Now let\u2019s dive into the webinar and workshop highlights! Our guest speakers covered everything from small team leadership and understanding consumer shopping habits to building profitable promotions and increasing your chances of reorders. Our team even hosted a few sessions teaching buyers and suppliers inside tips on how to better buy and sell products on RangeMe. Here are a few key takeaways from these educational sessions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Communication is key<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOne of the best ways to gain buyers\u2019 trust is showing up prepared and proving you are \u201cretail ready.\u201d Our guest speakers discussed how to create personalized messages unique to your brand that tell buyers why they should take a chance on your products.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Alli](\"https:\/\/rangeme-blog-images.imgix.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/6-1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAlli Ball, founder of Food Biz Wiz<\/a>, cuts to the chase in our How to Increase Your Chances of Reorders<\/em><\/a> webinar. If you want to receive reorders from buyers, she suggests keeping your communications via email, RangeMe Messages, and social media, short and sweet. Because let\u2019s face it, buyers are busy. Each message you send to a buyer should have a clear purpose and call to action (CTA). After an order has been placed, Ball suggests sending four specific messages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n- A confirmation that the order has been shipped and tracking information is coming soon<\/li>
- The tracking information once the order has been processed<\/li>
- A personalized note 24 hours after the order has been delivered, asking when you can expect to see your product hit store shelves so you can promote it on your end<\/li>
- Lastly, a short message asking the buyer how often they want you to follow up about reorder reminders<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s it! Don\u2019t become a high-maintenance supplier who sends an overwhelming amount of communications. Instead, stay transparent and build trust between you and buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Kate](\"https:\/\/rangeme-blog-images.imgix.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-2.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTo build on the importance of communication, during Building Powerful and Profitable Promotions<\/em><\/a>, Kate LaBrosse, founder of Kate LaBrosse Coaching & Consulting<\/a>, walks through her step-by-step guide to incorporating promotions into your business plan and pricing models. Showing up to a buyer meeting with a promotional plan in place sets you apart from your competition and gives buyers a sigh of relief knowing there\u2019s one less thing for them to worry about. Having a deep understanding of your category and a promotional plan that\u2019s easy for retail buyers to \u201cjust say yes to\u201d shows them you are ready to play in the big leagues, even if it\u2019s your first time. Another great tip from LaBrosse is using promotions to re-engage with your buyer after you\u2019ve already found a place on their shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n\nConscious consumerism isn\u2019t going away<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis isn\u2019t the first time we\u2019ve seen conscious consumerism<\/a> play a large role in consumer trends, and it certainly won\u2019t be the last. NielsenIQ<\/a>\u2019s Hannah Polk discusses the global pandemic\u2019s role in accelerating the push for e-commerce and how it paved the way for need-based shopping during Understanding Consumer Shopping Habits with NielsenIQ<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"NielsenIQ\u2019s](\"https:\/\/rangeme-blog-images.imgix.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2-2.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAs people focus on being better for themselves, the planet, and their pets, sustainability becomes a key focus across categories, with social responsibility and animal welfare seeing the greatest growth. Polk shares that 30% of U.S. consumers are more likely to buy products with sustainable credentials and 77% of consumers expect product labels to be more specific and transparent. Online shopping makes conscious consumerism easier since brands can list their certifications, ingredients, and social responsibility efforts more thoroughly than they can on-shelf. About 85% of retailers are now offering some sort of health and wellness filters on their websites to meet this growing interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Product promotion isn\u2019t the retailer\u2019s job<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOne mistake many brands make is thinking product promotion gets passed along to the retailer once a deal has been struck. But product promotion is forever an ongoing effort, beginning with your digital presence and continuing after you have made it onto retailers\u2019 shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Emily](\"https:\/\/rangeme-blog-images.imgix.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/5-1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIf there\u2019s anyone that understands the importance of having a strong digital presence, it\u2019s Emily Page, CEO of Pearl Resourcing<\/a>. Buyers will inevitably search for your brand online before making any purchases, making first impressions everything. In our Creating a \u201cRetail Ready\u201d Digital Presence Workshop<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Page says, \u201ceverything you tell a buyer, should be reflected on your website.\u201d Whether it’s your best-selling product or what retailers you\u2019ve already partnered with, consistency is key. This goes for your RangeMe profile and social media presence as well. To make the most of these platforms, and therefore promote your products properly, Page emphasizes that imagery is vital. Your banner, logo, and product images are the best places to draw in buyers, so make sure your brand name, value proposition, and products are able to stand out. Consider using digital mockups and think about what size product your target retailer would be most interested in. At the end of the day, make sure everything looks professional and proves your brand is \u201cretail ready\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLabrosse stresses that promotions are essential to building brand awareness and driving trials for new products entering the market. Though they may seem costly at first, promotions done right can become very profitable and are a great way to gain insights from retailers and consumers. When going into a buyer meeting, make it clear you understand another product lost its\u2019 shelf spot to give yours a chance and you’re willing to do what it takes to increase sales in their store, including promoting your products at a discounted price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wondering if your product is priced right for its category? Check out Labrosse\u2019s recent blog <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nPredict the unpredictable<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe last couple of years have been more unpredictable than ever. Everything from a global pandemic, supply chain delays, material shortages, an economic downturn, and shifting consumer habits are just a few things that have hit the CPG industry. While these circumstances are out of your control, our guest speakers have a few tips to feel prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Sean](\"https:\/\/rangeme-blog-images.imgix.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/3-2.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDuring Forecasting Predictable Growth for Brands in Unpredictable Circumstances<\/em><\/a>, Sean De Clercq, CEO of Kickfurther<\/a> shared helpful hints on how to optimize your supply chain. Having a plan in place not only builds resilience but allows you to have backup options should trouble arise. Clercq suggested having two things in place – a product spec sheet and an inspection spec sheet. These resources will allow you to request samples and compare costs and timeframes from other manufacturers with ease and inspect products before<\/em> they leave the factory floor. Leveraging financial partners to increase inventory is another way to reduce strain on your supply chain, unlocking volume discounts and ensuring your order is prioritized when production is limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile NielsenIQ can\u2019t actually predict the future, they can share some of the fastest growing product attributes, so you can stay on top of what\u2019s trending in your category. For food and beverage, Polk noted that gluten-free, vegan, and kosher are continuing to dominate the field and clean or \u201cnatural\u201d labels have skyrocketed over the past three years. Polk elaborates that brands not listing these attributes (and others such as sugar-free, dairy-free, keto, plant-based, etc.) on their packaging are missing out. Sales growth has been significantly greater for brands listing these attributes vs the brands which don\u2019t, even if both products qualify. Within the health and beauty category, vegan and cruelty-free products have increased most in sales within the past year and shoppers are looking for functional ingredients that match their health and wellness journeys. Meanwhile, the humanization of pets and sustainability are big trends in the general merchandise category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be savvy when it comes to shipping<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nShipping logistics can be an overwhelming hassle for brands just starting out. Understanding ways to simplify the process and cut down on costs is something Paul Jarrett, CEO & Founder of Bulu<\/a> specializes in. During our Shipping Tips and Traps for Brands Workshop<\/em><\/a>, he shares invaluable insights from his own experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Paul](\"https:\/\/rangeme-blog-images.imgix.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/1-1.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nMany brands hold themselves back by overcomplicating the logistics process. Knowing who is accountable for owning each relationship and managing each part of the process keeps things simple. \u201cLogistics isn\u2019t complicated once you break it down to know where to go for what you need,\u201d says Jarrett. Another trap brands fall for is thinking they can\u2019t yet get good prices on materials. To this, Jarrett responds, \u201cask, ask and ask again\u201d. Let the distributors know there\u2019s some competition when it comes to doing business with you and find out what other local companies are paying. Also, be resourceful. Ask for advice from experts online and in-person, see how many supplies and software subscriptions you can get for free, and repurpose excess or damaged inventory. The final trap Jarrett brought up is thinking you already have good shipping rates. In reality, shipping rates are fluid and require constant management. Reading between the lines, negotiating verbally, and consolidating items are just a few of the ways he suggests cutting costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All of our RangeMe Deal Days: Summer Savings guest speakers shared their incredible knowledge of the CPG industry and their thoughts on where the future of retail is headed. To watch a recording of one of the webinars mentioned above, click here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAlli Ball, founder of Food Biz Wiz<\/a>, cuts to the chase in our How to Increase Your Chances of Reorders<\/em><\/a> webinar. If you want to receive reorders from buyers, she suggests keeping your communications via email, RangeMe Messages, and social media, short and sweet. Because let\u2019s face it, buyers are busy. Each message you send to a buyer should have a clear purpose and call to action (CTA). After an order has been placed, Ball suggests sending four specific messages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s it! Don\u2019t become a high-maintenance supplier who sends an overwhelming amount of communications. Instead, stay transparent and build trust between you and buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n To build on the importance of communication, during Building Powerful and Profitable Promotions<\/em><\/a>, Kate LaBrosse, founder of Kate LaBrosse Coaching & Consulting<\/a>, walks through her step-by-step guide to incorporating promotions into your business plan and pricing models. Showing up to a buyer meeting with a promotional plan in place sets you apart from your competition and gives buyers a sigh of relief knowing there\u2019s one less thing for them to worry about. Having a deep understanding of your category and a promotional plan that\u2019s easy for retail buyers to \u201cjust say yes to\u201d shows them you are ready to play in the big leagues, even if it\u2019s your first time. Another great tip from LaBrosse is using promotions to re-engage with your buyer after you\u2019ve already found a place on their shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This isn\u2019t the first time we\u2019ve seen conscious consumerism<\/a> play a large role in consumer trends, and it certainly won\u2019t be the last. NielsenIQ<\/a>\u2019s Hannah Polk discusses the global pandemic\u2019s role in accelerating the push for e-commerce and how it paved the way for need-based shopping during Understanding Consumer Shopping Habits with NielsenIQ<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n As people focus on being better for themselves, the planet, and their pets, sustainability becomes a key focus across categories, with social responsibility and animal welfare seeing the greatest growth. Polk shares that 30% of U.S. consumers are more likely to buy products with sustainable credentials and 77% of consumers expect product labels to be more specific and transparent. Online shopping makes conscious consumerism easier since brands can list their certifications, ingredients, and social responsibility efforts more thoroughly than they can on-shelf. About 85% of retailers are now offering some sort of health and wellness filters on their websites to meet this growing interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One mistake many brands make is thinking product promotion gets passed along to the retailer once a deal has been struck. But product promotion is forever an ongoing effort, beginning with your digital presence and continuing after you have made it onto retailers\u2019 shelves.<\/p>\n\n\n If there\u2019s anyone that understands the importance of having a strong digital presence, it\u2019s Emily Page, CEO of Pearl Resourcing<\/a>. Buyers will inevitably search for your brand online before making any purchases, making first impressions everything. In our Creating a \u201cRetail Ready\u201d Digital Presence Workshop<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Page says, \u201ceverything you tell a buyer, should be reflected on your website.\u201d Whether it’s your best-selling product or what retailers you\u2019ve already partnered with, consistency is key. This goes for your RangeMe profile and social media presence as well. To make the most of these platforms, and therefore promote your products properly, Page emphasizes that imagery is vital. Your banner, logo, and product images are the best places to draw in buyers, so make sure your brand name, value proposition, and products are able to stand out. Consider using digital mockups and think about what size product your target retailer would be most interested in. At the end of the day, make sure everything looks professional and proves your brand is \u201cretail ready\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Labrosse stresses that promotions are essential to building brand awareness and driving trials for new products entering the market. Though they may seem costly at first, promotions done right can become very profitable and are a great way to gain insights from retailers and consumers. When going into a buyer meeting, make it clear you understand another product lost its\u2019 shelf spot to give yours a chance and you’re willing to do what it takes to increase sales in their store, including promoting your products at a discounted price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Wondering if your product is priced right for its category? Check out Labrosse\u2019s recent blog <\/em>here<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The last couple of years have been more unpredictable than ever. Everything from a global pandemic, supply chain delays, material shortages, an economic downturn, and shifting consumer habits are just a few things that have hit the CPG industry. While these circumstances are out of your control, our guest speakers have a few tips to feel prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n During Forecasting Predictable Growth for Brands in Unpredictable Circumstances<\/em><\/a>, Sean De Clercq, CEO of Kickfurther<\/a> shared helpful hints on how to optimize your supply chain. Having a plan in place not only builds resilience but allows you to have backup options should trouble arise. Clercq suggested having two things in place – a product spec sheet and an inspection spec sheet. These resources will allow you to request samples and compare costs and timeframes from other manufacturers with ease and inspect products before<\/em> they leave the factory floor. Leveraging financial partners to increase inventory is another way to reduce strain on your supply chain, unlocking volume discounts and ensuring your order is prioritized when production is limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While NielsenIQ can\u2019t actually predict the future, they can share some of the fastest growing product attributes, so you can stay on top of what\u2019s trending in your category. For food and beverage, Polk noted that gluten-free, vegan, and kosher are continuing to dominate the field and clean or \u201cnatural\u201d labels have skyrocketed over the past three years. Polk elaborates that brands not listing these attributes (and others such as sugar-free, dairy-free, keto, plant-based, etc.) on their packaging are missing out. Sales growth has been significantly greater for brands listing these attributes vs the brands which don\u2019t, even if both products qualify. Within the health and beauty category, vegan and cruelty-free products have increased most in sales within the past year and shoppers are looking for functional ingredients that match their health and wellness journeys. Meanwhile, the humanization of pets and sustainability are big trends in the general merchandise category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shipping logistics can be an overwhelming hassle for brands just starting out. Understanding ways to simplify the process and cut down on costs is something Paul Jarrett, CEO & Founder of Bulu<\/a> specializes in. During our Shipping Tips and Traps for Brands Workshop<\/em><\/a>, he shares invaluable insights from his own experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n Many brands hold themselves back by overcomplicating the logistics process. Knowing who is accountable for owning each relationship and managing each part of the process keeps things simple. \u201cLogistics isn\u2019t complicated once you break it down to know where to go for what you need,\u201d says Jarrett. Another trap brands fall for is thinking they can\u2019t yet get good prices on materials. To this, Jarrett responds, \u201cask, ask and ask again\u201d. Let the distributors know there\u2019s some competition when it comes to doing business with you and find out what other local companies are paying. Also, be resourceful. Ask for advice from experts online and in-person, see how many supplies and software subscriptions you can get for free, and repurpose excess or damaged inventory. The final trap Jarrett brought up is thinking you already have good shipping rates. In reality, shipping rates are fluid and require constant management. Reading between the lines, negotiating verbally, and consolidating items are just a few of the ways he suggests cutting costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All of our RangeMe Deal Days: Summer Savings guest speakers shared their incredible knowledge of the CPG industry and their thoughts on where the future of retail is headed. To watch a recording of one of the webinars mentioned above, click here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nConscious consumerism isn\u2019t going away<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nProduct promotion isn\u2019t the retailer\u2019s job<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPredict the unpredictable<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBe savvy when it comes to shipping<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n