Wed, Jun 22 2011
We’ve been getting a lot of questions from inventors and community members asking what they can do to help generate retail interest in products. We love the enthusiasm and persistence coming from the community, but it’s important to abide by some guidelines to make sure that you do more good than harm.
It is imperative that all retail discussions begin and end with Chad. As Quirky’s Head of Sales, it’s his responsibility to form strategic partnerships with retailers and to pitch them not just individual products, but the entire Quirky brand and story.
If you have a personal relationship with someone at a major retailer, you have Chad’s permission to email him directly (CC questions@quirky.com to keep us in the loop) with the contact details of your connection. Once you hand off that information, Chad will for sure reach out to them. Do not incessantly email Chad just to say “I think Quirky should be in Walmart.”
If you do not have a personal relationship with someone at a major retailer, it’s best to leave all communication with Chad.
So, what can you as a community member do to generate retail interest since big-box retailers are off limits?
There are tons of small stores, mom and pop shops, out there that aren’t on our radar. Feel free to have a conversation with them about Quirky. Explain the process, give examples of products, and if they’re interested, have them reach out to us. Do not misrepresent yourself as an employee of Quirky.
Also, understand that we do not offer commission or influence for bringing in retail partners. If you are reaching out to local businesses it should be because you want to share the Quirky story and will do anything to get the word out to benefit the entire community… not because you are looking to make a quick buck.
Retail relationships present huge opportunities for Quirky and the Quirky community. Remember that these relationships don’t necessarily happen overnight, and that, while your heart might be in the right place, some things are better left for the professionals. If you consider the fact that in just about one year we went from being in 17 retail store fronts to being in over 6,000, I think you’ll agree that we’re on the right track.
