7 Tips for Convenience Store Wholesalers

Wholesaling to independent groceries and convenience stores can be both rewarding and challenging. To ensure success in this endeavor, here are the Top 7 Tips for making your Wholesale Distribution Route Business a success:

1. Pick the Best Products: To ensure a successful start, focus on products or services that boast both high turnover and strong profit margins. This combination will provide the best opportunity for success.

2. Find Excellent Suppliers: If you are looking to stock your convenience store route business, there are hundreds of wholesalers-to-distributor companies that can provide you with merchandise. When you get in touch with a supplier, make sure to let them know that you are interested in purchasing items in case quantity and requesting distributor pricing. Many of these wholesalers also offer special pricing to retail stores, so be sure to take advantage of that.

3. Variety is King: When beginning a distribution route business, it is important to have a wide variety of products on hand in your service vehicle. This way, you can easily replenish any out-of-stock items at retail store locations. Providing this service can be beneficial to your stores without interfering with regular suppliers, especially if the needed items are low or nonexistent at the time of your visit.

4. New Product Introductions: Encourage yourself to think outside the box! Search for products and services that are fresh and stimulating. Bring your retail store locations something new - this will make you a great supplier, and they'll be excited for your return every couple of weeks. Make sure the products you offer have a guaranteed sale so that your stores can trust that the space at the checkout counter is bringing in money for both parties.

5. You are in a Service Business: If you want to be a successful convenience store distributors, you must go above and beyond what is expected. Ensure that you allow for extra time when ordering products for a store in order to compensate for potential delays from suppliers. Furthermore, take a few minutes to help the store owner or manager with basic tasks such as taking away empty boxes, dusting off displays, and tidying up the merchandise. Doing these simple things can make you stand out from other distributors who just drop off the products and leave.

6. Locations, Locations, Locations: Build your wholesale distribution route business by targeting multiple locations. Visit every independent and franchised grocery and convenience store in your city, town, and county. Additionally, call on any stores that have checkout counter sundries. By expanding your reach to multiple locations, you can ensure that your business is successful.

7. Enjoy your Wholesale Route Business: Working hard is easy when you put in the effort. Attend trade shows, expos, and join trade associations for your wholesale industry to stay informed and up-to-date. Maintaining a dedication to learning will keep your venture fresh, exciting, and, most of all, a profitable and enjoyable experience.