Everyone on staff at The DIME Store is an artist. We have all done wholesale, and a few of us have a lot of wholesale accounts. So, not only do we have experience on the store side of things, but we also have experience on the vendor side of things. In fact, a few Summers ago, we went on a road trip to a variety of shops in Texas that are similar to ours to say hi to our friends and get a chance to see what other people are doing (I’ll include a list of the shops we visited at the bottom of this post). One of the most striking things about that trip was seeing each store's varying personalities in person. While we are all gift shops in Texas, each store's aesthetic, mission, and overall feel were utterly different. We got a chance to walk into beautiful and swoon-worthy stores and go, “My products wouldn’t be a good fit here.” Not because our products aren’t high-quality or appealing but because the style wasn’t a great match for each shop. The lesson was clear: a rejection isn't a reflection of your product's quality but often a matter of fit.

Now that I’m on the buying side of things, I’m reminded of that trip regularly. There is often a feeling of “this is going to sting to get a no since the quality of this product is obviously high, but it’s simply not a great fit for us.” Each store knows its community, its demographic, and its customer’s budget. They have a good idea of what will sell well to their customers and what won’t. Rejections are seldom personal; they signify a misalignment of aesthetics, missions, or customer preferences. So, before you hit that apply button, let's walk through some crucial considerations:

1. KNOW YOUR FIT

Your product may be fantastic, but it might not resonate with every store's vibe. Investigate the store's aesthetic, mission, and price points. A crucial tip: check if the store already houses products in the same category as yours. Ask yourself if your offering brings a unique twist to that category, making it a fresh addition rather than a repetition. If there's a mismatch, consider it a sign to explore other fitting options. Don't force it; find the stores where your products blend seamlessly. They’re out there, I promise. 

2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Research is your best friend. Know the store owner's name, understand what makes the shop tick, and genuinely express why your product is an ideal fit. Find out if there's a preferred contact method or a specific submission process. It takes time, but it's worth the effort.

3. PREPARE FOR WHOLESALE SUCCESS

Understand the wholesale game before diving in. Comprehend pricing, minimums, lead times, and shipping costs. Be ready to answer questions about your invoicing process. Being well-versed in these aspects not only showcases your professionalism but also fosters trust with potential buyers. If you’re new to the process, be upfront about that. Being new isn’t disqualifying; it simply informs the buyer of what to expect. 

4. WEB PRESENCE MATTERS

Your website is your virtual storefront. Ensure it gives a crystal-clear picture of your products. Even if you're new and only use social media, your link should showcase your work effortlessly. Make your products, quality, and packaging evident. A well-curated online presence is a powerful tool that speaks volumes to potential buyers.

Final Thoughts

We understand personally how vulnerable it can feel to put yourself out there. Our tips are here to equip you with the tools for a successful application and, more importantly, the understanding that not every store is the perfect fit. And that's okay! Refine your product line, conduct thorough research, and, most importantly, stay hopeful. Your product might not fit every store, but it's undoubtedly a perfect match for some. So, refine, research, and get out there—your next wholesale success story awaits!

With that being said, our Maker Submission is back open! We are always looking for new and unique products, so please reach out if you feel your products are a good fit for DIME.

P.S. Here’s that list of Texas shops we visited:

• Read Between the Lines (Plano, TX)

• Gifted (Fort Worth, TX)

• The Paper + Craft Pantry (Austin, TX)

• Paper Work (Austin, TX)

• Take Heart (Austin, TX)

• Ballad of the Bird Dog (Brenham, TX)