Fun and Functional Fragrances for Any Home

Carrying close to 100 different fragrances, all of them true to their names, there are a few highlighted best sellers. These include the Wild Berry Incense, Fizzy Pop, Patchouli and Ocean Wind. “Essentially, we have something for everyone,” notes Ferrario. The company offers its incense stick products in three sizes; Biggie Sticks are 19 inch sticks that burn for over three hours each, Shorty Sticks offer four inches of incense, and most popular are the 11 inch sticks. “Our 11 inch sticks wholesale for $8 per hundred, retailing for $20 per hundred,” says Ferrario. “However, we ask our customers, especially those just starting out, to invest in a starter kit.”

GFD recommends a starter kit for first time orders. “We have one kit that wholesales for $335 and includes two bundles, or 200 sticks of each of the 18 top selling fragrances, for a total of 3,600 sticks,” Ferrario notes. “It also comes with display jars, a display stand, 400 Ziploc bags, a POP sign and a window sign. It will return at least $720 at retail,” he adds. In addition, GFD will include an extra free bundle of incense sticks to be sold or given away as samples, plus 18 free ash catchers that normally retail for $1.99 each. If retailers are looking for a more basic starter kit, or even one with the works, GFD Imports has other package deals available.

“We’re here to help everyone,” Ferrario says. “We strive for our customers to double their money at a minimum.” Ferrario also makes it known that GFD Imports is proud to distribute its all time best seller, Wild Berry Incense. “Over 6,000 stores in the U.S. carry it,” he adds. “It is also sold in South America, Europe, and Japan.” The company offers a guarantee that if within 60 days retailers do not sell more than half of the opening order (Wild Berry or other products), GFD will buy back the remaining stock at wholesale. “Just send back the display materials, along with the bags and incense, and we will send a check within 10 days,” explains Ferrario.

For more information:
GFD Imports
Wild Berry Incense Distributors
P.O. Box 526
Oxford, OH 45056
Tel.: 765-732-3812
Toll Free: 800-824-6521
Fax: 765-732-3314
Email: syd@incensewholesale.com
Website: www.incensewholesale.com

More Company News articles from Independent Retailer.

Hosiery Basics and Best Sellers

ABC Hosiery manufactures Made in the USA products, but also offers GILDAN brand socks, providing retailers with a well known quality sock. “We are also the distributor and owner of Red Rose Hosiery,” adds Grady. Red Rose products supplement all pantyhose needs, from sheer, control top, thigh high to knee high. And while pantyhose have become more of a regional necessity, notes Grady, “it’s the men’s’ athletic socks that are our best sellers. Once upon a time casual socks were not a hot item for all businessmen dressing up for work, but today our business model has become so casual that athletic sock sales have hit the charts.”

Whatever the products of choice, retailers can expect to make at least keystone. And when it comes to wholesale cost, Grady says, “We won’t be undersold. I could sell kids socks under $3 a dozen all day, and some ladies’ socks go for $2 a dozen. Our prices accommodate dollar stores and other higher priced independent retailers.” There are no price minimums, but buyers should expect to purchase by the case (15 dozen). ABC Hosiery offers other special features such as promotional items and cardboard shipper displays, which come free with certain product orders. There is also an online section strictly devoted to closeouts. “Constant deals can be found in our closeouts section, and they change monthly so retailers should check back frequently,” Grady says.

For Tony Grady it’s more than a sock and underwear business, it’s a passion. “I tell customers if they are having trouble selling anything to call me. I’ll find a price that works for them. I’ll give them a credit and have them try something new. I want to help them find what will work in their store,” he says.

For more information:
ABC Hosiery
426 South Cross St./ PO Box 218
Youngsville, NC 27596
Tel.: 919-556-5630
Fax: 919-556-0580
Email: info@myabchosiery.com
Website: www.myabchosiery.com

Baggie Variety at Low Value Prices

VBag Packaging’s 14,000 plus products are now available to other suppliers and retailers, wholesaling at $1.35 to $2.50 per unit. Among the product lines are zip seal baggies that range small to large in size. Added features like hang holes help retailers market the product on already existing peg boards, while writable white block labeling allows proper labeling of the bag’s contents for easier identification. The company also offers novelty designs, including hearts, animal prints, alien images and an extensive line of apple designs. “The bags featuring a design are used primarily for novelty product packaging. We also offer custom designs, but a minimum purchase is required as these projects require more time and specialized manufacturing,” says Krauss.  And while the company’s product line is primarily an extensive collection of zip seal bags, open end bags are also available in small and medium sizes, with both clear and colorful tints.

Bags can be made with a variety of plastic films, and polyethylene (LDPE), an oil byproduct, is the most common. Like most plastic bags, VBag Packaging’s baggie products contain polyethelene. “It is true that the by-product makes our product subject to oil price changes, but in comparison to some of the other alternatives, polyethelene is the more economical plastic for this product. Some greener choices become just as pricey, if not more so than our polyethelene preference,” emphasizes Krauss. “Again, our expansion has helped us in cutting these increasing costs for our customers.” With customers always in the forefront, VBag Packaging asks for no more than a minimum order of a full case pack, but also accepts orders by the pallet, allowing for possible volume discounts. Shipping charges are not included in pricing, and in order to place an order, customers must create a login on the company website.

For more information:
VBag Packaging Supply
3101 Longhorn Blvd., Ste. 106
Austin, TX 78758
Tel.: 512-832-6666
Fax: 512-832-6660
Email: vbag@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.vbagpkg.com

Fresh and Tastey Impulse Buys

The wholesale supplier’s best-selling collection is Sunbird Snacks, a premium offer of the highest quality products. Sunbird Snacks’ Big Bag line is the right size for most locations, and a favorite of retailers who have carried Mister Snacks products for 30 years. In addition to the Big Bag line, Sunbird Snacks also come in the following subcategory product lines: Premium, Gourmet, Party Size, Snack Size and Bulk. “We offer the same products in our Party Size for the grocery trade, and a single serving Snack Size for locations that require a lower retail price at the counter. Our Premium Line gives customers an elegant look, with a selection of fine chocolate and nuts, while the Gourmet Line offers the gift basket trade a beautifully hand-packed selection,” says Stern. The company’s second collection, Stone Mountain Snacks, boasts premium snack products with an, “earthy, gourmet look and a wide variety of tastes.”

Mister Snacks has a snack for all acquired tastes, such as its top three selling mixes. “Our business would continue successfully if we just offered our Rocky Mountain Mix, a blend of peanuts, raisins, almonds and M&M type candy. It is by far the favorite,” says Stern. “It’s a compromise mix, with a little bit for your healthy side and a little bit for your sweet tooth.” Second in leading sales is the Health Mix, a combination of fruits and nuts with no added salt or sugar, and third is the Yogurt Trail Mix, consisting of yogurt covered peanuts, raisins and more. And while snacks are usually all about flavor, the wholesaler is also focused on quality and packaging, because taste isn’t the only thing that sells. “Our mission is to offer our customers a healthy, high quality alternative snack line, and to show that by packing them in a crystal clear package with very attractive labeling,” emphasizes Stern. Mister Snacks boasts mixes with a shelf life of 8 months, and knows that its revealing package is a great way to market its freshness. Retailers can even have products packaged with their very own private label, as part of the supplier’s Private Label line.

As a manufacturer and supplier, Mister Snacks has a lot to offer retailers. “We don’t have a minimum order at this time because of the economy, and the fact that the price of nuts, such as cashews and pistachios, has increased,” says Stern. Although the best display tool is the package itself, the company also has fixtures available, including the affordable 72 package POP display, which holds a dozen each of six of the best selling products. Another tool Mister Snacks offers is its Internet site. “Our website is most definitely an important part of our business. It makes it a lot easier for people to find the information they are looking for,” notes Stern.

For more information:
Mister Snacks Inc.
500 Creekside Drive
Amherst, NY 14228
Toll Free: 800-333-6393
Fax: 716-210-1010
Website: www.mistersnacks.com

Pacific Link knows that customers need information about the variety it offers, especially regarding new products. To that end, Pacific Link’s website, www.sunglassespacificlink.com, has been redesigned and serves as an invaluable news and buying aid. “Customers can go on there and look at every product we have,” Bryan says. There is also an option to see upcoming styles. “If we have an image and the product is soon to be released, maybe a couple weeks out, we post it in this section of the website,” adds Bryan. Keeping up with constant change is a part of the company’s success. “We keep up with the current trends, which seem to change every two or three months,” says Bryan. “Whether it be an Aviator or a Colored Wayfarer, we just try to stay on top of the current trends.” As trends are quickly changing, Pacific Link has also found the need to add a Specials section to its website, in which customers will be able to find overstocked items or inventory that the company is looking to move.

In business since 1998, Pacific Link has expanded into an international operation. “David Chin, a Chinese born American, started the business in the back of his parents’ restaurant. Beginning when sunglasses were just becoming hot in the accessories industry, Chin has grown his business and contacts and now has a 40,000 square foot warehouse in Georgia,” notes Bryan. Actively seeking new business, Pacific Link is willing to cater to customer needs. “We do specials from time to time when we appear at trade shows, but we’re willing to work with anyone whether they are looking to order one dozen sunglasses or 1,000 dozens.” A call to the company allows for quick qualification, and a product and pricing list is sent out to start the process.

For more information:
Pacific Link
1223 Coronet Drive, Ste 3
Dalton, GA 30720
Toll Free: 866-824-0079
Fax: 706-272-7979
Email: infopacificlink@windstream.net
Website: sunglassespacificlink.com

Quality and Cost Effective Cotton Apparel

And while Cotton Connection has attracted a customer base because of low priced, high quality brand name products, the company also imports many non-brand label activewear, ranging from tube socks to big and tall T-shirts. “Our best sellers are always changing, as apparel changes each season,” says Kothawala. While customers may be clamoring for hooded pullover sweatshirts in the cold winter months, polo shirts will be in high demand when golfing season begins again. “This summer, V-neck T-shirts have become very popular, so much so that we’ve added eight colors to the line. Last summer it was crew neck T-shirts,” notes Kothawala. The constant change in trends that requires Cotton Connection to frequently change its specials.

The company frequently runs sales promotions. Every visit to the website will reveal a special deal, including closeouts, weekly specials and much more. The wholesaler also offers a fax broadcast every time a new sale occurs. To be a part of the fax broadcast, retailers are asked to call and give their fax number to a sales representative. “The best way to learn about Cotton Connection and its products, however, is through our intuitive website,” adds Kothawala. Customers can browse merchandise categories, check stock availability, as well as place orders.

The most accurate way to find real-time pricing is also via the company website, with a registered login. Retailers are presented with dozen pricing and case pricing. “Case pricing is the preferred route, as it leads to deeper discounts for those looking to buy inventory,” says Kothawala. “We try to remain consistent with our pricing. We can match any legitimate price, published or special bid for large quantity orders, offered by any of our competitors on any item that we carry and have in stock.”

For more information:
Cotton Connection
4850 S. Kilbourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60632
Tel.: 773-523-0505
Toll Free: 800-635-1104
Fax: 773-523-0554
Email: info@cottonconnection.com
Website: www.cottonconnection.com

Civil War Document Replicas in Remembrance of Great Battle

In the Civil War category, documents related to Abraham Lincoln, including replicas of the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation, are some of the best sellers. The Historical Document Company also dabbles in document types such as portraits, speeches, maps, and Confederate State currency. While 99 percent of the business is focused on parchment paper replicas, the company also offers product lines such as a 48 page comic book depicting Civil War battles, First Bull Run, Shiloh, Antietam, Gettysburg and more, as well as replicas of the Liberty Bell, quill pens and coins. The company’s targeted customers are gift shops which are most commonly associated with hotels, museums and historical sites.

The other 10 percent of the Historical Document Company’s business is custom work. Buber mentions, “We work with a lot of teachers, as well as marketing firms using our documents for a new competitive look.” While the minimum order for catalogue products is at least 36 of one item, and for poster size documents (23” x 29”) at least 12 of one item, buyers looking for custom work must order at least 1,000 in quantity. Turnaround time, however, is a speedy three to four weeks. Pricing varies on quantity and packaging type, as orders are provided with a choice of flat, folded in an envelope, rolled and tied with a ribbon, rolled in a clear poly sleeve, or rolled in a hard plastic tube.

Promoting American history is the Historical Document Company’s forte, with its roots beginning in 1926, when a Philadelphia druggist named Charles Promislo accidentally spilled a beaker of chemicals on his laboratory table and left a mess to clean up in the morning. The papers had reacted in a strange way, for each sheet was aged, wrinkled and old. Mr. Promislo, a history buff, was intrigued by his discovery and founded Historical Documents Company. He devoted several years to perfecting his unique 11 step process. The documents were first made available at the World’s Fair of 1939, held in New York City. Today, this family owned operation is proud of its Made in America stamp, and products.

For more information:
Historical Documents Company
2555 Orthodox Street
Philadelphia, PA 19137
Toll Free: 888-7000-7265
Fax: 215-533-9319
Email: info@HistoricalDocumentsCo.com
Website: www.historicaldocumentsco.com

Profit by the Truckload

In fact, the company slogan is, “Delivering Profit by the Truckload!” According to Everett, “The deal of the hour is truckload quantities on furniture. There is some real opportunity to make money on these loads.” With Odom’s Wholesale owning its own trucking fleet, customers receive savings upfront. The order can be shipped directly from the source, saving money on freight. Truckloads of salvage furniture are available for as low as 20 percent of wholesale cost. Everett explains, “If an item on that truckload has a normal wholesale price of $100, the customer only pays $20 for it, and it could be sold for $200 on a 100 percent markup from the regular wholesale price. If that’s not the way to make money, I don’t know what is!”

Quite aware of the sluggish economy as other furniture and mattress manufacturers have dropped off and looked towards imported goods, Odom’s Wholesale continues to grow stronger every year. While the company does carry imported products, it still remains a manufacturer. Everett notes, “Thus far, we’ve successfully met the challenges of a changing market and have been able to use it as a platform to progress as a company. All throughout, we’ve managed to keep one thing consistent: our price integrity!” In the past, Odom’s Wholesale has given special pricing to first time customers, depending on what they are purchasing. The company also offers volume discounts. Everett says, “The more you buy, the cheaper it gets.” As a supplier of closeouts and liquidations, manufacturer seconds, customer returns and warehouse buy-outs, the products are always changing, and customers are encouraged to check back often.

Much like the Odom’s Wholesale business, the company website has been continually growing and changing. For the time being, its purpose is to give potential customers a feel for who the company is and what it offers. Everett says, “We try to give specific information so we can help website visitors decide quickly whether or not we are a good option for them. We know what it’s like to have to filter through 20 websites to find that one supplier you are looking for.” Current and specific inventory is not listed now, but is part of plans for the website in the future. Overall customer reaction to the website, merchandise and pricing has been very positive. Everett notes, “Our customers are continually telling us they like what they’re buying and what they’re paying, and because they keep coming back, we feel it must be true.”

For more information:
Odom Wholesale
1701 N. 6th Street
Fort Smith, AR 72904
Tel.: 479-783-1970
Fax: 479-783-3300
Email: jotlt@yahoo.com
Website: www.odomwholesale.com

Retired from a successful career in the satellite TV business, Luis Santoni, owner of L&V Creations, still remains a focused businessman, operating a family owned fragrance business. As aromatherapy becomes popularly accepted in the treatment of pain and stress, interest increases in home therapy fragrance products. “We have 1,200 to 1,500 customers worldwide,” Santoni says. “That didn’t happen by accident.” L&V carries one of the largest selections of aroma lamps and fragrance oils, and more than 160 fragrances. All products are UL approved, use high-end quality parts, and can be purchased at low prices, such as the aroma lamps (plug-in and electric tabletop), ranging from $5 to $9 wholesale, and fragrance oils as low as $0.69.

Aromatherapy: A Gift That Sells Itself

“I wanted to design aroma lamps for people selling the oils and incense burners in pushcarts in the mall,” Santoni explains. So, Santoni went to Mexico to develop new lamps. “Our products became really popular; they were different and their high quality was the appeal,” he says. The products did so well that competitors began copying Santoni’s designs, driving him to extend his product lines from electric aroma lamps to plugin lamps, acclaimed to have a one-time use that replaces 10 units of other well known plugin fragrance products. From there, L&V added fragrance oils, body oils, incense and 100 percent pure undiluted essential oils, ranging from $1.95 to $3.95, creating a customer base not limited to mall kiosks, and including gift shops, boardwalk shops, tackle shops, and wherever gifts are sold.

Among the best selling items are L&V’s electric lamps, or tabletop night lights, offered in both glass and metal designs. “They look classy,” says Santoni. “But they are also customizable, as a top plate can be removed to fill each lamp with a fragrance oil of your choice.” These items may be purchased wholesale from $3.50 to $8.95. L&V Creations is the original designer of the already famous plug-in night light aroma lamp, with about 100 different designs, and already more than 150 designs of the tabletop variety of aroma lamps. Santoni prefers to leave retail pricing up to the independent retailers who serve different customer markets. For Luis Santoni, it’s about more than just dollars and ‘scents.’ “We have a passion in that we like what we do,” Santoni says about his family business, involving both his wife, Valerie, and his son, Edwin. “We care about the little guy. Big companies have offered to carry our line, but if I went with them, I’d have to ignore the small retailer, so I’ve turned them down for now,” he says. And although L&V is looking to add international manufacturers to help meet the growing market demand, Santoni is not willing to sacrifice quality. Until the company meets its manufacturing needs, Santoni believes it is best to ration his product, so that all interested retailers are supplied an equal amount of product.

For more information:
L&V Creations
5415 NW 161st Street
Miami Gardens, FL 33014
Tel.: 305-430-9700
Email: kingduey@earthlink.net
Website: www.scented.com

Among those “pretty good deals” to add to your $150 minimum order is Monster Trendz’ silicone slap bracelet line, which wholesales for $1.25 to $1.50 and retails for $4.99. Inspired by Lance Armstrong’s fundraising Livestrong bracelet, silicone bracelets remain an accessory favorite. Huusko explains, “Silicone bracelets come and go, but that is fine, because there is always a new one to replace the last one.” Monster Trendz’ silicone slap bracelets for today’s trendy customer come in an assortment of colors and feature power words, such as “Peace,” “Honor,” and “Strength.” In fact, Monster Trendz’ carries a product line solely dedicated to silicone power balance bracelets that wholesale for $1.35 each and retail at $4.99. These hologram Boost energy bracelets are available in an assortment of colors and are selling fast.

Volume discounts are automatically calculated online as buyers tally up their orders. Orders over $500 are discounted three percent, while orders of $1,000, $1,500 and $2,500 get an eight, 13 and 18 percent discount respectively. Huusko also mentions, “We also do an email special every month, and have a Twitter feed that tweets out coupons on a regular basis. Anything we can do to help our customers, we’ll do it.” This includes a 15 day money back guarantee if a customer is not satisfied with a purchase, as well as a promise to exchange any portion of an order for the same value of goods within 30 days.

Huusko began selling his jewelry and souvenirs at Grateful Dead concerts, exhibited at his first tradeshow in January 1990, and is now accessorizing worldwide with a niche in supplying to beach resorts, where kids gather for spring break. Yet, Huusko has noticed two more markets really opening up, commenting, “At the moment, we have two real specific markets and product lines growing. One is our Rasta products and the other is our Rainbow Pride products.” Although Monster Trendz finds success in listening to customers and researching today’s trends and growing markets, the company also invests in marketing and product displays to enhance salability. Huusko admits, “Even when we have a really good product, without fixtures or displays it never really pulls in all the possible potential sales. Therefore, we have our own display factory, and no product is sold without the appropriate merchandising displays and graphics.”

For more information:
Monster Trendz, Inc.
One Washington Street, #5017
Dover, NH 03820
Tel.: 603-617-2845
Toll Free: 866-365-6425
Fax: 603-617-2846
Email: sales@monstertrendz.com
Website: www.monstertrendz.com