MANAGING LOCAL MAKER / ARTIST CONSIGNMENT GOODS IN YOUR BUSINESS

We think having products from at least two local makers / artists is important in any newsXpress business. besides the opportunity for revenue, having the products subtly pitches your local credentials. It subtly says hey we support local markers and artists and this is another reason you should support us.

Our recommendation is that you limit the space you give to this project. Limiting the space can make the space you allocate more valuable and have people keen to get their products in to have to wait and this can, itself, facilitate demand.

Our suggestion is that you start with products from two makers / artists.

SOURCING PRODUCTS.

Pitch on Facebook with something like this:

CALLING LOCAL MARKETS AND ARTISTS. We want to help you reach a wider audience. If you have locally made products or art pieces that you think we could sell, please make direct contact with us. We offer space in our shop and promotion of your goods, to help you reach more people - on a profit share basis. We think local matters and one way we can practically show this is to get what you make in front of more people. The products must be local, made by you, from ethically sourced materials and be safe.

For commercial terms we suggest that you offer to stock the products with a 50/50 split of proceeds with you paying nothing for any items that are stolen and them providing additional stock if there is to be any sampling.

Offer to place any brochures from them with the goods, to help them reach more people.

Encourage them to promote your  business on their social media, with you doing the same for them.

Say you will stock the goods for four weeks and then review.

Ask that they not stock any other store while you have the goods in your store.

PROMOTING IN-STORE.

Set aside space at the front of the shop. Talk internally about this being your local matters space.

Create a beautiful display which respects the specific products.

Train your staff. Ensure they fully understand the products and why you have them in-store.

Sign post it simply, with a sign like this one we saw in a Hallmark Gold Crown store, but with your own wording:

MANAGING THE RELATIONSHIP.

Keep the local supplier engaged. Make sure they know how it is going. Feedback could help them be more engaged with you in-store and this could boost sales.

If the products are successful, either extend the time on the shop floor or book a return visit - as appropriate for the goods and for the local maker / artist.

When the time on the shop floor nears an end, express gratefulness for the opportunity ion social media. This helps reinforce your commitment to supporting local makers and artists.

Good luck. Keep your fellow newsXpress members up to date on how this goes for you.