Introduction
Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 is a comprehensive training program designed to empower entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and product companies to get their products on the shelves of major chain stores. Created by retail sales expert Karen Waksman, who has sold millions of units to global retailers, this course provides proven strategies for navigating the retail landscape without prior sales experience or buyer relationships. Students will learn how to develop effective retail sales strategies, prepare products for success, pitch to buyers, and secure purchase orders, ultimately transforming their product ideas into profitable retail ventures. The program emphasizes practical, step-by-step techniques that have helped thousands succeed, as featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, About.com, and MSNBC. By enrolling in Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018, participants can expect to gain the confidence and tools needed to approach retailers like Walmart, Target, and specialty stores, turning rejections into revenue and garage fulls of inventory into thriving businesses. This course is ideal for anyone with a great product idea, covering everything from initial strategy to post-order management, ensuring a complete roadmap for retail success. With its multi-media format including DVDs, books, and online access, Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 equips learners with timeless retail insights that can lead to massive income growth and business expansion.
Course Description
Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 offers a structured, multi-media training system that breaks down the complexities of selling products to chain stores into actionable steps. The course includes 10 instructional DVDs, 5 books, a binder, carrying case, and immediate online access, spanning 15 modules that cover essential retail topics. Teaching style combines video lessons, written guides, and practical exercises, making it accessible for beginners while providing depth for experienced entrepreneurs. Key highlights include real-world examples, success stories from past students, and bonuses worth over $4,000, such as packaging guides and retailer databases. This hands-on approach ensures learners can apply strategies immediately, from developing a retail sales plan to handling buyer meetings and managing orders. Spanning various retail channels like major chains, online stores, catalogs, and small retailers, Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 emphasizes ethical practices and avoids common pitfalls, helping students build long-term retail relationships.
The program also features a yearly group Q&A with Karen Waksman, providing ongoing support and community interaction. This comprehensive overview equips participants with the knowledge to turn product ideas into retail realities, focusing on proven formulas that have generated millions in sales. With its blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 stands out as an essential resource for product entrepreneurs aiming to scale their businesses through retail channels.
Ideal Student
- Entrepreneurs with innovative product ideas seeking guidance on entering major retail chains without sales experience.
- Manufacturers or inventors facing challenges in preparing and pitching products to buyers, aiming to avoid common rejections.
- Product companies with existing inventory struggling to recoup costs and generate revenue quickly through retail outlets.
- Small business owners wanting to expand from online sales to physical stores, including specialty retailers and department stores.
- Individuals with handmade or niche products interested in selling to small retailers, catalogs, and online platforms for broader reach.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a comprehensive retail sales strategy tailored to your product type, including deciding whether to start with small or big retailers.
- Understand chain store fundamentals, such as buyer expectations, the purchasing process, and how to prepare products for retail success.
- Master pitching techniques, including creating effective sell sheets, handling objections, and securing buyer meetings to close deals.
- Gain skills in working with distributors and hiring manufacturers reps to expand distribution networks and boost sales.
- Learn to navigate trade shows, online retailers, catalogs, and small stores, ensuring diversified revenue streams and long-term business growth.
Course Modules
This section explores the core modules of Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018, providing detailed insights into each one to help students build a strong foundation in retail sales.
Module 1: Developing Your Retail Sales/Distribution Strategy
In this module, students learn to craft a tailored retail sales strategy, focusing on whether to target small or large retailers. Key elements include analyzing market opportunities and creating a distribution plan.
- Understand how to decide on scaling strategies based on product type.
- Explore private labeling options for competitive edge.
- Learn to align efforts with retail sales professionals’ best practices.
Module 2: Chain Store Fundamentals
This module covers the basics of chain stores, including what they expect from vendors and the buying process. It explains key players in decisions and product categories.
- Discover how to navigate local, regional, and corporate buying offices.
- Address common misconceptions to get started effectively.
- Gain insights into what drives buyer decisions for new products.
Module 3: Preparing Your Product For Chain Store Success
Focus here is on essential research and product preparation, including packaging and pricing. Students cover logistics, warehousing, and retail math.
- Learn about EDI, UPC codes, and necessary certifications.
- Understand marketing expectations and financial resources needed.
- Ensure your product meets infrastructure standards for retail viability.
Module 4: Preparing Your Pitch
Students develop a unique selling proposition and analyze target audiences for effective pitching. It includes competitive research and creating sell sheets.
- Master elements of a perfect product website and videos.
- Learn what pros do to prepare pitches that convert.
- Focus on fundamental strategies to stand out in the market.
Module 5: Finding the Right Buyer For Your Product Type
This module teaches how to locate and contact the right buyers using online and offline resources. It compares free and paid options for efficiency.
- Explore pros and cons of various resources for buyer information.
- Strategies used by professionals to ensure accurate targeting.
- Extend techniques to online retailers, catalogs, and small stores.
Module 6: Pitching Your Product to Chain Stores
Learn the best ways to approach chain stores, including cold calling and handling objections. It covers what to say to secure meetings and sales.
- Exact strategies for getting buyer meetings and feedback.
- Overcome rejections with proven sales techniques.
- Additional methods to win business and generate revenue.
Module 7: The Face to Face Meeting: How to Rock the Buyer Meeting
Preparation for in-person meetings is key, including what to expect and how to present effectively. It lists top items for a winning presentation.
- Leverage interest for more business opportunities.
- Bring essential materials and anticipate buyer questions.
- Master advance preparation to ensure a great outcome.
Module 8: What to Expect From a Chain Store Order
This covers order quantities, payment timelines, and post-order strategies like marketing and promotions. It addresses fees and ways to avoid them.
- Learn tricks for faster payments and handling returns.
- Maximize assortment plans for long-term product success.
- Understand retail ethics to maintain positive relationships.
Module 9: Working with Distributors
Explore how to determine if you need distributors and how to find and work with them effectively. It discusses costs and best practices.
- Prepare your product for distributor representation.
- Evaluate options to pick the right distributor.
- Expectations and strategies for successful partnerships.
Module 10: Hiring a Manufacturer’s Rep
Learn what to expect when hiring reps, how to find them, and their typical charges. It focuses on selecting the best fit for your product.
- Best practices for building effective rep relationships.
- Strategies to ensure reps generate revenue quickly.
- Understand the role of reps in retail sales growth.
Real-World Applications and Success Stories
Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 applies directly to real-world scenarios, helping entrepreneurs implement strategies in competitive markets. Students use the course to pitch products effectively, negotiate with buyers, and manage retail orders, leading to increased sales and business expansion. These applications ensure products reach broader audiences through chain stores, online platforms, and trade shows, fostering sustainable revenue growth.
Success stories abound from Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 graduates, such as Chuck, who secured a 1,000-store deal in weeks, and Wei-Shin Lai, who expanded her brand to major chains quickly. Other examples include ordinary inventors like the creators of the Slinky and Boogie Wipes, who turned simple ideas into multi-million-dollar retail successes using similar tactics. These stories highlight the course’s effectiveness in transforming aspirations into achievements.
Pricing
Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 offers flexible pricing options designed for accessibility, including one-time payments and online access for immediate value.
- One-Time Payment: Access the full program with physical materials, online content, and bonuses for $1,997, providing comprehensive resources for long-term retail success.
This pricing includes all modules, bonuses, and a year of support, making it a worthwhile investment for serious product entrepreneurs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive modules covering all aspects of retail sales strategy.
- Proven techniques from an expert with real-world success.
- Includes valuable bonuses like retailer databases and Q&A support.
- Accessible for beginners with no sales experience.
- Multi-media format for flexible learning.
- Potential for quick revenue growth through effective pitching.
Cons
- Requires significant time commitment to complete all modules.
- Pricing may be high for budget-constrained entrepreneurs.
- Some content assumes basic product development knowledge.
- Limited personalization for unique product types.
- Implementation success depends on individual effort.
- Online access might need stable internet for full experience.
FAQs
How can I sell to major retailers without sales experience?
Follow the step-by-step strategies in Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 to prepare pitches and handle meetings effectively.
What if my product is still in the idea stage?
The course guides you through essential research and preparation to make your idea retail-ready before approaching buyers.
Do I need a patent to get into chain stores?
No, as explained in the FAQs module; focus on strong packaging and pitching instead.
How does this course help with online retailers?
It includes dedicated modules on pitching to online platforms like Amazon for diversified sales channels.
Can I sell handmade products through this program?
Yes, strategies extend to small retailers and catalogs, perfect for handmade items.
What support is available after enrollment?
You get a year of monthly Q&A calls with Karen Waksman for ongoing guidance and questions.
Final Verdict
Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 is a highly recommended program for entrepreneurs eager to conquer the retail world, offering proven strategies that have led to millions in sales. Its strengths lie in the detailed modules, real-world applications, and expert support, making it ideal for those without sales backgrounds. Despite minor drawbacks like time investment, the course’s value far outweighs costs, with success stories like Chuck’s rapid store placements proving its worth. If you’re passionate about turning your product into a retail hit, enroll in Karen Waksman – Retail MBA 2018 today for a transformative learning experience.