Vitamins
There are many multi level schemes, and agency plans that started out with vitamins, and there are still plenty of successful businesses that sell vitamins and other health supplements using all sorts of distribution channels. Although it is competitive I believe it is still possible to leverage this product range into a successful business.
The key with vitamins and other health supplements is that they are aspirational. People want to have better health into old age, adverts usually show healthy glowing older people being active and enjoying life, or body builders at the peak of their fitness. As our adult populations continue to balloon into obesity these aspirations do not go away.
Make sure that you understand your product; whether it is individual vitamins or a multi vitamin supplement you need to know all of the benefits and be aware of any potential adverse side effects. Initially you are likely to sell to friends and family, who tend to be more trusting, but later you will want to broaden your network and will face numerous objections, which you should be able to address.
In terms of marketing your product we suggest the following approaches: -
Network
Presentations
Direct Response
Gyms/Spas
Shop
Ebay/Website
Networking is the classic way to sell this product range. Despite all the competition it still works because the sales are based upon trust, and knowing the individual. Starting with friends and family you build a business based upon bulk buying your products and passing the savings on to your customers. Despite all the competition supermarkets and drug stores still stock these products, and price does not seem to be the key differentiator. Whether you start to ask for referrals, or try to take on additional marketers and form your own agency it is relatively easy to expand this into a healthy 2nd income.
Giving presentations at targeted venues, such as Women’s Institute meetings, retirement homes, and young mothers groups is a great way to drum up additional business, and build your client base. If you are not comfortable speaking in public then I can assure you that no one is at first. I remember getting butterflies, sweats and all sorts of nervous twitches before a presentation, but these days I am fine, get out there and do it, you’ll soon get the hang of it. The main trick is to remember that you know more than your audience and they are there because they want to hear what you have to say. Don’t push your specific products too heavily in your talk, and you will build more trust, providing everyone knows why you are there.
Direct response is another classic technique for selling vitamins and supplements. Trust me when I tell you that fitness magazines are saturated with them. You need to find new ways to reach these customers and to increase their trust in you. One approach might be to work with a local gym and write a personal letter to all their members, from them. Offer high quality vitamins and supplements along with a free information booklet or some other added value. This approach can work with Retirements homes, old time dance clubs, cycling clubs etc. The key is the position of trust that is built when the letter comes from an organisation that the individual believes in.
Gyms and Spas are great places to display your stock. Find a way to work with the owners so that they get something out of it. Examples include offering to provide shelving/display facilities, or offering the stock on consignment. Other plusses might be offering a volume bonus, so for every X crates they sell you throw them some extra cash. The key is that the gym owner is usually a small businessman just like you, working with them for a mutual win will go a long way.
Opening a shop would be a big step for this product range, but there are chains that effectively do just this. The key again is that these products are not particularly price sensitive. Setting up a shop is expensive, especially in a good location but once you have your other distribution channels in place this may well make sense.
Without trying I can’t be sure but my guess is that Ebay and/or online selling through your own website will not move large quantities. Your key strength here is buying in bulk. Set up these channels when you are already in business and you will undoubtedly get additional sales through them but don’t start out in this business relying on remote sales, as that important trust factor can’t be built easily with a remote customer.
Don’t simply run off and order from China, or Timbuktoo with this product. You need to be sure that it is certified by your government as suitable for the uses you are recommending it for and that means making sure you buy a brand that is already available in your country.
I would look at the big brands and try to get them to supply you direct. Check expiry dates to work out what time constraints you will have to work under when buying in bulk and if it is not feasible then look at national wholesalers, who will sell to you in smaller lots.
This is all about your customers trusting you, your partners and the product, usually in that order. Don’t make outrageous claims about your products and don’t lie about the involvement of partners, you may end up in prison!