Free checklist

Retail Buyer Readiness Checklist

A buyer's first meeting goes fast. These are the questions that decide whether you get a second one, organized so you can check them off before you walk in.

6 checkpoints, 24 verifications. Best for: Brands pitching their first grocery, co-op, or specialty retail accounts.

1Pricing that survives the shelf

Wholesale price sheet showing both case price and unit price
Suggested retail price set with room for a typical retailer margin
Distributor margin accounted for, if you will sell through one, so your price still works at the end of the chain
Minimum order quantity and case pack stated clearly

2Product identity and barcodes

A GS1-issued UPC for every selling unit, not a resold barcode
A case-level GTIN if the buyer receives product by the case
Barcode printed at a scannable size and tested on final packaging
Product names identical across packaging, sell sheet, and invoices

3Packaging and labeling

Nutrition Facts panel and ingredient statement in the current format, unless you qualify for an exemption
Allergen declaration that matches your ingredient list exactly
Net quantity shown on the principal display panel
Manufacturer or distributor name and address on the label

4Case and logistics specs

Case dimensions and case weight for every case pack you sell
Pallet configuration, cases per layer and layers per pallet, if you ship palletized
Shelf life and code date format written down
Storage and shipping temperature requirements documented

5Documents buyers ask for

Certificate of liability insurance, current, with the retailer added as additional insured if they require it
A product specification sheet for every item
Current certificates for every claim on your packaging, such as organic, non-GMO, or kosher
W-9 and vendor setup information ready to complete

6The pitch and the follow-through

A one-page sell sheet with photos, pricing, and case information
A clear plan for driving sales at shelf: demos, promotions, or social support
Samples packed and ready to send the same week
Reorder and fulfillment lead times you can actually hit

Do this once, then keep it current

SKU Clear tracks this for every product

SKU Clear builds the product specification sheet from your data, flags every pack size still missing a UPC, weight, or dimensions, and warns you 60 days before an insurance certificate or certification lapses.

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