New Bee- Please Help!

[Preet]

I'm a Licensed optician and interested in opening my own business. So when calling the manufacturer to place the order for eyeglasses and see the sales rep, Do I need to have anything specific on me to prove them that I am going to start a new business? Or they will be ready to create an account for me right away? What are the things that I should keep handy before I get on that phone call. Hoping for some light on my way.
Thank You.

[CuriousCat]

Money and credit references.

[CalCal]

You definitely need credit referenece and probably good personal credit. Some suppliers will ask for payment upfront and from what i heard Luxottica and safilo will give you limited credits.

[uncut]

Rules for establishing accounts with suppliers of frames...for new bees:

@Preet: Congratulations for "seeing the light". May you prosper!

1) Remember, above all, that you are their customer. They are NOT doing you a favor.
2) Call companies/fax companies/email companies.....and request that their local sales rep call/fax/email you. Make notes(literally) of the speed at which they comply. This will reflect the competency of the company....and the rep.
3) Companies like to deal with companies...have your corporation set up. They will pay attention to Preet, President of Nosepicker Inc., but not to Preet Who, from Whoville.
4) Have a letter drafted, copied from your bank, detailing your available LOC, and supply them only if requested. Some companies may not need it. Others only want a credit App filled in.
5) Don't buy into the minimum spiel...dictate your own terms.
6) Ask questions.
7) Question clauses in credit apps.
8) Get all verbal promises, by reps..............in writing. If they won't/can't.......it probably ain't company policy.
9) Ask other opticals about, service, quality, policies of companies. There are some strange agenda's out there.
10) If you care about the product you carry.....like country of origin, labor policies, environmental treatment, political/social issues.....prepare a list of questions. BE picky.

[uncut]

@moderator:

Please move this thread!

[Opticlear]

Your license is half the battle- credit is the other half. Most reps are glad to work with you if you already know them. Having a good negotiator doesn't hurt when starting out either.

[chip anderson]

Knowing a doctor or two that you can trust (let me know if you can find any) that will refer work to you helps a lot.

Chip

[uncut]

@moderator:

Please move this thread!

I agree with this poster. This is a interesting topic, and will probably nevever(new word) be noticed in this neck of the forum. Can it be moved into general discussion?????

yo, moderators!

[braheem24]

You don't need credit to start a new business, YOU NEED CASH! Do not paint yourself into a corner; with cash you can buy frames for 20% of the original wholesale price from distributors instead of manufacturers.

PM me if you need leads.

[LENNY]

Peeps!
You forget that Preet is in NY!

Totally diff game in our woods!
Good luck!

[braheem24]

Peeps!
You forget that Preet is in NY!

Totally diff game in our woods!
Good luck!

How so? You buy cheaper, Sell higher and keep enough money on hand to survive the dry spells.

[Preet]

Hello Everyone,
Thank you so much for all the replies. You're all very helpful. The Vision Expo East is coming up and I'm wishing myself a good luck for this fresh start.

[tmorse]

My advice would be to start calling frame reps as soon as construction starts on your new store. Reps like to see an actual store location before they will consider credit terms. Cash does work best for discounts. If you can join a buying group, all the better as you can open accounts with those companies that want to see a business operating for a minimum six (6)-month period. Time the opening of your new store for March (and build it in Feb) to catch the Spring increase in business.

[Uncle Fester]

Spend a few bucks a month and subscribe to the "Professional Only" forum. It'll pay for itself!

[LENNY]

Spend a few bucks a month and subscribe to the "Professional Only" forum. It'll pay for itself!

+1

[sharpstick777]

Rules for establishing accounts with suppliers of frames...for new bees:

@Preet: Congratulations for "seeing the light". May you prosper!

1) Remember, above all, that you are their customer. They are NOT doing you a favor.
2) Call companies/fax companies/email companies.....and request that their local sales rep call/fax/email you. Make notes(literally) of the speed at which they comply. This will reflect the competency of the company....and the rep.
3) Companies like to deal with companies...have your corporation set up. They will pay attention to Preet, President of Nosepicker Inc., but not to Preet Who, from Whoville.
4) Have a letter drafted, copied from your bank, detailing your available LOC, and supply them only if requested. Some companies may not need it. Others only want a credit App filled in.
5) Don't buy into the minimum spiel...dictate your own terms.
6) Ask questions.
7) Question clauses in credit apps.
8) Get all verbal promises, by reps..............in writing. If they won't/can't.......it probably ain't company policy.
9) Ask other opticals about, service, quality, policies of companies. There are some strange agenda's out there.
10) If you care about the product you carry.....like country of origin, labor policies, environmental treatment, political/social issues.....prepare a list of questions. BE picky.

great advice, I would add...
11) View thier return and exchange policy in WRITING. This will set companies apart. Reps don't always honor the main companies policy and visa versa. If they have a difficult policy, at least you won't have any surprises.