In the US, we have one of the best distribution channels for selling your products. Thank goodness, we no longer need to set up a booth in the local marketplace and hope someone buys our wares!!
Some of the different distribution channels for available for selling your gift products are outlined in my article:
Who are the Different Entities Involved with Selling to Gift Shops?
Don Debelak of One Stop Invention Shop lists a few more channels — targeting inventors (but will work for other products) — in his article:
Which Distribution Channels Should I Use?
Here are his suggestions:
Direct to Consumer
Direct to consumers is often through the Internet, but it can also be accomplished by advertising in local media and then following up with a sales call when people are interested. Companies might use other lead generation techniques such as being in local special event shows, like a Green Home Show, and then follow up on leads generated at the show….
Sell to Catalogs
You probably receive several catalogs at home: Signals; Lifestyle Fascination; Harriet Carter; and hundreds of other catalogs are mailed regularly to millions of homes.
Catalogs are often willing to do business with small one product line companies and they are a great way for inventors to launch their products…
Sell Direct to Retailers or Dealers
This is not a national breakout strategy for most inventors, instead it is a way to generate sales in local area to prove the product will sell. Often used to convince investors that product will sell…
Sell to Retailers and Distributors through Manufacturers’ Sales Agents
Inventors often don’t have industry contacts and can’t afford to exhibit at major trade shows or travel around the country to sell their product. They also can’t afford to hire their own sales person. In these case inventors turn to independent sales reps, companies that carry four to fifteen products from small companies. These individuals can introduce products successfully for inventors…
Sell to Consumers at Shows, Events and Fairs
State fairs, county fairs, kitchen shows and a host of others happen in virtually every market. Inventors can take up booths and sell their product…
Sell to Retailers and Distributors at Trade Shows
Many industries have large trade shows, both for consumer and industrial products. These shows, such as the Hardware Show and the Housewares Show, attract people from all the major retailers and distributors as well as manufacturers’ sales representatives. You can set up a booth and meet retailers and distributors that might be willing to sell your product…
Sell Direct to Retailers or Dealers
Inventors can set up their own sales organization to sell direct to retailers or dealers. They typically need to hire an experienced and successful industry person and offer him or her a share of the business in return for accepting a lower starting salary…
Sell through Another Marketer
Inventors can sometimes locate (typically at trade shows) another manufacturer who runs into resistance from being a one or small line company. Often those companies benefit greatly from having another line to sell along with their products – it cuts their sales costs, and also makes their line more attractive to representatives…
Sell through a Joint Venture Marketing Agreement
This type marketing is based upon inventors being able to sell their product most successfully in their own market. Inventors in different parts of the country can sell each other products in their own markets…
For more information on the pros and cons of any or all of these methods, make sure to check out Don’s article!