Home shop owners...need some advice

[Dave Bowers]

Howdy all, I recently built a small archery shop out of my garage. I want to start building custom arrows for folk. But alot of the big distributors want you to have a store front and be listed in the yellow pages?
I was wondering if any small shop owners here know of any distributors that will deal with the little guys?

Thanks in advance

Dave

[LBR]

You'll just have to call them and explain your situation--some are more understanding than others.  Some just require a minimum order every year, others are strict about the store front, etc.

Bottom line, some of the "big" distributors don't care to deal with the little guy--you aren't worth their time.  Had one tell me that when I was getting started in the string business (it wasn't BCY).

Worst case scenario, until you get your business going you might try going through one of the smaller guys.  You should be able to get a deal for bulk purchases.

Chad

[Dave Bowers]

Thanks Chad, I'll try that approach with some of them.

[bicster]

What about a sign out front? As far as a Yellow Page ad, ask them about a co-op? In other words, they would help you buy an ad as long as their logo appears on it.  If you go that route, make sure you get pre- approval so you don't get stuck with the entire bill. You would probably have to show some kind of commitment by placing an order with them.

[ChuckC]

Try getting in touch with others in the same boat and purchasing together.
ChuckC

[1kwikstik]

You might try Pape's Archery. Got a friend with a shop behind his house, that's who he uses

[Weekend Warrior]

http://www.hildebrandarrowshafts.com/

[Dave Bowers]

Guys thanks for the pointers its much appreciated!

Dave

[Jimbow39]

O H MULLEN SALES in Oakwood, Ohio. I delt with them when I had a shop in 1972 to 1982. They will sell to dealers or individuals. Good Luck

[JamesV]

I also have a small (hobby) shop and I order from the retail sellers,, some of them are our sponsors here. This is how I see it, I don't order enough to even approach a wholesaler. It would not be fair to the people that are running a business for a wholesale outfit to sell to an individual at the same price. If you want to buy wholesale get yourself a business with all the overhead and then compete.............James

[Paul Mattson]

Do you have a business lic.?  All the distributors require one.  Most will also require a min. first order of at least $300.00 to $1500.00 and some will require a certain yearly purchase amount to remain a dealer.

  You will get the yellow page  listing when you get your business phone.

  The reason for this is not to give the little guy a hard time, but to protect the little guy with a true working business.

[Dave Bowers]

Thanks Badger, Thanks i wasn't aware that you got a listing once your biz was registered. I am currently getting ready to register my biz as we speak as well as my tax certificate.
And I understand where your coming, but thanks for explaining it to me. I guess at the time it felt as if small bizz's weren't important to them?

Thanks

[LBR]

A business license will sure help, but you'll still run into some of the same snags.  Some require a store front, some want pictures, most all have a minimum order requirement, and some just won't bother with you if you aren't spending a lot with them and/or you'll get a much higher price if you don't order cases of stuff.  I've learned all this with a business license, with a shop, and with my number in the yellow pages.  

That's just the way business is these days.  "Mom and Pop" stores are practically extinct, and that is why--it's more profitable for the manufacturers to sell by the truck load instead of by the box.  One of the few exceptions is truly hand-made items that can't be mass-produced by a machine--at least not with anywhere near the same quality--i.e. flemish strings, wood arrows, etc.

[M60gunner]

I also tried to approach a dealer. Besides the store front I was told I needed proof that I was EPA approved because of the paints used to make arrows.
That sort of killed it for me.

[Dave Bowers]

LBR..thanks that's great info. I have noticed that contacting dealers direct with the products I need seem to be more receptive.

[LBR]

Yep--it should help being a specialty shop rather than a full-blown store.  Might even pick up some wholesale business while you are at it.