Aaaahh, a multiple has approached me to stock my products in their stores

[ethelb]

Anyone know where I can get a really really good business mentor asap to discuss the feasibility of this and how not to get rinsed by them?

I am v small and make all my own products. Started the business on £1k 8 months ago. I really am a very little fish in what is proving to be a very big pond and have no idea how this stuff works other than watching the Apprentice. Help!!!!!!!!!!!

bump

Does your local council run business start-up classes? An Enterprise Board or similar, perhaps? Or your bank will probably have business advisors too. Local Chamber of Commerce, Round Table?

Congratulations, by the way, how very exciting for you!

Thanks OldLadyKnows. I have been muttering 'this time next year we will be millionaires all evening at DP'.

There are local business networks and stuff. But the problem is I work full time in my job job so don't have time to attend them. (though was planning to leave in 6 months or so to do this full time, but the past year has been tumultous due to DP job loss. He has a temp job at the moment though he is waiting to hear back from an interview somewhere we want to move that took place earlier this week).

The bank is a good idea. I have a business bank manager, though don't think much of him tbh.

Is there anyone on here that offers business mentoring for retailers/small biz?

Wow! Sounds good..

Could you try the trade/membership body for your 'sector'? They might have a suppliers/consultants list? Ideally you need somebody who knows your market/situ well rather than a generalist...

Good luck.

Happy to put you in touch with my mentor or you can google her - Ann Hawkins. She could spend some time with you by skype or phone and help you work out the margins, what you want from it, and how to negotiate on the different aspects. I'm in Comms / PR / Social Media and she's been a big help to me! Google Ann Hawkins Cambridge

Be VERY VERY careful
somebody I know was selling their wares throught NotontheHighStreet
a certain never knowingly undersold shop came knocking
it looked great
till the small print

• 50% discount
• sale or return
• commission taken towards adverts
• right to cut the price at any time

so it never happened