Small Business: Sales & marketing
A good distributor can make or break your product line. Here's how to find the right one.
Deziree Williams, Sugar Free Baby, Los Angeles
I have a children's eco-friendly clothing line. We are taking it slow because we are branding our line and are in some ways picky about who we sell to. I have recently been approached by a distributor, but I'm not sure if this is the best way to launch into the market. Any advice?
If you want to reach a national audience through the home-shopping networks, you'll need mass-manufacturing capabilities and a catchy storyline.
Mona Kahn, Salt Lake City
I am a jewelry designer and I want to present my merchandise to a larger audience. How do I get my products on ShopNBC, QVC or similar outlets? Read more…
Our Caribbean experts weigh in on which island is best for an expat's bar biz.
Edd, Philadelphia, Pa.
I'm interested in starting a bar or café somewhere in the Caribbean. I have around $400,000 in startup capital and 20 years of experience managing restaurants. I am trying to find the best and easiest island on which to start my business. Read more…
Getting your products on the market is a first step, but getting them in front of the right potential buyers is essential.
Callixte Matala, Mac-uisine, Montreal
A year ago, I started a high-end, stainless-steel kitchen sink distribution company in Montreal. I've recently added bathroom sinks and bathtubs to the line. The sinks are very high end, made of marble and granite, ranging from $600 to $2,500. Cabinet makers and kitchen designers spotlight them, but I'm still having a hard time selling my sinks. I'm trying to target those who are remodeling their kitchens. What should I do? Read more…
Rising above higher commodity costs is challenging, but savvy owners can stay strong by adjusting to changing conditions.
Ahmad bin Saripan
I manage a food-processing business, and our sales are declining as costs and the price of raw materials escalate. How can I improve and grow the business? Read more…
Jesse Placencia, Photogenic Arts, Fort Worth
I own a small photography business and I am looking to try and reach a large market cost effectively. I have tried sites like Craigslist.org and placing ads in newspapers but it's just not working. When using Craigslist, people are too cheap and when using newspapers advertising costs are too expensive to keep the ad going consistently. I was wondering if anyone out there can help me find a new way of marketing my services or suggest an old way that works. Surly I have not thought of everything?
Ask FSB's tips for keeping customers coming back year-round, even during the quiet seasons.
Lisa Jackson, Washington Terrace, Utah
I need a balance in my business. Some months I am swamped. Other months I have nothing. How can I market my services so that work comes in steadily, but slowly enough for me to handle each client with utmost care? Should I advertise a lot and put clients on a waiting list during busy times? Read more…
Amir, Chunky n Chic, Salt Lake City
My wife and I have been making and selling hand-made, semi-precious jewelry for the last 5 years. People really love the variety, quality, unique designs and the price. We usually use chunky stones and therefore named the business as Chunky n Chic. As we grow, should keep the name or change it?
Hone in on your ideal customer and practice cost-effective marketing.
Tom Dunlap, La Verne, Calif.
I own a five-year-old Internet business that sells about $100,000 worth of printer toner a year. Our clients stick around due to the savings we provide – they typically cut 30% to 50% in costs – and our customer service. We’d like to stay small, but we also want to attract more customers. How can we accomplish this without spending much money? Advertising doesn’t seem to be cost-effective, and hiring salespeople hasn’t worked in the past. Read more…
Rodrigo, RNJ Fragrances, Miami
I started an e-commerce website. I have little knowledge of SEO and promoting my site. Where can I get some insight?
