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View Comments 1. What lines do you represent? Find out if they are competitive with your line. There has been a lot of consolidation in the pet rep business. There are only 2 full service rep firms that handle Petco, Petsmart and PSP. Yes, there are probably 100 other reps that call on them, but they don’t have the resources to do the retail detailing you will need to be successful. Back to my point. It is rare that there is category exclusivity with reps anymore unless maybe you are a major food line.
2. How do you charge? This is important. Most reps will charge between 3 – 8% commission of your wholesale cost. The reputable reps will ONLY charge on what they sell. If a rep asks for a retainer – RUN, don’t walk away. If a rep believes in your line they will do the upfront work to get the appointment and present your product on good faith.
3. What are your retail merchandising capabilities? This is also important. Petco & Petsmart have abysmal execution rates. Basically this means that your product has a 50% or less chance of being displayed properly on the store shelf if you rely on store staff. A good rep will have a “detailing” team that can go out and get your product from the back room and get it to the shelf. Sometimes this service will be included for the commission rate, sometimes it will be charged separately. It usually depends on the $$ size of your line.
Good luck and good selling!
If you need more info contact us at info@bulldogms.com.
Leading Pet Chain Now Selling Innovative Pet ID Tags
Secaucus, NJ — (May 15, 2010) –SmartTag™ (http://www.idtag.com), the innovative pet recovery ID tag powered by eAlert™ and produced by LittleGifts, Inc., announced today its availability at PETCO. SmartTag’s eAlert feature sends a pet’s profile by email to surrounding shelters, rescues and its veterinarian if a pet is reported lost. In addition, if a pet is found, a call to SmartTag’s 24/7 Pet Recovery Emergency Response Center connects the pet to its owner in minutes.
“Now the most effective Pet ID recovery system will be available to consumers nationwide,” said David Sarnowski, VP Sales & Marketing. “Being available at PETCO allows our advanced pet protection system to go mainstream. SmartTag is no longer for just early adopters.”
SmartTag will be merchandised in the collar/lead area with “Aisle Invader” POP displays. The POP will include the SmartTag ID and a quick overview of the product benefits as well as information on how to use the product. In-store circular ads and tagged print advertising in Dog Fancy along with trial promotions will drive sales at PETCO. TV support is scheduled for July 2010 to promote the product and service.
SmartTag will retail for $9.99 with service plans starting at $9.95 for 1 year of service. It is also available for purchase at www.idtag.com.
About SmartTag:
SmartTag provides pet owners with an around-the-clock solution for recovering lost pets. On the back of each stylish SmartTag is a unique serial number. The pet owner simply registers this number at IDTAG.com and creates an online pet profile — including pictures, vet records and owner contact information. If the pet ever goes missing, the owner simply calls SmartTag or logs onto the website. Thanks to eAlert™ technology, an instant Lost Pet Alert will be automatically broadcasted to local shelters and rescue organizations within 50 miles of a pet’s last known location. Then live operators, available 24/7, will call up to six emergency contact numbers to notify the owner as soon as the pet has been found. If someone recovers a pet with SmartTag they can call the toll-free number on the tag or log onto www.IDTAG.com.
For more information, call 1-888-560-0985 or visit www.IDTAG.com.
In order of importance…
1. Pet Product News, www.petproductnews.com
2. Pet Business, www.petbusiness.com
3. Pet Age, www.petage.com
