Newbie Needs Advice from Pros

Hi everyone! I live in the 'burbs near Chicago, have worked for a small giftware/ pub'g co for a year doing telesales - have a 20-state calling territory; seems every time I call a shop they're 'with a rep' and/or 'have just bought from a rep.' Maybe a smokescreen, maybe not  - I had the chance to get to know several vitamin/ nutriceutical reps a few years back when I worked for a healthfood store; envied them their freedom from office, etc. as well as the much better income they made compared to our hourly, etc. Also have extensive background in customer service and retail sales. So - I know in many areas it's a crummy economy, etc. esp for giftware, but northern IL doesn't seem to be quite as bad. Due to my work contcts, I have a first-name relationship with a number of mgrs/ buyers at hospital, Hallmark & regular giftshops, as well as educational stores in this and other areas.  Since I  know what they ARE looking for, would like to search out co's that carry those type of lines and rep them.

Hello Mary,

Thanks for joining our forum.  First, I would naturally recommend you try our sponsor Manufacturers Representatives for locating product lines to sell.  Their service is free for all reps and they do have quite a few companies that deal with greeting cards, giftware, novelty items, etc.

Since you are familiar with so many stores in your area, I would also recommend you simply contact them and ask who they buy from, if they purchase from reps, etc.  Perhaps, one of your contacts could refer you to an existing rep who works with an agency.

There are many variables when you start out, much of which depends on you.  You can work on your own or try to find join an existing rep agency.  From what you have mentioned, I would think your experience and business contacts would be a valuable asset to agencies dealing with giftware, retail, etc.