Phoenix Trading - Hints and Tips

Earthengirl

Thank you Rosemary. That did have me worried there for a minute that I'd have to sort out my own policy.
I only joined a week ago, so glad you pointed that out for me.

allIcouldwishfor

Hi phoenix peeps!
Just wondering how much stock people keep? Also, when you are making up a basket to leave with a business, how many cards do you normally leave with them and how often do you replenish it?
I've been looking at the catalogue, the cards are all lovely and I want to order them all!

lozenge

hi
i am in east sussex too whereabouts are you, i am near eastbourne

lozenge

sorry meant to send a message instead of post

Elljay_2

Have just been reading through the thread - haven't been on here for a while! Just a point about postage. If you have a small order and can't swap or buy from another trader in your area, you can ring your order through to Phoenix and they will post it out to you. (or even your client if it as a total order......I asked them to post a Boys height chart to a customer). Even if you have to order about 12 cards it is worth ringing up and getting them to post to you rather than ordering online.
Sorry if you know this already!
I think by far the best way to go is to get to know other traders in your area and ask to buy the odd items from them. It works out quicker and cheaper. (Obviously this only applies if you keep some stock!!)
Good luck!!
Special note to Lalalady - don't give up!! Have a card morning/party at home and just seel from your brochures and sample cards. If you feel shy about inviting people round for your cards, combine it with a Chocoholics (or similar) party - good for this time of year Mother's day/Easter. That way you'll get more guests to come!!

Wibblywobbly14

allIcouldwishfor wrote: »

Hi phoenix peeps!
Just wondering how much stock people keep? Also, when you are making up a basket to leave with a business, how many cards do you normally leave with them and how often do you replenish it?
I've been looking at the catalogue, the cards are all lovely and I want to order them all!

Hi, I have only just started trying this out, but I make up a basket of 200 cards plus 12 sheets of wrap & tags (plus brochures and order forms). I leave for a week, then when I collect ask if they would like me to come back again in a few weeks time. I have also started making up smaller baskets containing about 100 cards plus 6-8 sheets of wrap to leave with customers or for them to take into work.

If I get a good response I may add extra items to the basket on the next drop, but for now I am just sticking to cards and wrap.

allIcouldwishfor

200 cards?!! :eek: Wow, I was thinking of around 20!!! Is it going well for you wibblywobbly? (love the username)

Money_maker

lozenge wrote: »

hi
i am in east sussex too whereabouts are you, i am near eastbourne

I know you didn't mean to post this but I am also in this area - had no idea there were other traders around here.

liveandlearn_2

Double WOW!!! I was thinking of about thirty or forty, but I suppose it depends on the size of the office/staffroom??? I'm still a bit worried about people taking them and not paying. Does this happen or am I just very untrusting? Also, someone mentioned the other day/week that they leave very simple instructions on how to order. Whoever it was, do you think you could let us know how you word it? I've tried and it just sounds so long-winded!!
I'm still waiting for my starter kit, and wish I'd ordered some extra catalogues.

One other thing, what sort of sales work best for you all? Coffee mornings, toddler groups/soft play etc, offices, just showing the cataogues/folders? Are people more willing to but from stock than order from a catalogue, for example?

I'd love to hear how the other newbies are getting on! And lalaladybird, hope you are feeling a bit better?? Bummer about the postage, 'grrrr' to the post office for being so useless!!

LL

lozenge

Money_maker wrote: »

I know you didn't mean to post this but I am also in this area - had no idea there were other traders around here.

whereabouts are you?