Retailing in a mobile

[furrybestjob]

I know that there are some mobiles who do some retailing out of their vans. If you are one of those, is it worth it? What types of things do you find sells best, and how do you market it?

[workingchihuahua]

i sell only what i use on my dogs. blue buffalo dog food, salmon oil to name a few. if it doesn't sell, who cares. my customers know how picky i am. i do very well with the dog food. i am higher priced than the shops. as usual.

[toomuchfunbnme]

Mobile Retail?

Hi Workingchi! I am wondering how your present your retail to your clients so that they know you have it available? Also, how does the retail fit into your van or trailer space? Thanks!

[diamienono]

I have a bunch of collars, but I always forget to tell people.

[workingchihuahua]

i am always promoting better quality food, whether i sell it or not. i don't stock anything in the truck. everything is ordered an delivered at time of groom. i will aslo sell ear cleaners and small toys. things that are brought up in discussion if there is a problem which needs to be addressed

[Caitie]

I USED to sell retail products: Natura brand dog & cat foods, brushes, combs, shampoo, treats, rawhides, etc. I had a hard time selling to clients and found that it wasn't worth keeping up with sales tax. I had a brochure printed up that stated that I sell pet products. I would engage clients in conversations about diets and then throw in my educational bit about healthy food and then give them a sample. I had a few people buy but it wasn't worth it AND I had to purchase $350 from my distributor so I am well stocked now and shutting down. I will probably use up my stock in a couple of months on my own dogs and cats. It was hard to sell when people didn't see your product and most didn't know I sold food, treats, toys etc.

[toomuchfunbnme]

Hmmm...

Once I get started, I will probably have a trailer. Maybe I can carry food in my truck in a camper shell or use a bed cover. Seems like there should be some way to make retailing work mobile.

[Pawsitively Purrfect]

I sew my own bandannas and make dog bows. I also retail a pet dental product and my clients always want the shampoo I use. They know they can't get it anywhere else.

[bow_wow_wheels]

I, too, tried to retail out of the van and had the same problems as Caitie---people would listen, get my adivce/sales pitch and then go to the big box store to get their whatever. I still have some OxyFresh here that didn't sell and I tried that over 8 years ago! (I do love it for my own personal use so it isn't a total loss TG!!)

[Gracy Rose]

retailing

I carry a few things but I created a 1 page flyer that lists what I carry such as dog food, grooming products, treats, etc. There is about 25 items and it asks clients to give a 48 hour notice prior to their appointment for me to deliver the items. I also own a salon so I use products we carry in there.