The Grooming Supplies at LOW Prices Bows Brushes Clippers Combs Dryers Scissors Shampoo Shedding Tools Tables Wholesale Dog Supplies YOU Can Retail in YOUR Salon CATALOG SALES

 What if you don't have the money to invest in inventory?  How about items that don't move fast, tying up funds, are too large for your sales area or are too costly to stock in large quantities?

No problem. Make up your own catalog.       

 
Catalog sales are easy to start and take only the investment of your time. You are already in on the ground floor through your experience in ordering supplies for your grooming. You have wholesalers that know you and you understand the ordering and shipping procedure. You need not enlist the services of a printer and do not have to get involved with large mailing lists.  All you need is a three ring binder, a computer printer and a little careful planning. If you are not computer savvy, construction paper and a few out-dated catalogs from suppliers will do.      

Select the items you wish to sell and print pictures of the products. Using your suppliers' catalogs as guides, organize your catalog according to product category.

To be sure of accuracy when ordering, give each product an individual identification number. If you have less than one hundred items you can get away with a two digit number, but to make room for expansion you are better off with a three or four digit number.  Follow this number with a letter code for each variation of one product such as size or color. Your code should look similar to 000l-AA. Next figure your cost, including shipping, tack on your profit and list this new price and the code numbers with each item.  

Planning Your Catalog Sales Policies

Your next step is to set up a defined ordering policy including ordering deadlines and expected delivery dates. Make these the same dates each month such as ordering deadlines on the first and third Monday of each month and delivery expected two weeks following.

Design a payment policy with or without credit and a pick-up deadline. To discourage people from refusing orders and to eliminate a large investment on your part when ordering, include a substantial down-payment in your policies.      

You can print your order forms from your computer or use a standard ordering form available at any office supply store.  You can also design your own to fit your needs.

You're all set. Now display the catalog on your counter where customers can page through. Refer to the catalog whenever someone asks about a product you don't have in stock, and don't neglect the phrase "We can order that for you".

What to Include in the Catalog      

 
Catalog items should include crates, cages, beds, pet furniture, training equipment, pet doors, and books, grooming equipment, dishes, and dog houses. Anything that might peak an interest should be listed in your catalog.

Products designed for specific breeds or need to be personalized are excellent for catalog sales orders. These items include personalized bowls and placemats, stationary, mugs, door mats, stamps and signs.

Gift items for the pet loving human are also good for your catalog sales. 

Don't forget to list products for pets you do not cater to. The woman who comes in once a month with her cute toy poodle might also own two cats, a cockatoo, a ferret, horse and a gold fish. Don't be too choosey and don't eliminate something because you don't think it will sell. You haven't lost a thing if an item doesn't sell because you make no investment until the sale is already made.