Do you want to know the secret to getting your products on store shelves and keeping them there? The real answer is building strong, trusting relationships with the retailers who sell your items. A good partnership means you both win when your product sells well. In this post, we will share simple, proven ways to build a strong bond with retail buyers, especially those at a giant store like CVS.

Know What the Retailer Wants

Before you even try to sell your product, you need to know who you are talking to. Every store has different goals and a different type of shopper. You need to do your homework to understand what the retailer cares about most. For a store like CVS, they really care about health, wellness, and helping their customers feel better.

You need to know what sections they have in their store and what kinds of products they are looking for right now.

• Look closely at the items they already sell.
• Find out what kind of shopper buys things at their store.
• Ask yourself if your product helps them meet their goals.

If you show the buyer that you understand their store, they will be much more likely to trust you. You can learn more about how to make a great first impression in our post about Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Pitching Your Products to CVS.

Keep Talking and Listening

Talking often is the best way to keep a friendship strong, and it works for business too. You need to have regular meetings with your retail partners. These check-ins are not just to talk about sales, but to see how things are going and find ways to grow together. When you talk, make sure you are also listening very carefully to what the retailer needs.

If the store has a problem or a suggestion, you need to listen and try to help. You also need to be very honest about what you can and cannot do. If a problem happens with shipping, tell them right away. Being honest builds trust, and trust makes a business partnership last a long time.

Look at the Numbers Together

Stores love to see numbers that show a product is doing well. You need to look at your sales data every single week. This helps you know exactly how many items are selling and which stores are doing the best. When you share this information with the retailer, it shows you care about making them money.

Looking at the numbers also helps you spot problems early. If sales are slowing down, you and the store can work together to fix it. Maybe you need to change the price or try a new coupon. You can read our guide on How to Prevent Out of Stocks at CVS Without Over Shipping to see why watching numbers is so important.

Be the Best Helper

Having a great product is only half the job; you also have to be a great helper. You should always be ready to jump in and support the store when they need it. This could mean helping them figure out the best way to put your items on the shelf. It could also mean helping them manage their inventory so they never run out of your product.

Sometimes, the best way to help is to train the store workers about your product. If the workers know why your item is great, they can tell the shoppers.

• Give them easy cards with quick facts.
• Teach them the best ways to use the product.
• Show them how your item solves a customer’s problem.

Being a good helper proves that you want the store to succeed just as much as you want to succeed. To learn more about getting your items retail-ready, review The Essential Checklist: What CVS Requires from Suppliers Today.

Team Up for Sales Events

A great way to build a relationship is to work together on special sales. You should not just drop your boxes off and walk away. You need to come up with ideas for coupons, special signs, or holiday deals. Working with the store on these plans shows you are a true partner.

You can also ask the retailer how you can be part of their own big sales events. If CVS is having a special week for health products, see if you can join in. This teamwork brings more shoppers into the store to buy your items. It is a win for you and a win for the retailer! If you want to improve how your items look during these events, check out our tips on How to Build a Strong Brand Presence in CVS.

Conclusion

Building a strong relationship with a retailer takes time and hard work, but it is worth it. By understanding their needs, talking often, and helping them sell more, you become a partner they can trust. When a big store like CVS trusts you, your business can grow very fast. If you need expert help making these connections, the team at Shuster Group is ready to guide you every step of the way!