Outline Of A Supplier Consultancy Visit

The exact style and approach adopted will be influenced by your needs once established in the opening de-briefing, however, outlined below is a summary of the main points. Questions are welcome throughout the consultancy and the agenda will be adapted as specific requirements become apparent.

• If Applicable to the visit, an brief tour of the business and environment.
• De-Briefing from you as per our preparation list (see “useful data to begin consultancy with”) and an overview of your business & customer base so far.
• How the UK Natural Product Industry “works” .
• The UK Natural Product Industry and its relationship with other linked industries such as Pharmacists, Direct Mail and Supermarkets. How these markets and supplier involvement is viewed by the retail buyer.
• A definition and explanation of the various margins and distribution strategies involving manufacturers, brand owners, wholesalers, distributors and agents including “Competitor Strategies”.
• A definition and explanation of a very specific and in industry terms, recent competitive margin strategy that some companies are adopting to gain competitive advantage over other companies that apply industry standard tactics.
• An in depth explanation of all the main Industry margin & marketing structures, this is needed to truly understand your market position, its advantages and disadvantages. We are all competing for the same shelf space.
• Discount structures for retailers, how the big boys & the corner shops operate and what they want in discount, margin and service from the supply chain.
• How to present your company correctly to the independent retailer.
• The EU Directives and their commercial implications for supply and retail.
• Selling to the wholesaler.
• Selling to the retailer and meeting their needs.
• The different Packaging required in the retail, pharmacy and practitioner market.
• Credit Control.
• Deciding on a way forward for your business.
• Analysis of your companies strategy and assessment of the most favourable position to adopt in the future with regard to the sale and distribution of the products.
• Questions and general wrap up reviews.

Subject to:

Any other business advice required.
Specific needs brought up at the meeting.