Do you want to start a cosmetics distribution company? Or you need a sample cosmetics distribution business plan template? If YES, then i advice you read on. The cosmetics industry generates billions of dollars in sales every year worldwide. And because the demand for cosmetics is always on the high, the industry will continue to become profitable—regardless of the state of the economy.
There are many ways you can cut your share from the huge annual turnover recorded in the cosmetics industry. And selling cosmetics is about the easiest and most straightforward of these options. You don’t need any formal qualifications to get started, and you don’t need a huge startup investment, either.
All you need to get started as a cosmetics distributor are the talent to highlight facial features, a flair for salesmanship, an entrepreneurial mindset, some business skills, the required startup capital, and the zeal to succeed. If you think this business idea for you, and you would love to take a plunge, then read on to understand the guidelines for starting a successful cosmetics distribution business.
Starting a Cosmetics Distribution Company – Sample Business Plan Template
1. Learn more about the business
Your first step towards starting a successful cosmetics distribution business is to learn more about the cosmetics market and how things work within it.
Approach the owner or manager of a successful cosmetics distribution outlet and ask them questions about how to get into the business and how to succeed in it. Be open about your intention to start your own cosmetics outfit, so they will be able to tell you all you need to know. However, don’t make inquiries from distributors within your locality, as they will deem you a potential competitor and will hide lots of valuable information from you as a result.
In addition, you should attend beauty shows and workshops to learn about the different types of cosmetics available, the latest makeup trends, and the products coming to market. Speak to vendors at the show about the experiences since they started selling cosmetics to consumers. Collect and keep their business cards, since they might end up as your customers.
2. Define your products and target market
Having acquired enough knowledge about the business, your next step is to define your clientele and the products you will sell to them. Consider factors such as age group, skin undertones, ethnicity, trends, and color choices.
Some cosmetics lines are made specifically for certain skin types or age groups, while others are made for a wide range of consumers. You have to decide which types you will be distributing. Also, consider the buying habits and income level of your target market, so you know which products are priced within their budget. To know which brands are selling fastest in your locality, you can simply visit a local cosmetic retail store and watch which products are in high demand.
3. Figure out which brands to promote
With the information gathered while defining your products and target market, research the different cosmetic companies to see if they offer products that are suitable for your target market, and if they have friendly terms for distributors. Many companies offer direct-selling business opportunities for people interested in becoming cosmetic distributors. You can search online for such opportunities that are open to you.
4. Contact manufacturers you want to distribute for
After making a list of companies that you would like to distribute for, contact them and tell them about your plan to start distributing their products. Most companies that offer distributor opportunities have websites through which you can contact their agents. Set up an appointment with an agent to discuss cost, expectations, and benefits of selling for that company.
Ask for a list of current distributors for each manufacturer you want to distribute for. Contact those distributors and ask about their experiences with the manufacturers you intend selling for. Those conversations may help decide whether to join those manufacturers.
Before finalizing a distributorship deal with any manufacturer, ask for test products. Test the cosmetics on yourself and decide whether you like the way it goes on, wears throughout the day, and how it easily it can be cleared. Ask other people to test them, too, and ask for their feedback. Pick the brands with good feedback.
5. Set up your business
Once you have completed all arrangements with manufacturers of your choice, you can set up your business. Register a name for your business, obtain necessary licenses and permits, and complete all other paperwork required.
You will also need to find a good location for your business that is easily accessible and that has lots of parking space around it. Set up your store and install necessary facilities. Hire skilled and experienced employees, and start marketing your business.