Pay for entry, pay for space, pay to stay, and pay to limit rival shelf space. Slotting fees and practices vary depending on the product, vendor, and market conditions. Still, much of the pricing system is under a shroud of secrecy. The only fact we know is that money and clout will score you prime shelving real estate.
According to a Federal Trade Commission study, it is speculated that some retailers earn more profit carrying products from vendors than they do from selling products to customers. Even established manufacturers like Kraft must still pay to place new products on the shelves. For small and medium businesses, these fees serve as huge barriers to entry.
The odds are stacked against new products. New product failure rates are greater than 90 percent and success stories are rare. Meanwhile, big businesses are getting bigger. Simon Pendry of Bluemarlin explains, “bigger brands tend to get more facings; if you get more facings, you have more visibility, and that tends to lead to more sales, so it perpetuates: The bigger brands continue to be bigger brands.”
So how can SMBs compete against businesses that have both money and clout?
Here are some tips to help your business make the best out of your situation:
If you don’t have the money, you need clout. Developing a strong track record is vital for SMBs. Creating an online storefront or starting in small mom and pop shops are good ways to build your clout, which is your leverage. Use social media platforms and build relationships with bloggers to generate buzz around your products and develop your credibility.
Some retailers don’t have the time to sit down and listen to every product offering. These retailers will only be available through brokers. Therefore it might be a good investment to look into brokers who only get paid when they make a sale. Search for a reputable broker with wide connections with buyers.
It is conventional knowledge that the prime real estate falls at the bull’s eye zone at the eye-level, and followed by waist-level, knee-level, and then ankle-level. However research shows that customer responses change depending on product package size and intended market segments. Studies have shown that when a 54 oz. juice was shifted from a non-visible lower shelf to a more visible shelf placement, sales dropped by 15% because of the difficulty of lifting the item. If you are targeting children, lower shelves hold the best merchandising opportunities. Depending on your product, understand who your target is and where your prime retail product placement really is. Also remember, more doesn't always mean better.
Try to co-brand a display with products in your category. For instance, if you sell wine, pair it with cheese or bread that goes well with it. If you’re successful, you can land a spot in another section in the store that might not be possible without a pairing.
Research the competitors in your space through IRI or Nielsen Scantrack data. If you find a brand that is over-spaced for the number of turnover, you can point out the findings to the chain buyer and let them investigate and take the appropriate course of action.
All SMBs understand that the odds are against them. However, there are still ways around a tight budget and limited clout. Pick and choose the right strategies for your business and learn how to play to your strengths.
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