Independent Retailer » Company Spotlight

Pallet Bargains from AML

Publisher — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:01:28 +0000

The saying goes, “Someone’s trash is someone else’s treasure.” And while clearance items, customer returns, and surplus inventory aren’t necessarily to be categorized as trash, they are no treasure to full-price retailers looking to generate cash fast. However, off-price retailers are looking to resell these “throw-aways” at a significant discount, taking advantage of forecasting mistakes made by their counterparts in the full-price retail sector. Connecting buyers and sellers has often been a challenge in the business of off-price merchandise, except for American Merchandise Liquidators (AML), a company that self professes, “Buying inventory is our business.”

Off-price Merchandise by the Pallet Provides Profit at Low Wholesale Prices

With 19 years of experience as a brick and mortar liquidation company, AML sells a variety of merchandise below wholesale prices and carries one of the largest inventories of off-price merchandise in the business. AML carries nationally recognized brand names and private label goods, specializing in all products that can feasibly be shipped by pallet, lot or truckload, including general merchandise, electronics, health and beauty aids, housewares and home appliances, sporting goods, tools and equipment. “We do sell some product by the piece, depending upon the item and its value,” notes Mike White, VP of Purchasing. “Most of our customers purchase lots of three pallets and up.”

Large order sizes, however, aren’t a problem for most of AML’s customers, as the company purchases products below the typical wholesale price and then offers them at a percentage of cost. “Since we receive the products and pallets as is, our customers should expect 15 to 25 percent of their order to need repair or be discarded,” says White. “However, their profit margin will still be high, as they can sell the rest of the product for full wholesale cost, and many times, only percentages below retail value.” According to White, people are always looking for a bargain no matter the economy, and with AML’s pallets, off-price retailers can provide just that to their customers and make a healthy profit at the same time.

A new venture for AML, PalletBid.com was created as a way to give their customers an opportunity to bid on a vast supply of assorted pallets, truckloads, and lots. Launched in January 2011, PalletBid.com helps retail stores, catalog companies and online stores dispose of surplus inventory by connecting them with off-price resellers at flea markets, auctions, and online. PalletBid.com provides an interactive online marketplace for both buyers and sellers to source surplus inventory, featuring a powerful and easy to use interface, online freight and payment services, downloadable manifests, interactive services, and an innovative search utility. “The basic need for PalletBid.com was to put the inventory we have in front of the buying public,” says Gerald Hughes, president of American Merchandise Liquidators. “That was the reason we were looking at creating a website, because we have a lot of merchandise at American Merchandise Liquidators, and we needed a medium to display that inventory.”

For buyers, the process of signing up on PalletBid.com is very simple. The first step is to fill out a short registration form, and then take a look through American Merchandise Liquidators’ inventory and request instant shipping quotes. Once the account is approved, the user will be able to bid on any item within the inventory, or click on the “buy” button to immediately secure the purchase. To complete the transaction, the next step is paying online with a credit card, or contacting one of AML’s representatives to pay by wire transfer or cash. There is no minimum purchase requirement, and with multiple FOB points around the country shipping is made easy.

For more information:
PalletBid.com/American Merchandise Liquidators
15810-A Highway 59
Foley, AL 36535
Tel.: 251-970-1100
Fax: 251-970-1101
Website: www.PalletBid.com

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Self Defense Supplies

Publisher — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:01:05 +0000

In today’s world, dangers and disasters may be right around the corner, despite the best possible preparations and precautions. Simply stated, personal awareness and preparation is the best defense in combating the unkown. “Take for instance the recent economic hardship we’ve faced. People are now looking to protect more of their personal assets in this time of loss,” says Dana Ellington, president of Self Defense Supply. “There is also a substantial need for survival products, as many people have had to face the devastation of natural disasters this past year. All in all, people are searching for items that will help protect ‘Me and My Own’.” It is Self Defense Supply’s acute sensitivity to the general population’s needs that has led the company to the forefront of an industry that is growing daily and turning profits.

Extensive Knowledge and Self Defense Weaponry and Supplies

Ellington is a passionate man with extensive knowledge of self defense weaponry and supplies. His experience has been acquired over nearly 15 years as a manufacturer and wholesaler, and he is still primarily a businessman with roots as a retailer, looking to increase business for his wholesale buyers. “Our goal is to bring retailers the best, most desirable merchandise at the best prices to help them succeed. We want their businesses to grow and make money,” says Ellington. Part of the plan for success is providing a one stop shop for retailers looking for a mix and match of products, or perhaps only a couple of items. “If you wanted to start an account with Kershaw, United, Gerber, Smith and Wesson, and all of our many other brand name items, you would have to apply to all of them, meet their high initial order requirements, and jump through all other kinds of hoops. Even if you needed only a few items, you would have to meet their high reorder requirements. Plus you’d have shipping to pay on all those shipments, and all that tracking to keep up with,” notes Ellington. Which is why he thinks it makes much more sense to pick up the phone and place one order for all your merchandising needs.

With a limited start in knives, stun guns and pepper spray, Self Defense Supply ambitiously grew its product lines to include items such as tasers, surveillance systems and even 30 year shelf life food products. “We are a regional distributor for Mountain House Food. Our 20 year partnership has lead us to be a primary distributor for them, as other distributors and dealers are being shut down. These products are ideal for those consumers who have increased concerns about survival and preparedness,” adds Ellington. Other highlighted product lines are Self Defense Supply’s manufactured line of blowguns and pepper spray. Simply, “You’ll get products available nowhere else! Self Defense Supply owns Avenger Blowguns and is the largest manufacturer of blowguns in the world, so?we know how to do it right. That’s why our blowguns carry a lifetime guarantee,” says Ellington. “Crime Halter Pepper Spray, plus Stunzilla, Panther, and Black Cobra Stun Guns make their home here as well.”

The market is driven by new and unique products, and customers are on the prowl for new products with a purpose. Self Defense Supply is aggressive in learning about trends, updating products, and all there is to know about self defense supplies, as well as the best ways to market them successfully in a retail store. “We actually spend a lot of time, effort and manpower to find the best products to turn profits. We also give retailers marketing signs, sales tips and more, designed to help sell more.” Retailers interested in working with Self Defense Supply are required to fill out an application and create a login to view wholesale prices on the company’s website. “We do not offer up our wholesale prices without this login, as we are not selling to the general public. But we do offer some products as low as $2 to $5 wholesale,” explains Ellington. “And retailers can always expect to make keystone and quite often triple their purchasing price.” Other benefits for retailers include volume pricing, piece quantity discounts, and both single and case pricing.

For more information:
Self Defense Supply
1819 Firman Dr. #101
Richardson, TX 75081
Tel.: 972-644-6800
Email: Use online form
Website: www.selfdefensesupply.com

Soaring Sales with Travel Accessories

Publisher — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:01:09 +0000

With around two billion domestic travelers in 2011, travel accessories manufacturers and wholesalers such as Naftali, Inc. have found a profitable niche in the travel merchandise industry. Whether travelers are one of the 453 million hitting the tarmacs for business, or one of over a billion departing for leisure, they are bound to endure a certain level of stress. It is accessories like Naftali’s 500 skus that provide comfort, convenience and security in the hectic environment at the airport or train station. And with a little over seven billion dollars being spent on travel for the year, consumers are looking for accessories to fit within their travel budgets, such as Naftali’s $5 to $25 merchandise.

Travel Accessories for All Traveling Methods

For a low wholesale cost of $1 to $9, along with the help of an eye-catching POP display, retailers can realize profits on some of the best-selling travel merchandise. Among the well recognized product categories in Naftali’s catalog are luggage finders and luggage locks. The company has raised the bar on finding luggage with the patented Easy2Pick Wireless Luggage Finder System, created to reduce stress and simplify the process of locating luggage or missing items. Easy2Pick is the only wireless device that beeps and flashes from a remote receiver that can attach to a keychain, and alerts the traveler when the tag is within 100 feet. The simple one-touch operation and comfortable carrying size makes Easy2Pick very convenient, and the battery is good for up to 100 hours and is easily changed.

Another option to help travelers retrieve luggage is the Easy2Pick LED Luggage Finder System, another patented electronic device that uses the latest LED technology so travelers can pinpoint bags from a distance. Four different LEDs flash a selection of sixteen fully customizable color combinations. “The simple design of Easy2Pick LED Luggage Finder makes it effective in tracking a variety of objects, including camping equipment, tool and equipment cases and bags, and most other case or bagged items. Whether traveling by boat, bus, car, train or plane, it makes the trip less stressful and more efficient,” says Yosi Naftali, president.

Travelers aren’t the only ones concerned about the safety of their luggage in transportation hubs. Security is increasing, as we face daily threats both domestically and internationally. Naftali’s newest line of Travel Sentry Approved (TSA) locks provide travelers with peace of mind and airport security convenience during their routine luggage checks. “Each TSA lock has a special identification mark alerting the TSA and other airport security agencies that they can open this lock without destroying it,” explains Naftali. “Each of these locks has a special code, which is used by the TSA and other security agencies to know which tool to use to open the lock.” Every security screening location at all U.S. airports, and now many international airports, is able to open the lock and then relock it after inspection.

These products, as well as luggage straps, pillows, luggage tags, chargers and more, are available for a broad range of retail stores, including travel shops, luggage stores, gift shops and pharmacies. With the two-sided floor display, featuring an LCD screen for product video, wheels for easy transportation, and two sides to hold the hottest selling merchandise, retailers who want to begin carrying travel accessories can do it with one single purchase. Available for $1,600 wholesale, the fixture promises a return of $3,500 to $4,000 retail. “It is durable, attractive and can easily be replenished after all the merchandise has sold,” notes Naftali. “A PDF catalog is available on the website to browse, and while our customers are there, retailers, wholesalers and distributors alike should feel free to use the online shopping cart to make their wholesale purchases.”

For more information:
Naftali Inc.
20432 NE 16th Pl
North Miami Beach, FL 33719
Tel.: 305-653-1335
Fax: 305-653-1338
Email: Use online form
Website: www.naftaliinc.com

A LOGICal Smoking Alternative

Publisher — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:01:59 +0000

LOGIC TECHNOLOGY’S disposable electronic cigarette (e-cig) is one of many alternative smoking products causing traditional smokers to rethink their smoking habits and preferred cigarette brand. It is also a leading choice among retailers looking to address both the health and cost concerns of their customers. While the estimated 45.9 million U.S. smokers may view their cigarette lighting as a pleasurable pastime, an act of de-stressing, as well as a form of social interaction, there is the looming harm of toxins such as tar, tobacco, carcinogens, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde to be concerned with. LOGIC, a New Jersey based e-cigarette company, manufactures LOGIC disposable e-cigs as a revolutionary alternative to avoid the 4,000 toxins that are in cigarettes, while replicating the entire sensory experience that smokers enjoy.

Logic Electronic Cigarettes and Cigar Provide a Variety of Smoking Alternatives

A perfected sensory experience can only be mastered by science, and the science behind LOGIC disposable e-cigs is, “Real Cigarette-Sensation Technology.” According to Howard Panes, founder of LOGIC, “Our technology uses six combined pending patents to duplicate the smoking experience without lighting or burning tobacco. It fulfills a smoker’s addictive craving for the nicotine, tobacco flavor, hand-to-mouth motion, inhalation and vapor.” That isn’t all LOGIC e-cigs offer today’s millions of smokers, as it also addresses the growing concern over cost inflation. LOGIC promises more puffs for the money, with each e-cig good for up to 300 puffs (equal to 25 to 30 cigarettes), depending on a smoker’s frequency of smoking. LOGIC e-cigs are available to retailers for $5.95 wholesale per unit, with a required minimum order of one box, containing 24 units. The product is a good investment for store owners, offering a 40 percent gross profit ($4 profit per unit). LOGIC store sales out sell other brands, two to five times, moving 20 to 80 units per week, per store.

LOGIC e-cigs have become quickly accepted as a national brand, available in over 20,000 locations in less than one year. With the help of POP displays and the company’s heavy involvement in retail marketing plans, LOGIC is a brand that markets well not only for industry leaders such as ShopRite Supermarkets, but independent pharmacies, convenience stores and other brick and mortar stores. According to Panes, “We are highly focused on working with retail stores. We do sell online, but our prices are more expensive than the retailers selling our e-cigs, as we do not want to compete with their sales.”

LOGIC e-cigs are offered in two flavors, tobacco and menthol, and are available with four different levels of nicotine, along with high volume vapor and the same quality puff as an actual cigarette. The decision for a complete disposable line instead of a rechargeable line was based on extensive research, which revealed that customers that have purchased rechargeable e-cigs were dissatisfied with them. The reasons were as follows: they leaked nicotine, lost their vapor, needed to be recharged frequently, poor flavor, frequent changing of filters, and most of all a low quality of smoke to fulfill a smoker’s craving. “Failure to deliver a quality smoke in each and every puff has caused smokers to lose faith in electronic cigarettes and to go back to regular cigarettes. Our four lines will convince a smoker otherwise,” emphasizes Panes.

1) LOGIC Black Label: Offers 1.8 percent nicotine by volume.

2) LOGIC Gold Label: Offers 1.4 percent nicotine by volume.

3) LOGIC Sterling: Offers 1.1 percent nicotine by volume.

4) LOGIC Zero: Offers 0.1 percent nicotine by volume for those social smokers.

Among the company’s latest products is The Cuban electronic cigar. With over a year in development The Cuban was made to look, taste and smell like a real cigar. With 1.8 percent nicotine by volume, it is mild and medium flavored, with rich, thick vapor and a unique sweet tobacco aroma. The Cuban is good for about 1,000 puffs, or seven to ten traditional cigars. Like LOGIC’s disposable e-cigs, The Cuban is a disposable alternative that eliminates the lingering smell, second-hand smoke, ash, and environmental pollution of tobacco cigars. “The company sold out within 10 days of the product’s release,” says Panes. LOGIC’s impact on the smoking community doesn’t stop there, as it also has released the LOGIC 5 Value Pack. The pack holds five disposable e-cigs, pre-packed for a one week’s supply. Panes adds, “We focus on keeping our products at a high level of quality and on introducing the best line to the market.”

For more information:
LOGIC TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
615 South Livingston Ave.
Livingston, NJ 07039
Tel.: 973-251-2087
Fax: 973-251-2295
Website: www.LogicEcig.com

Sky Gift Specialties

Publisher — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:01:32 +0000

Fernando Huerta, CEO of Sky Gift, is a man of many talents and with many specialty retail offers. After 18 years in business, Huerta has acquired a knack for creating successful kiosk programs, focusing on two very different product lines: jewelry and toys. Most of Sky Gift’s carts are in Las Vegas or California, but Huerta also sells to fairs and inline stores nationwide. When it comes to toys, an interesting and affordable product from China called, smash balls, has become a huge sensation. In the category of jewelry, Murano glass jewelry is a huge hit, along with Brissys Jewelry charm beads, the newest sensation in customized accessorizing.

Fashionable Beads and Fun Toys

While Huerta has extended his jewelry lines in recent years to independent retailers, boutiques and gift shops, he opened his first jewelry cart about three and half years ago in Las Vegas. The Murano jewelry, handcrafted in Venice, Italy, was a hit from the beginning and continues to do well. Sky Gift sells the Murano items to hundreds of locations, but mostly to shopping mall carts and kiosks. In cart based products, jewelry is without a doubt the best non-demo product out there, according to Huerta. Startup costs are low, which might explain why more and more retailers express interest in doing business with Sky Gift.

The same is true for Huerta line of Brissys Jewelry charms. Released a couple years ago ahead of the fashion craze, the Pandora style beads have grown in popularity more recently. With the prices of gold and silver increasing, these affordable glass, enamel and metal-based beads have found a profitable home among kiosks. “We have what everyone wants, including styles featuring stones, hearts, animals and anything else you can imagine,” says Huerta. “With more than 1,200 different designs in stock, we are sure to have what retailers want.” The choice of a $500 or $1,000 startup package provides cart owners with an assortment of beads, bracelets, necklaces and stoppers. Items such as the metal beads with stones, which are more popular, are provided in a higher quantity. For retailers looking to put together their own package, there is a $500 minimum initial order. Each bead wholesales between $0.85 to $0.95, while bracelets and necklaces are $1.25 and $1.65. Depending on the malls, cart owners can retail the beads at $1.99 to $5 each, or possibly $5 to $9.

And while Huerta’s jewelry lines keep him and his kiosk distributors busy, Sky Gift’s smash balls have a large following as well. The discovery of the smash toy product came via Sky Gift’s connection to the Chinese market. The company has an office in China for the specific purpose of researching new products. All items are first tested in the office, then sent out to “the field” for a second test, in one of Sky Gift’s retail locations. In the case of the smash balls, once they were tested on location the reaction was positive and immediate. Retailers and even fair vendors absolutely love smash balls, according to Huerta. “We sell some RC helicopters, and a lot of people are selling those,” he says. “But the smash balls, only a couple of companies here have them, and nobody has them in packages.”

Sky Gift boasts several websites, highlighting its many product lines; one for the Murano jewelry, Brissys jewelry and one for toys. There are many buyers who will order from the websites, but Heurta reports that in a lot of cases, people are more comfortable buying directly. These buyers will typically go to the website to browse and then call and inquire about purchasing, especially if they are a first time buyer or looking to invest in a startup package.

For more information:
Sky Gift dba Mall Spinners
4280 West Reno Ave., Suite B
Las Vegas, NV 89118
Tel.: 888-977-4648
Email: videofer@gmail.com
Websites: www.brissys.com, www.muranomall.com, www.toysforcarts.com

Wholesale Dropshipping

Publisher — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:01:50 +0000

Dropshipping is a great way for independent retailers to add items to their stores without taking on any additional expenses for storage and handling. When a retail customer orders an item, the dropshipping company blind ships the item to your customer. The dropshipping company is paid for the merchandise, and retailers collect payment from their customer, adding a healthy profit margin. In the current web based world of retail and wholesale, dropshipping makes a lot of sense. Retailers add items to their online store and make more profits without spending any additional money up front.

Kole Imports, one of America’s largest general merchandise wholesalers, has introduced a new offering that promises to change the way the industry does business. Kole Imports has just moved into the dropship business in a big way, with the launch of a suite of software services on a new website. According to vice president of business development, Jason Kole, the new product is revolutionary. Kole comments, “We’ve been working on this for eight months, and we’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars developing this program. This software platform is going to change the industry.”

What sets Kole Imports apart? First, a high level of accurate, timely product information on a vast array of SKUs. “Right now we have over 6,500 products, but we add new products and closeouts on a regular basis, and those products become part of our data feed, imported into our Excel and CSV files that are updated every night,” says Kole. “Anyone can go to dropship.koleimports.com and download that feed. It includes our product name, long description, real quantity in our warehouse, UPC, link to item pictures, weight, brand name, color, length, width and height.” For more advanced companies, Kole Imports offers an API solution which allows customers to customize their websites to be able to receive Kole’s quantities on hand in real time, and then send orders within seconds. “We can receive an order, process it, and get it out that day. To get set up and learn how to put Kole Imports items on their site, a potential customer just needs to go to dropship.koleimports.com and follow the instructions,” adds Kole.

Accuracy is vital, especially when so many products are involved. “We have a 250,000 square foot warehouse in Carson, CA, and our products have always been available for wholesale sales. With dropship it takes much more precision, and our data is cleaner than it has ever been in the history of the company. We’re actually 99.7 percent accurate in filling dropship orders, which is an industry-leading standard,” says Kole. In a break from the usual practice, Kole does not offer sales on a per-piece basis. The minimum order is an inner package, which could be as small as 12 pieces. “We’re not shipping one piece at a time. There are no more fees, dropship surcharges, or shipping surcharges. The price on the data feed is the full price for the merchandise. The shipping is added on top,” notes Kole.

How does Kole Imports plan to succeed at dropshipping without single item sales and charging absolutely no fees, whether one time, by the month, or by the package? “We think that as people get more savvy in Internet sales, they are beginning to search for products in small wholesale quantities online, where five years ago they would not do that,” he explains. For example, a Cub Scout leader that needs to buy 48 rain ponchos will now go on Google and search for a wholesale package. They don’t want to go to a dollar store and pay $48 for 48 pieces. Now they can go on any of our dropship partners’ websites and buy 48 pieces for maybe $35, which Kole Imports sold to them for $28.”

Buying in multiple quantities with zero fees, low wholesale pricing, numerous items, and the ability to seamlessly integrate with a customers’ own ecommerce site are the remarkable features that may change the way dropshippers do business. That means Kole Imports is an innovator to watch. If you are considering adding some dropship items to your online store, take a look at dropship.koleimports.com to learn how to get started.

This story is adapted from an interview with Jason Kole, Vice President of Busniess Development, Kole Imports. Jason can be reached at 800-874-7766 ext. 167 or jason@koleimports.com.

For more information:

Kole Imports

24600 Main Street

Carson, CA 90745

Toll Free: 800-874-7766

Wholesale Website: www.koleimports.com

Dropship Website: http://dropship.koleimports.com

International Wholesale

Publisher — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:01:39 +0000

With roots in the independent retail business, International Wholesale of Southfield, MI takes care of its brick and mortar customers. Michael Sheena of International Wholesale comments, “We know the struggles faced by independent retailers, and we aim to be a customer oriented company that is willing to go the extra mile for them.” It was nearly 30 years ago that Sheena’s father-in-law, Sam Konja, had a small convenience store where he ran a small distributing operation on the side, stockpiling goods and reselling to similar businesses. Today, International Wholesale is no longer a small time distributing operation, as it carries products in nine different categories, including kitchen items and housewares, and general merchandise. With 80 to 85 percent of the customer base being dollar or discount stores, all merchandise is offered at rock bottom prices, with a suggested retail of a $1 and up. Now operating out of a 132,000 square foot warehouse, International Wholesale has room for not only discount and dollar merchandise, but also brand name labels.

New Merchandise and Old Favorites

Among the company’s most popular merchandise categories are cleaning products, health and personal care, and its original area of expertise, food and beverages. As a wholesale distributor, International Wholesale offers a well rounded collection of food and snack product lines, from beverages to spices, candy to canned food. The business started out selling candy wholesale, as well as food and snacks, giving International Wholesale over 25 years of experience in purchasing, handling and selling wholesale food and beverage products. Sheena confirms, “Candy is still a big part of our business.” With hundreds of items just in name brand candy in a variety of sizes and other snack items, International Wholesale has become a major supplier throughout the country, offering brand names like Snickers, Twix, M&M, 3 Musketeers, Skittles, Sour Patch, Air Heads, Starburst, Kit Kat, Wrigley, and more.

While candy and food products are popular, International Wholesale also carries between 4,000 and 4,500 other items, with new and different stock arriving daily. “We add about a couple hundred new items each week, some lines may drop off, but we are always looking to add more,” notes Sheena. International Wholesale has a $1,000 minimum order, and Sheena says the company’s prices and service speak for themselves, “We usually ship orders within 24 to 48 hours.” Wholesale and volume pricing are available after creating a login or contacting the distributor directly. Sheena mentions, “We do not offer discounts or specials, we already have rock bottom prices. And it is my philosophy that if you need to advertise discounts, you were charging too much to begin with. Here, we start at the lowest possible price.”

Continuing the expansion that Sam Konja started 30 years ago, International Wholesale makes appearances at trade shows to better spread the word of the company’s high diversity and low prices. “We now take a booth at Midwest Market Days, part of the Regent Products Trade Show” Sheena says. “We feature a good assortment of our mainline items, and let new customers get to know us. This year we’ll also be exhibiting at ASD in Las Vegas, booth V2046,” he says. For customers interested in learning more before such events, International Wholesale has created a comprehensive website, where customers can see what’s available on a daily basis and place orders online. Sheena explains, “New customers need to go through a simple registration process online, and if qualified, they’re approved within 24 hours. The website is updated every night, but may not always show real time inventory. Also, we are working on an up and coming specials page.”

For more information:
International Wholesale Inc.
21170 West 8 Mile Road
Southfield, MI 48075
Toll Free: 800-337-7565
Fax: 248-353-8801
Email: mike@internationalwholesale.com
Website: www.internationalwholesale.com

Name in the Frame

Publisher — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:01:41 +0000

If you combine a sports fanatic’s passion with a personalized gift featuring their name, you have a good idea of exactly what Name in the Frame provides. “This idea was originally featured via direct mail, and even on a TV shopping channel,” says Jon Hart, owner and Chief Personalization Officer at Name in the Frame. “The problem was, customers ordered the item and had to wait three weeks for it to be made and shipped. Now with today’s technology, it’s made instantly while the customer waits. It’s a great seller at mall carts and kiosks,” he adds.

Name in the Frame is able to take someone’s name and insert it onto a color photo of a lineup of major league sports jerseys, so the recipient becomes part of the team. “It’s a great gift idea for sports fans who really identify with their team,” Hart says. “Last year, women were huge buyers of our product as gifts for the men in their lives,” he adds. Hart notes that the most successful dealers of Name in the Frame are high service gift retailers, “who are willing to spend time to show the product to customers,” he says. “We turn down big box retailers, preferring to deal with mom and pops, gift boutiques, and mall cart and kiosk operators.” Hart says people are attracted to the product as they walk by, and then the sellers can demonstrate it. “We do a big business with fair and festival retailers,” Hart says. “One seller did 1,000 units in 16 days at the Southern Christmas trade show last November in Charlotte, NC,” he notes. “Another cart operator was so pleased with his one cart’s sales that he’s expanding to 15 carts this year,” Hart adds.

To get a clearer picture of the product and how simple it is to make, Name in the Frame has a short video link on its site titled, “Business Opportunity,” that explains it all. “The finished prints wholesale for $12 each,” Hart says, “but can retail for much more, depending on how much framing or matting a retailer does for the customer. If you take a shot of San Francisco 49ers jerseys, for example, and then mat the finished product with the red and gold colors of the ‘Niners, you can add $10 to the retail price for only $1.20 worth of extra paper,” Hart explains. “Best of all, there’s no inventory for the photos themselves, as they’re all Internet based,” he adds.

Currently it just takes a minimum of $300 to get started, for what Hart calls 25, “print credits,” needed to access the site, where the pictures are stored online. Coming up later this year, the company intends to roll out White Glove Service, a complete out of the box solution for the many vendors who’ve asked for it. “We’ll supply the mats, photo paper, bags, bulk supplies, and basically everything a vendor will need except the picture frames and printer,” Hart says. “We just debuted it at the ASD show in Las Vegas last month, and it was a huge hit.” He also notes the product sells well at malls, with both mid-scale anchor stores like JC Penney and high-end anchors like Nieman Marcus. The difference with the high-end anchor stores is that shoppers don’t blink at paying extra for a nice frame to go with their art. “Name in the Frame is a revolutionary, 21st century business model for the independent retailer,” Hart adds. “It’s a unique product at a nice margin, without the risk.”

For more information:

Name in the Frame

PO Box 63617

Colorado Springs, CO 80962

Tel.: 719-494-8156

Fax: 719-387-1253

Email: thatsmesports@gmail.com

Website: www.nameintheframe.com

Quality Export, LLC

ir-admin — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:01:27 +0000

For independent retailers looking to add kitchen and cookware to their lineup, a good place to start is Michigan based, Quality Export LLC. According to manager and owner, Rafi Kashat, the company carries a wide offering of the most wanted items that are fast sellers in any retail environment. “We carry between 250 and 300 different items for the kitchen,” Kashat says. “We sell to retailers small and large, as well as supermarkets, other wholesalers and jobbers.” Quality Export has its roots in groceries, having come from that business back in 1986, but then Kashat and his partners came up with the idea of focusing instead on wholesaling just kitchen products and cleaning supplies, getting their start by buying closeout deals. It turned out to be a smart move.

“Right now our best seller is not just one item, but the category of cookware overall,” Kashat says. “Bakeware is our big seller, but we do equally well in other kitchen items and cleaning supplies, too,” he notes. The company carries a wide line of different, quality items, but one point is consistent. “We have the best prices,” Kashat says. “We get our products from manufacturers and other vendors, and we also buy a lot of closeout deals. So we can pass those savings right on to our customers,” he adds. Among the kitchenware brand names Quality Export carries are Nordicware, Rubbermaid, Corningware, Baker’s Secret, Tramontina and others. Because of the company’s extensive lineup of products, Kashat assures buyers that they’ll enjoy a healthy profit on any of his goods. “Most of our retailers get a 50 or 60 percent markup, and some even more,” he says. “It all depends on what they retail the items for.”

Quality Export has equally competitive prices on its glassware as well. “We carry many of the top brands,” Kashat says, “including Anchor Hocking, Pyrex and Corelle.” Quality Export’s glasses are available either by the pallet load or the case, and depending on the size of the product ordered, the glassware can come six or eight in a case. “We have many varieties, including stemware, tumblers, smooth tea glasses and classic cooler glasses, among others,” he notes. For those with a higher end clientele, Quality carries fluted stemware, including both Champagne and wine glasses, as well as cappuccino and tall-boy pilsner glasses. “We supply inns and restaurants, as well as retail outlets,” Kashat notes.

For those in need of storage pieces, Quality has a variety of different shaped and sized glass jars with lids, all at low prices. For example, the company has 18 oz. Anchor Hocking Georgian Jars with lids that wholesale for $2.25 apiece for one to nine cases. The MSRP is $2.99, and Kashat has seen them at other retail outlets selling for as much as $4.99 apiece. Quality Export also features equally impressive prices on Anchor Hocking glass serving bowls.

The company also has what it calls, “Hot Deals,” this month featuring Pyrex brand glass measuring cups. For example, a two-cup size wholesales for $4.75 for a one to nine case lot, and the MSRP is $7.99 each, with the high end going up to $9.79 apiece at retail. Knives are always a big hit with customers, and Quality Export carries a number of well known brand names, including Ekco, Hampton Forge, Tramontina and Mainstays. A Tramontina carving knife, for example, is only $3.12 when bought in one to nine case lots, sells for $4.99 at retail, and has been seen priced as high as $7.49, a more than 100 percent markup.

Quality Export is as strong in its line of cleaning and household supplies as with kitchen and cookware, Kashat notes. “We carry all the top brands at heavily discounted prices, assuring our customers a healthy return,” he says. For example, a display pack of 3M’s Ocelo sponges is listed in Quality Export’s catalog at $1.60 per unit for one to nine cases of 12 four packs ($19.20), or only $1.50 per unit for 10 or more cases ($18). Yet the MSRP is two for $5, and Kashat has seen them in the market selling for as much as $3.69 per pack. That translates into a potential profit of $26.28 per case. “Our other cleaning products and home supplies are equally competitively priced,” he says.

Quality Export also features what it calls, “In and Out Deals,” which are specials available for one time only. The product line varies, but Kashat says he has something new every month when he updates his catalog online. “Right now I have some Mr. Clean overstocks,” he says, “but once it’s gone, it’s gone.” Quality export buys what it can from manufacturers when the deals become available. “Some products we have right now that no one else in the country has,” he says. For example, Quality recently had a huge shipment of J.A.N.E brand cosmetics come in as part of a one-time deal. “It includes eyeliner, eye shadow, lip gloss, lipstick and more,” Kashat says. “We’re wholesaling it out at 60 cents a unit in case lots, or only 50 cents a unit for buyers who take ten cases or more. The MSRP is 99 cents, but we’ve seen some of the product sell in other retail outlets for as much as $4.94 each. A smart retailer can turn a fast profit, but once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Best of all, there is no minimum order size. “Most companies require a minimum order, but not us,” Kashat says. “I give customers my price for whatever they want to order, and they pay for the shipping. It’s worked out well for us and them,” he says. Kashat adds that most orders ship on the day they’re received, or the next day at the latest. “We’re known for our good customer service and fast turnaround,” he says proudly. Always on the lookout for business to help his company expand, Kashat is quick to offer new customers special pricing, depending on the quantity of goods ordered. “I give them the regular price when they place their order,” he says. “Then, if they up the order to a higher quantity, I’m able to offer them a special price. I’m always willing to work with anyone.”

For more information:

Quality Export LLC

23890 Freeway Park Drive

Farmington Hills, MI 48335

Tel.: 248-660-3831

Email: rkashat@qualityexportllc.com

Website: www.wholesalecentral.com/qualityexport

Handbags & More Plus Great Prices

ir-admin — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 05:01:02 +0000

It’s pretty much a given in the wholesale and retail business that extensive experience makes the difference between just surviving and actually thriving. So it’s no wonder that Yellowstone Imports is one of the most trusted and experienced wholesale distributors of handbags and accessories. Headquartered in New York City, Yellowstone has cultivated robust manufacturer relationships for more than 30 years with its suppliers, which translates into greater benefits for buyers. “We started off as a jewelry parts company, selling semiprecious stones as well as beads and parts of jewelry,” says Howard Huang, sales rep for the company. “We then started expanding into handbags, and from there just kept growing into the line we have today.”

It’s a pretty impressive lineup by any standard. “We carry literally thousands of products, so many we can’t count them all; sunglasses, optical frames, jewelry displays, costume jewelry, hair ornaments, and, of course, our handbags,” Huang says. A quick visit to the company’s website at YellowstoneImports.com confirms that the inventory is indeed wide and deep. Broken down into various categories such as New Arrivals, Handbags and Wallets, Semiprecious Stones, Sunglasses and more, the site is easy to navigate and makes it easy for buyers to zero in on exactly what they’re looking for, without wasted clicks. Still, handbags are the company’s biggest seller and its mainstay in the business. “Right now our best seller is the Bosalina bag, known for its great quality and strong hardware,” Huang says. “It’s made out of a higher quality imitation leather and the hardware is rhodium plated, which is better than stainless steel as it’s shinier, more durable and doesn’t rust.” Hugely popular in the fashion industry right now, Bosalina bags wholesale for $15 to $20 each, depending on size and style, and can retail anywhere from $60 to $75 apiece.

Another popular line at Yellowstone is the company’s Fashion Handbag Luggage: stylish bags in a larger size with two wheels and an extendable handle, suitable for use as a travel bag. One such model comes with double strap handles, an inner side zip pocket and two cell phone pockets. “This bag is so popular that we can only get limited amounts at a time,” Huang says. Yet clients don’t seem to mind if an item is out of stock sometimes, because they keep coming back. “Our business model is based upon providing quality service, expertise, and convenience to our clients,” Huang says. “We have our own overseas inspection service, guaranteeing the level of quality you expect, and eliminating the hassle of receiving a subpar shipment. Our sheer volume of business means that we can bargain for the items you need in bulk, even if you place a small order,” he adds. It’s through this system of checks and balances that the company is able to negotiate the lowest price possible, based partially on its long lasting and trusted manufacturer relationships.

Yellowstone is also a big provider of jewelry and semiprecious stones, with an inventory equally as large as its handbags. “The current best seller is jewelry containing Southwestern type stones,” Huang says. “Turquoise has always been popular, and now amethyst is also popular these days. That popularity will probably carry over through the year,” he adds. Most of Yellowstone’s jewelry items are sold in lots of a dozen, and all are competitively priced. One of the more popular lines is Hematite, a metal-look type of stone. “It’s especially sold in the summer, and in beach and tropical areas such as Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Islands and so forth,” Huang says “Most of the Hematite stones are sold assorted, and wholesale anywhere from $9 to $15 a dozen. I’d expect retailers to sell them at about $3 to $5 apiece,” he adds.

For retailers looking for a bigger selection at lower cost, Yellowstone also has a wide selection of costume jewelry at very competitive prices. For example, a visit to that section of the company’s site shows an assortment of beautiful cubic zirconia and metal rings for only $6 a dozen wholesale. A group of heavier, more ornate rings is also shown for just $24 a dozen. In addition, rhinestone and metal drop earrings with fish hook closures are also available at just $18 a dozen. Yellowstone also has rhodium and rhinestone bangle bracelets at $7 each. Markup on all of the above is at least keystone, and usually well above that.

Looking ahead to the warmer weather, Huang expects orders to pick up now for the company’s extensive line of sport and designer sunglasses. “Our sunglasses are sold in dozen lots as well,” Huang says. “We offer them sorted by different colors. For example, the metal sunglasses are sorted by silver color, gunmetal color, black metal frames, etc.” Yellowstone also sells plastic sunglasses by the dozen, sorted by various colors on the temples. “Registered buyers can see the wholesale prices of these on our website,” Huang says, “and they can go from $12 to $36 a dozen, depending on style and material. For customers, the cost for these sunglasses can be as low as $1 to $3 apiece, and I’d expect them to sell at retail for $5 to $10 apiece,” he states. In addition, each dozen lot currently sold will come with a dozen free microfiber pouches.

Lastly, Yellowstone’s site also hosts a clearance section, where items are marked down way below their already low prices. A recent visit showed a selection of handbags at 30 percent and more below their regular discounted prices, and several pair of clearance sunglasses were marked down as well. The clearance section is updated as lots become available.

Getting started with Yellowstone Imports is a simple and straightforward proposition. “Just find what you’d like to carry in your business by browsing our website,” Huang says, “Then sign in and register to see the prices.” From there, buyers can fill their shopping baskets, selecting products and quantities. Shipping and handling charges are automatically factored in, and orders are processed as they are received. “For new and returning customers, there is a $150 order minimum,” Huang says. “To shop online, buyers must register, providing shipping information and a tax ID number.” As of this year, orders over $400 will be shipped at no charge. “Plus, we have a pretty fast turnaround,” Huang says. “Any order received before 3:30 EST will be shipped out that same day.” Which means that with a combination of speed, selection and savings, Yellowstone Imports has it all for you, today.

For more information:
Yellowstone Imports
11 West 32nd Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Tel.: 212-564-2277
Fax: 212-564-2298
Email: info@yellowstoneimports.com
Website: www.yellowstoneimports.com