And Another Wholesale/Resale Question...

[Kristen]

Okay... I'd love some btdt advice as well as speculation... just wondering what to do about exposure in wholesaling... do you think it's wise to limit how many people/wahm's/stores resell your product? In my case, a cd'ing item. Do you think it would be wise to limit the number of resellers you accept? Overexposure could be bad, I'm thinking- I mean, do you think too many stores could carry it and then the demand would decrease? I don't know- all these thoughts are popping into my head- I just accepted 3 new resellers this past couple of weeks and I just got a new email so I'm wondering what all your thoughts are on this and what I should do...
TIA!

[ObsessiveAndrea]

I think starting small and building bigger is the best way to do it. You can always reevvaluate your plan when things start picking up. A business is ever evolving and ever changing and so it is best to constantly evaluate how things are done and how it is effecting the business.

[sewingbarbj]

I think the number of places you take should depend on how much you can produce . You want to make sure you can supply in a reasonable time. You also might want to look at the customer profiles of the sites you are provideing. Different people cater to different clients so you might want to limit the number of sellers who supply the same type of client. Example some specialize in fleece loving clients, some in wool, some in prefolds.....

[NatalieS]

You can always grow but it's hard to downsize. I do think that it's a good thing to have fewer retailers at first- it keeps your products special. Iron out any kinks and then you'll be set to broaden.

Plus, WAHM's are the original hyenas and they will want your stuff!

[Moukii]

Quality not Quantity...

I always think it's quality not quantity. But I disagree that you can't downsize because you can, and sometimes that works better and more efficent than if you stayed big.

Imagine exactly where you want your product to be and find a way to get it there. Set your goal and stick to it. Big or small, it should be based on your goal of what you want...what feels right.

I've had businesses both ways: one where I wanted it to stay smaller and one with high growth. Both were planned that way. Both were right for where they were.

Hope that helps.

[Moukii]

Great book...

Read E-Myth by Michael Gerber

I also disagree with start small grow big. Sorry.

Read E-Myth. Put everything aside and dream of how you see your business perfect...making you happy...helping others...etc... Dream big. Set your plan. Execute it small (or large if you're brave) steps, however you're comfortable...but always have that goal you're reaching for.

I think it's all about vision. If you get in the car and drive with no destination where will you go? Maybe lots of great places, maybe not, but either way you're just along for the ride. If you get in the car and plan to see all kinds of wonderful sights on your way to ...Timbucktoo. Odds are you'll get to Timbucktoo because it's in your sights. (Sorry I'm not wording this exactly right. I hope you follow anyway.)

Read E-Myth...it's good.