing it in all targeted warehouses.

During this time your product is placed on the warehouse floor and appears to be an in-line item to the Costco member. The buyers will expect your item to reach a specific sales goal within a reasonable time frame in order to be approved for national sales.

There is a lot to know before proceeding with a test program that goes far beyond this blog. Partnering with a manufacturer representative like VendorCo will help prepare you for the unexpected during your test program. Contact us for more information or to get started at [email protected].

Costco New Vendors

By vendorco

Costco Wholesale is a $75 Billion dollar success story! Their huge success in retail is a reflection of the brands their vendors offer.  No matter if you are one of Costco’s New Vendors or an existing well established vendor, the same holds true: brand, value and volume contribute to the quality Costco Members have grown to expect.

Becoming a New Costco Vendor offers a huge boost to sales and helps drive brand recognition to over 55 Million Costco Members.  Whether Costco shoppers are looking to buy a ½ sheet cake for $17.99, a gazebo for $1,999, or stock up for their business or personal needs, they are confident that Costco products are high quality and reasonably priced, every day.

Which New Costco Vendor will the seasoned Costco buyers purchase from next?  Could it be you? Call VendorCo to find out at (949) 326-8909. We look forward to hearing from you!

February Blogs – What NOT to do

By vendorco

VendorCo’s Senior Account Managers have been working with Costco for over 20 years. This experience includes working inside of Costco’s buying, distribution and diverter program departments, as well as many years of outside Costco representation. Throughout the years, we have seen many vendors crash and burn with their Costco programs, for a variety of different reasons. It is always devastating to see a potential or current vendor lose or suffer losses to their Costco program, all due to mistakes that could be easily avoided with the assistance of a trained eye.

Product placement representatives like VendorCo are here to help manufacturers and service providers avoid costly, detrimental mistakes that can damage relationships and severely impact potential programs with retail. At VendorCo, we cater this service specifically to Costco Wholesale. Still, many manufacturers and service providers maintain the belief that they can navigate Costco’s complex processes alone. This month, we will provide true life examples of mistakes that Costco vendors and potential vendors have made in the past; mistakes that can be easily avoided when you partner with an expert manufacturer representative like VendorCo. Stay tuned, and contact us for expert representation based on years of Costco specific expertise.

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:

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