Cost-cutting is possible by deciding who does the work on many items in your store. Many owners of dollar stores fail to recognize that vendors will often do some of the work for a small fee if they are asked. There is some trust involved in allowing someone to come into your store and remove any old items before stocking the shelves with new merchandise. With a few precautions, the risk is minimal, and labor costs can be substantial. Your profits will grow, your labor costs will be reduced, and shelves will be stocked. Continue reading to learn eight items you can stock as vendors when starting a dollar store.
#1) Candy
Many candy distributors have representatives who visit your store every week or bi-weekly. You can suggest that they take stocking and straightening duties. No matter if it’s a sales rep or driver, try to make a deal that includes new products being stockpiled. Keep looking if one company refuses to do so.
#2) Chips
Chips sell. However, the labor cost per dollar can impact profits already low. For larger orders and lower prices, negotiate with local distributors. Also, make sure they complete all stock work.
#3) Soda and Beverages:
You’ll find that most soda and beverage companies will be happy to negotiate coolers and stocking for you as part of their contract. Many will help to remove outdated items as part of their service since they don’t want them being sold.
#4) Produce
Produce is another category of merchandise that has a short shelf life. It is crucial to find local suppliers to help your dollar store. These companies might be willing to stock new products and pull out old items.
#5 – Bread
Bread is a product that is high in turnover and has a short shelf life. To ensure quality bread, your bakery representative will visit you often. You might be able to negotiate with them to pull outdates or stock incoming merchandise. Many will be willing to assist you in your first dollar store.
#6 Pastries
Pastries, just like bread, have a short shelf life, so they must be replaced frequently. You can negotiate with the supplier to do as much as possible.
#7) Nuts, Snacks
Many small companies that sell nuts and snacks will stock your dollar store at no additional charge. You need to keep calling until the right merchandise is found and the cooperative agreement is reached. Continue looking until you find the right merchandise and agreement. If you do this correctly, your costs will drop, and your profits will rise.
#8) Specialty Items
This time, it’s local businesses and lives representatives that come to your rescue. You can negotiate with them to have stock work completed as a condition for larger orders or seasonal orders. They will often be willing to support you in return for a large order.
All of the dollar store merchandise is high volume and has tight margins. These items are essential for a dollar shop, but they can be challenging to make a profit. Any way you can reduce the cost of your dollar store, including labor, is a positive thing for your dollar-store business. Negotiating with vendors to take over stocking duties is the best solution. Even if vendors aren’t willing to work on every order, any support they offer will reduce your labor costs.
Your dollar store business will succeed!
