Selling offline and to shops.
Online isn't everything. Exhibitions, local markets, corporate orders and supplying other shops (B2B) can bring big, steady sales. Today you'll learn how to sell face to face and to businesses.
Offline selling channels
| Channel | Example | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Stalls and exhibitions | College fests, Sunday markets, Ramzan night bazaars, exhibitions in convention halls | Great for testing and meeting customers |
| Pop-ups | A table at an office, gym or community event | Partner with the venue |
| Your own shop | Small outlet or home studio | Only after demand is proven |
| B2B / wholesale | Supplying cafés, supermarkets, boutiques, gift shops | Lower margin, bigger volume |
| Corporate orders | Eid hampers, Diwali gifts, office lunches | High value, need professionalism |
Selling face to face
- Greet first, don't pounce: "Assalamu alaikum / Hello, have a look, these are made fresh today."
- Let them try: samples, tasting, touching fabric.
- Tell the story: "My mother's recipe from Old City", "Handmade by women artisans."
- Make buying easy: clear prices, UPI QR, bags ready.
- Collect contacts: "Want our menu on WhatsApp for orders?"
Pitching to a shop (B2B)
1. Visit with samples and a one-page price list.
2. "Assalamu alaikum, I make small-batch dates-and-nut energy bars. Your customers
who buy dry fruits might like them. Here's a sample."
3. Offer a trial: "I'll give 20 packs on sale-or-return for 2 weeks."
4. Agree terms in writing: wholesale price, MRP, payment days, returns.
5. Visit again, check sales, restock.Wholesale pricing
If MRP (the price on the pack) is ₹100, shops usually expect a margin, often 20–40% depending on the category. So your wholesale price might be ₹65–80. Make sure that still covers your full cost and profit.
You sell a product at ₹100 MRP and a shop wants a 30% margin. What's your wholesale price?
The shop buys at ₹70 and sells at ₹100, keeping ₹30 (30% of MRP).
Many shops pay after 15–30 days (credit). Agree this in writing, and don't give more stock until earlier bills are paid. Unpaid credit has killed many small suppliers.
What's a good way to start with a new shop?
Trials build trust on both sides with limited risk.
Your task (this week)
Identify 3 offline channels for your product (a stall, a shop, a corporate buyer). Prepare a one-page price list with retail and wholesale prices, and visit one shop with samples.
Lesson 12 complete!
You can sell at stalls and exhibitions, pitch to shops and offices, and set up wholesale terms. Next: customer service that brings repeat buyers.
Next: Customer service that brings repeat buyers →