How to be a preferred supplier for a retail giant
Here's FSB's advice on how to become a supplier for the Home Depot, Wal-Mart and other giant retailers. Do you love or hate working with a big company? Share here.
From D.O., Seattle, WA It is important to note that margin and return on investment is everything for the big boxes. It is a merchants jobs to work as much margin out of the supplier as possible. Even if means the supplier goes under or bails out (there will be another waiting at the door). So protect you financial data. It will be used against you.
From J.C, Miami, FL I work for a company whom is actually a vendor (supplier) to Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Home Depot, K-Mart, H-E-B, and Reno Depot Canada, and i must say it is a great experience you will learn alot from the corporate minds, and will meet different people with different mindsets, although it is a very good experience, do not forget that it is a very demanding job, you are on call everyday all-day, if you think you manage it than go for it.
One more thing to add, stores will be contacting you for everything so make sure you have a very well trained customer service team, if not you will feel the burn quickly.
Good Luck.
There is a book called HOW SMALL BUSINESS TRADES WORLDWIDE that covers the entire process of sourcing and selling, and tracks with Matt Yuba's advice. it has 26 out of 27 5 star ratings on amazon.