10 Tips on How to Negotiate With Wholesalers

Being Prepared and Informed Is the Greatest Advantage

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Updated on 11/20/19

Negotiation is an age-old practice that is still common in the marketplace in many countries today. In the United States, most consumers want to avoid the haggle and will simply accept the price on the tag. But as a retailer, you may have more leverage for bargaining with a wholesaler.

Learn how to negotiate with vendors at a buying show or market to receive the best pricing and terms on products with these 10 negotiation tips.

01

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Prepare Well

Business colleagues discussing ideas in an office. — Ezra Bailey / Getty Images

Being prepared and informed is the greatest advantage a retailer can have going into vendor negotiations. Learn as much about the supplier and its products as possible. How do their prices compare to the competition? What level of service do they provide their customers? Vendor negotiation preparation also includes setting goals to determine what you want and what you can live with.

02

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Always Tell the Truth

Deception tactics, such as bluffing or falsification, may do more damage than good in the vendor negotiation process. Lying is not only unethical, but it can be difficult to maintain.

Of course, when you are honest, be careful not to give away your bargaining power. It's not necessary to tell everything you know. Just stick to the truth when you do.

03

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Show Your Potential

If you are meeting with a potential vendor for the first time, odds are they may know nothing about your company. Begin the negotiation with some history of your retail business. Explain any future expansion plans and let the vendor know how doing business with you will help them.

04

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Ask About Incentives

The whole idea behind negotiating with manufacturers and suppliers is to receive the best price, payment terms, advertising allowances, and even exclusivity. Start by asking what incentives you qualify for and let the negotiations begin from there. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Make sure you get some dating on your invoices as well.

05

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Mention the Competition

It is okay to mention the vendor's competition in the negotiation process but don't disclose any pricing or other confidential details. There is nothing wrong with letting a supplier know their competitor is in a good position, whether it is real or perceived. You may want to show the vendor a report on the performance of the competition, so they know their potential in your stores.

06

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Find a Fair Compromise

Just like the retailer, the vendor must make a profit to stay in business. Vendor relations should be treated as a collaboration rather than conquest. As you negotiate a good deal for your retail business, consider the outcome for the supplier.

07

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Think Long-Term

Establishing a solid, trustworthy relationship with a supplier can only help your retail business. Vendors who feel the customer will be loyal may concede to even more incentives to maintain a long-term partnership.

08

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Take Your Time

Never feel pressured to buy from a salesperson. If you're not satisfied with the negotiating process, ask for time to think about the offer. This in and of itself can be a negotiating tactic, as the vendor may worry they will lose a potential sale and offer you better terms and prices on the spot.

09

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Get It in Writing

As the negotiation process comes to a close, make sure the offer is put to paper. Don't sign any sales contract unless it matches the verbal agreement. And take the time to read the agreement carefully rather than assume it has everything in it that you discussed.

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Practice, Drill, and Rehearse

Not everyone is a natural negotiator. It takes time to learn when to speak, when to be silent, and how to read body language. The more you negotiate and sharpen your skills, the better you'll get. Consider practicing on a colleague to accelerate your growth and prepare for your next negotiation.