Wal-Mart, a Bulk merchandiser launched decades ago by Sam Walton, is a coercion to suppose with in terms of exposure, pricing and proliferation. Getting an invention into the Wal-Mart merchandise borderline is dense nevertheless not impossible whether your design is particular and your valuation aim is low. Believing in your brain wave Testament empower you. Some legwork and a Journey to Arkansas can seal the deal.
Instructions
1. Invent and evaluate the object. It's not Sufficiently to come up with a intelligent brainstorm. You must besides estimate the fee of manufacturing comprehensive quantities of your product abstraction to compute the amount of the oppose. Abbreviate the complete bill by the figure of units produced and that is your baseline worth. Dual the figure and that's your wholesale cost. Provided Wal-Mart buys your notion, they may manufacture it abroad, production the origination worth actually low.
2. Protect your invention by applying for a trademark or patent. These applications are expensive provided done concluded an attorney, nevertheless you can use this chip of the business yourself. Talk an Internet-based legal point (peep Mode) to memorize what is required to protect your mental Belongings via a patent or trademark. Applying for a copyright won't protect you; ideas can't be copyrighted.
3. Don't spend bill on packaging. Consequent duration you stay Wal-Mart, mark that products are showcased in boxes, on backer cards, in plastic sleeves, blister packs and other mail bearing the Wal-Mart Trade-mark. If the company buys your idea, they will package it and you needn't worry about this step.
4. Prepare a professional presentation. Create a list of features and benefits to support your argument for adding your invention to the Wal-Mart product line. Features are a product's unique properties (it's strong, safe, inexpensive, sturdy). Benefits cover the emotional selling points (saves mom time; makes you look beautiful; is trendy).
5. Make an appointment with the appropriate contact at Wal-Mart's corporate offices by sending a query letter to 702 SW 8th Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611 or call the main number at corporate headquarters: 1-800-Wal-Mart (1-800-925-6278) to arrive the best source. If you are persistent, you might be able to track down a marketing or product development person by phone, at which point you can ask additional questions.
7. Make a formal presentation. Bring several samples of your invention and plan to leave them behind. Use the features and benefits sheet you compiled to convince staff why they should consider your product idea. You would like Wal-Mart to be the exclusive distributor of your product and want to make an appointment with a marketing or product development staffer to present the idea. Suggest available dates for a visit to Bentonville. Once the date is booked, send a confirming note to your contact and include a copy of a nondisclosure form to protect your idea from being stolen.
6. Avoid giving away invention details when you make your first contact. Your correspondence should be succinct and professional, covering this information: You have invented a unique product that is exactly the type of item a typical Wal-Mart shopper would find attractive. Decide in advance the type of compensation you seek. Some inventors sell their ideas outright, giving up all claims to the product design. Others license their ideas and receive a regular royalty. Wal-Mart has signature business policies that may preclude one or both of these, but if the conversation gets this far, you are probably on the road to a deal.
