In: Retailing Tips|Last Updated:

In today’s hyper-competitive market, product discovery is often more challenging for emerging brands than the production process for its products. While large retailers and e-commerce giants have typically been the avenues of choice, independent retailers are increasingly becoming a viable and rewarding alternative. 

Unlike large chains, independent retailers offer a unique mix of benefits to brands. They are often more receptive to novel products, allowing new market entrants an opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas without the barriers often presented by larger retailers. Independents also cater to a more localized customer base, fostering a stronger sense of community. This can translate into enhanced brand loyalty, word-of-mouth marketing, and customer retention, which are all crucial for emerging brands looking to establish a firm footing in the market.

Moreover, independent retailers are often more flexible in terms of negotiations and contractual agreements. They provide a platform for manufacturers to negotiate better terms and conditions, including pricing, delivery, and payment schedules. This can significantly reduce the financial strain on suppliers, enabling them to invest more in product development and growth strategies.

Egaging independent retailers

Following are some recommendations on how to build relationships with independent retailers.

Research: The first step is to research …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
Influencer Media Kit: Definition, Benefits, and Steps to Create

So you’ve got the followers, the engagement, and the content. Brands are sliding into your DMs on your social media accounts, and now you’re thinking about leveling up. The answer? An influencer media kit.

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What is an influencer media kit?

An influencer media kit is a brief document that digital influencers share with potential clients. It typically includes crucial details about your target audience and clearly lists the services you provide. This document acts as a quick reference for your work, skills, and what you can bring to a partnership on social media platforms.

An effective influencer media kit doesn’t require multiple pages—a one- or two-page PDF or a dedicated webpage often suffices. And if design isn’t your strong suit, there are various influencer media kit templates available to help you get started.

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Influencer media kit vs. press kit

An influencer media kit is a document you create to highlight your work and appeal to potential clients. A press kit, meanwhile, serves as a tool to communicate information to media outlets. A standard press kit outlines a business’s services, introduces …

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In: Retailing Tips|Last Updated:
How to Get Product Placement in Movies and TV

Securing product placement in movies and TV shows is a complex endeavor that involves close collaboration with many different people, such as producers, directors, prop masters, set directors, stylists, make-up artists, and marketing teams. The process can be quite challenging due to the highly competitive nature of Hollywood productions. 

Numerous factors come into play when contemplating product placement, making it a multifaceted task. Filmmakers and TV producers are discerning about the products they choose to feature, giving priority to those that align seamlessly with the narrative, characters, and overall aesthetic of the project. Successful integration requires the product to blend harmoniously into the storyline, while considerations such as budget limitations, legal constraints, contractual obligations, and industry relationships further complicate matters.

Nonetheless, various approaches can be employed to facilitate product placement collaborations. Thorough research and strategic targeting are instrumental in identifying movies and TV shows that align with a brand’s identity and target audience. Engaging with production companies, studios, or networks involved in the content of interest is crucial, involving the preparation of a comprehensive proposal that emphasizes the organic fit of the product within the content, as well as the value and advantages it offers.

Recently, a webinar hosted by …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
How to Source Products (+9 Top Sourcing Websites and Apps) [2023]

To build a successful ecommerce business, you need an effective way to source products — but like so many things in life, this is easier said than done.

Before you can source products, you must choose a product sourcing method that works for you, evaluate different product sourcing companies, and then select a supplier to work with.

If that's not enough hard work, there are so many options out there — which ones should you consider?

No need to worry — we've got you covered.

In this product sourcing guide, you'll learn everything you need to know to get started. First, we'll explore 3 popular product sourcing strategies. We'll then take a look at 9 product sourcing websites and apps that you can use.

But first, let's get on the same page:

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What Is Product Sourcing?

Here's a quick product sourcing definition:

Product sourcing is the act of acquiring products that you can sell. Today, most businesses source products online via B2B marketplaces, but you can also source products locally or at trade shows.

How to Source Products for Your Business

Basically, there are 3 main product sourcing strategies — …

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In: Retailing Tips|Last Updated:

We’re back! In our previous RangeMe column on consumer packaged goods (CPG) Marketing, we gave a top-level view of understanding your audience, holistic branding, and the types of advertising strategies you need to consider in order to influence merchandise buyers in your niche (click here to read the column).

In this column, we’re going to dig a little deeper into all the unique variables of branding as we explore how to develop a brand that breaks through the clutter and tells your unique story in a way that resonates with both merchandise buyers and consumers— so it’s your product they can’t stop thinking about!

Let’s dive in!

The power of branding

You probably know what we’re going to say… that to succeed in today’s market, you have to create a strong brand presence. Whether you’re a product supplier, business owner, entrepreneur, or product innovator, effective branding can make all the difference in capturing the attention of merchandise buyers and their consumers.

Branding is not just about having a pretty logo or a catchy slogan. It is about creating an emotional connection with your target audience and conveying the value proposition of your product. And you have to do all of …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
10 Best Marketplace Websites for Growing Ecommerce Sales

Marketplace websites continue to attract ecommerce merchants from all corners of the globe. After all, there’s no better way to gain access to a broad, active audience than by selling through these sites. But while there are benefits to selling online via marketplaces, it’s important to consider factors such as transaction fees and commission to choose the best platform for you.

Below, we’ll walk you through some of the best marketplace websites you can consider for growing your business. You’ll get to choose from a good mix, including marketplaces focused on specific niches like furniture and tech. 

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Top online selling sites and marketplaces

1. Amazon

Top online selling site: Amazon

Unsurprisingly, Amazon takes the top spot due to its sheer volume of revenue and sales. It’s reported that the company sells over 400 products per minute, providing merchants with an active, high-intent audience to sell to. 

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Selling on Amazon requires you to sign up for an Individual or Professional plan. The Individual plan has no signup fees but requires you to pay 99¢ per item sold (plus the extra selling fees). The Professional plan, …

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