by Jacqui Miyabayashi of Mee A Bee
When you are selling things you’ve made yourself it’s hard not to take things to heart. You feel like you’ve bared your soul to the world as you lay your lovingly created items out for sale. When you sell something you are ecstatic.
So when I was approached by a ‘friend’ about the possibility of selling my handmade bags in her new shop I was flattered and extremely excited. I jumped at the chance to be one of the select suppliers. We’d met in an online business networking forum and by all accounts this woman was successful and someone whom I aspired to be like.
Right before Christmas I was packaging up her final order of the year. I hastily mailed it off hoping that it would arrive in time for the last minute Christmas shoppers. Foolishly I did not confirm payment before I sent it. That was over a year ago…I was never paid for those bags.
My point here is not to name names. I simply want to advise creative business owners to be safe and take measures to protect yourself and your company. I’ve since learned that the person concerned has been involved in many suspicious business situations and that I was not the only one duped. Small consolation. I still feel embarrassed and foolish to have made such a fundamental mistake.
As a result I now have a strict policy for all sales. I always confirm payment has been completed before sending items. For large orders I use a track and trace postage service. I require my wholesale customers to sign contracts and be registered business owners. I keep stringent records. I am cautious and sensible. I still feel extreme joy over every sale I make but I don’t let it cloud my judgment.
Don’t make the same naive mistakes I made. It only takes one rotten apple to spoil the barrel! I hope you can learn from my missteps & keep your business safe.
Remember:
It’s OK to ask questions of the applicant to determine whether they’re a good fit for your brand and to get a sense of how reliable they might be. Google is also your friend! Research their business and make sure they can answer questions like these 5:
-What attracted you to {my brand}?
-Could you tell me more about your business, is it online or brick ‘n mortar?
-How long has it been established?
-What other brands or type of goods are you selling?
-Tell me about your regular customers.
Make a list of questions like the ones above specific to your business & develop a wholesale agreement that protects your interests!
{image credit: Live and Learn cards from Keep Calm Gallery}
