Post on 04-Jan-2016
transcript
Scaling in Fair TradeStrategies for Growth
Intro
• Mata Traders• What we’re discussing today
Product Mix
• It must sell – Something that people want at the right price point
• Don’t do the same thing that someone else is doing– Unless you’re selling it
to a different market• Test the Market– Start small– Direct to retail– Focus groups
• Stick with what works
Sales
• Make Sales the #1 Priority– Sell anyway you can– Sales cures all
• Trade Shows– NYNOW (Artisan Resource)– Say hi to everyone– Conversation starter– Good booth display
Sourcing
• Relationships with our producer organizations– Willing to start small and grow with us– Built trust and personal relationships– Deal with challenges together and learned from them
• Write back! Respond tobuyer inquiries within 48 hours
• Adding new suppliers – Don’t overextend
Finance
• Anticipate your cash flow, understand your numbers, and maintain financial discipline
• Know your funding options– Shared Interest• Funded growth
of purchase orders
Staffing
• You need to hire people to grow• Don’t hire until it’s necessary• Get people when you really need them
Value Add
• Design– A unique aesthetic
• Manufacturing– Fair Trade/Handmade
• Marketing– Branding and
our next step
Thank You
• jonit@matatraders.com• Questions and comments