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Key Largo, FL--As a jewelry manufacturer, building strong partnerships with your retailers is crucial for the success of your business. Retailers have a vast selection of vendors to choose from, so it's important to differentiate yourself by providing exceptional service and value. Here are some tips on how to be a true partner to your retailers:

1. Do your homework - Before meeting with a retailer, research their business and understand their current offerings. Identify gaps in their product lines where your jewelry could fill a need. Determine if you can offer better quality, customer support, or pricing compared to their current vendors. Sharing data on local markets and competitor trends as well as how you can help will also build credibility and trust.
2.  Stay in touch - Regular communication is key to maintaining a strong partnership. It doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.

• Text or email your retailers with friendly messages, updates on new products, and reorder proposals with images.
• Hold quarterly meetings to evaluate sales and make adjustments to your product lines as needed.
• Personal touches like handwritten notes or phone calls on special occasions show your appreciation and build a deeper relationship

       3. Support beyond the sale - Providing support after the initial sale is essential for ensuring your vendor’s continued satisfaction. It allows you to quickly address any issues or concerns, creates opportunities for future transactions, and shows their success is important to you. Even if they haven’t asked for anything, take the initiative and offer to drive an item to their store or attend their in-store events to provide additional support and a larger product assortment. Be available outside of normal business hours to address any urgent needs or concerns and celebrate their successes by sending congratulatory notes or offering incentives for top-performing sales associates.

     4. Make them feel important - When customers feel important, they are more likely to have a positive perception of your brand and choose your products over your competitors. Not only does this create a sense of loyalty and trust, but it can also result in repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Make thoughtful gestures such as bringing coffee or lunch during visits, and share insights from other retail partners to bring additional value beyond your product lines. Show interest in their personal lives and hobbies by interacting with them on social media and engaging with them as individuals beyond just being business partners.

With small efforts, you can establish yourself as a true partner to your retailers and differentiate your business from competitors. Remember that building strong relationships takes time, but the rewards are invaluable. Would you add anything to this list? Let us know in the comments.

Megan Crabtree is an experienced and highly effective consultant to the jewelry industry. She's on a mission to put motivated manufacturers and retailers on the fast track to incredible growth through her unique data-driven strategies. She is the Founder & CEO of Crabtree Consulting; a columnist for industry magazines, a LinkedIn influencer, keynote speaker, foodie, and world traveler.