Samples, shipping, returns and reorders
How to send samples, ship wholesale orders, handle problems and turn a first order into a reorder.
Should I send free samples to buyers?
Send samples to qualified buyers who have shown interest, not to everyone on a list. A sample costs product, packaging and postage, and an unqualified recipient rarely becomes an order. SellToStores ships sample kits and sell sheets as part of outreach and tracks each one.
What goes in a sample kit?
A sample kit usually holds a few best sellers in sellable or trial sizes, a one-page sell sheet with wholesale price, MSRP, case pack and minimum order, and your ordering contact. Keep it light and clear, so the buyer can decide in minutes.
How do I follow up after a sample arrives?
Follow up a few days after delivery with a short note asking what they thought and whether they have questions on price or minimums. Include how to order. A sample with no follow-up usually ends the conversation.
Should I ship wholesale orders by parcel or freight?
Small orders usually go by parcel through a carrier. Larger or heavier orders move more cheaply by freight on pallets. Compare both for your typical order and set a size above which you ship freight, so cost never surprises you.
Who pays freight on a wholesale order?
Both arrangements are common. Many brands offer free shipping above a set order size and charge freight below it. State the rule on your sell sheet and in your terms so buyers never need to guess.
What return policy should a wholesale brand have?
Write a short policy in your terms. Cover defective product, shipping damage and wrong items, and how soon a buyer must report a problem. Many brands treat other orders as final sale. Clear terms prevent arguments.
What should I do when an order arrives damaged?
Ask the buyer for photos of the damage and packaging, note it on the delivery receipt, file a claim with the carrier and replace or credit the order. Handle it fast and politely, since the first problem shapes whether they reorder.
Why do reorders matter more than first orders?
A first order costs the most to win because of outreach, samples and onboarding. A reorder costs far less and makes the channel predictable. SellToStores follows up on sell-through and asks for the next order, because first orders should not become last orders.
When should I check in after a first order?
Check in once product has had time to sell, often a few weeks after delivery, and ask what is moving. SellToStores does this check-in in its reorder stage and gives you a status list of every account.
What blocks a reorder?
Common blockers are slow shipping, a price that does not match the retail shelf, items that did not sell, unclear reorder steps and a buyer who changed jobs. The reorder stage works to find which one applies and fix it.
How fast should reorders ship?
Fast shipping on reorders protects the account. Tell buyers your standard lead time and keep your best sellers in stock. A store that waits weeks for a replenishment order may switch to another brand.
Should I offer reorder incentives?
Use them with care. A small incentive on a second order can build the habit, but discounting every order trains buyers to wait for offers. Tie any incentive to a clear goal and end date.
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Answers about SellToStores come from this site's pages and terms. Everything else is general wholesale guidance with illustrative numbers, and regulatory points are not legal advice, so confirm them with the regulator or counsel.
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