Shoppers at local supermarkets and retail stores are seeing empty shelves as the supply chain continues to have issues. Consumers may not be able to find all the items they need and this is the perfect opportunity for new suppliers to jump in and stock those shelves. Retailers need to secure new supply lines and the scope of their search broadens by the day. Suppliers still need to find a way to contact buyers and get their products in front of them.

Target Your Market

Before getting in contact with a buyer, it’s important to iron out a sales pitch and determine the type of retailer you want to attract. Lately big box retailers have been hungry for new stock. Providing for one of those larger retailers often requires a high product output and not every manufacturer is built for that kind of scale at first. Smaller chains have suffered just as much as the large retailers, and they also need product to fill shelves and draw customers back. Working with these retailers could increase the chance of a sale.

Try Online Stores

Suppliers should also keep virtual shelves on their radar. Physical stores still occupy a permanent place in retail; however, in the last few years have transformed online shopping. Virtual storefronts like Amazon.com, Walmart, and even The Home Depot have a home for everything from name brands to niche products. Online only shelves have a lower barrier to entry and there is no limited shelf space to fight over. Competition is still fierce in these marketplaces and suppliers will need to differentiate themselves to avoid being lost in the crowd.

Connect on Social Media

“Active marketing” should be the primary objective, while avenues such as posting your information in a marketplace should be treated as supporting actions. The fact that many buyers are still working remotely complicates matters further. Phone, email, and direct mail are the traditional ways to contact these decision makers and social media can also be utilized to make connections. Suppliers that connect in multiple places make themselves more visible and are more likely to be reviewed by a merchandiser

Be Transparent

The current state of the supply chain has created a headache for every industry and businesses are looking for partners with supply chain transparency. They need to know where and how their vendors are getting and transporting their goods to ensure that sustainable practices are in place. A manufacturer who is upfront about their own supply chain will increase their chances of creating a long-term and fruitful partnership.
Now is the time to act and get your products in front of buyers. Chains Store Guide offers multiple databases that can help you get contacts for small, large and digital retailers. Partnering with CSG can enable you to make that important first connection across multiple marketing channels including social media, email, search engine advertising, and more. Don’t wait for them to come to you; make business happen.