Wholesale Tips
Tips for Wholesalers
Let McCutcheon’s be your trusted private label wholesale partner for boosting sales and maximizing the potential of your partnership with us. Here are a few ways we can help you generate more sales:
- Diversify your product selection with our vast range of products including preserves, jellies, fruit butters, sauces, and more. This approach allows you to cater to a wider audience and increase customer satisfaction.
- Feature our seasonal, limited-time, and specialty items. This creates a sense of urgency, and your highly satisfied customers will look forward to purchasing from you again.
- Engage with your customers and post on social media to give your brand a boost. Take it one step further and encourage your customers to share their experiences using McCutcheon’s products.
- Offer exclusive deals and discounts on McCutcheon’s products to attract new customers and reward your loyal patrons.
Never leave your shop unattended. Always have a salesperson or clerk ready and recognizable. A simple name tag, printed t-shirt, or apron can make your clerk quickly identifiable. They should be knowledgeable on the prices of all merchandise on display and proper handling. Train them to refer complaints or unusual requests or questions to the management. Emphasize polite phrases such as "May I help you, please?" and most importantly "Thank you!"
Pile it high and wide! Crates, shelves, or tiered displays work best. The most effective displays run from knee high to just above eye level (approx. 18 in. to 5 ft ). Crates or shelves can easily be set up at these premium heights. Fill your displays full to overflowing (but not precariously) -- single jars look lonely and unwanted. Never display dusty, dirty, rusty, discolored, out-of-date, or otherwise damaged goods, even in a sale bin! Better yet, donate excess or close-to-date inventory to your local food bank while it’s still usable.
Many products come with their own Point Of Purchase display units -- use only those in keeping with your decor and avoid unstable or cheap displays.
Use color and catchy phrases. Your inkjet printer and desktop computer are all you need to create clever eye-catching signs. Try using cover-stock paper in your printer or laminating your signs to extend life. If you use clipart from the internet, be sure you do not infringe on copyrights.
Let your customers taste your wares—but only within reason! Some customers will taste everything in your market if you let them. Set up an item for sampling where you can keep an eye on it. Ready-to-pick-up samples work best. Think about offering crackers already spread with jam, dips with one-bite-only size veggies, or bite-size pretzels. We do not recommend displaying open jars with spoons for customers to help themselves unless you can monitor the sampling VERY CLOSELY! Unattended sample jars can easily become contaminated. Sampling takes time and attention, and you’ll want to stick to something simple. McCutcheon's can help with some sampling products such as snack mixes, dips, and chips (within reason). Always display plenty of the product you are sampling for customers to purchase—don't send them searching. If you cannot sample a product safely, don't bother (your local health department may have restrictions).
Price everything! It eliminates confusion for both employees and customers. Use removable price stickers (handy for gifts) and a pricing gun (available at your local office supply store). We recommend the PriMark L-14 for an average-size shop (we have used this one for years). It’s available at a reasonable price from Price Marker Plus at 1-800-780-4327 (they also sell price stickers and do repairs). Avoid using permanent markers or writing on packages, and NEVER staple anything to any package! If you use a scanner at your register, post your pricing next to the product, but keep it simple—don’t distract from your product display with too many signs or posters
Your customers won't buy what they can't see. Be sure your entire market area is well lit with bright non-glaring light (fluorescent, incandescent, or natural sunlight work best). Brighten dark hidden corners or deep shelves with spotlights or inexpensive clip-on lights. Backlighting certain products including translucent jellies, honey, juices, sparkling juices, herb vinegars, or any item that light can shine through can double your sales! Inexpensive strip lights placed behind a frosted ceiling panel to diffuse the light create a beautiful display. You can also try displaying light in front of a frosted window—beautiful! For subtle lighting in dim cubbies such as crates, try using Christmas lights or, if you can find them, tube lights (white works best). Be sure to rotate any wares that are exposed to sunlight because even natural food colors can fade.
Wooden crates make a sturdy, moveable display that will last for years. Each bushel crate holds 24 pint jars (2 cases of preserves). For the safest results back up to a wall or bolt it directly to the wall. These also work well arranged as a pyramid for a free-standing floor display "island.” A perfect display piece in any country market whether it’s painted, stained, or left natural.
Group your products where they will be seen and attract your customers' attention with eye-catching signage. McCutcheon's offers a variety of color signs at a minimal cost. Ask distributors for "point-of-sale" materials. Again, only use what is in keeping with your decor.
Multi-purchase pricing tempts your customers to buy that extra jar. Customers are more likely to make larger purchases when you have offers such as "Salad Dressings 3 for $10" or "Honey Sticks 5 for $1.” Be sure the multi-purchase price is a bargain over the single price. Always post the single price as well so your customer can make an educated choice. Keep it simple and display plenty of the items offered. Even if you’re not offering a special price, give them a 4 jar carrier box to gather the items with, and they will invariably buy 4 jars instead of the 2 they came for. If you notice a customer on a real spree give them a 12 jar jelly box, and they will find a way to fill as many compartments as possible.
Multi-purchase pricing tempts your customers to buy that extra jar. Customers are more likely to make larger purchases when you have offers such as "Salad Dressings 3 for $10" or "Honey Sticks 5 for $1.” Be sure the multi-purchase price is a bargain over the single price. Always post the single price as well so your customer can make an educated choice. Keep it simple and display plenty of the items offered. Even if you’re not offering a special price, give them a 4 jar carrier box to gather the items with, and they will invariably buy 4 jars instead of the 2 they came for. If you notice a customer on a real spree give them a 12 jar jelly box, and they will find a way to fill as many compartments as possible.
Prepacked custom labeled gift boxes and shrink-wrapped baskets are perfect for the holidays or special occasions. They take little effort and shoppers love finding a ready-to-give present. Offer a wide price range of gifts for your varied shoppers from small sampling packs or large family-style baskets. Remember your time costs money, so don't underprice yourself—make it worth your while. Ask distributors and sales reps if any of their products are available in sampler packs or gift assortments. McCutcheon’s offers several packaging options for gift packs and baskets. For a variety of supplies call Gift Basket Supply Co at 1-800-basket1 or TBL Packaging at 1-888-206-9030.
Coupons can bring in many new customers by offering discounts on popular items. In order to ensure you make a profit, require a reasonable minimum purchase, such as $10 or $20 (must be stated on your coupon). Always state an expiration date and any other "rules" such as "Not valid with any other coupons or offers. Limit one coupon per customer, please." Keep your offer simple and enticing!
Implementing these strategies will help you generate more sales, increase customer loyalty, and make the most of your partnership with us. For more personalized assistance or to discuss tailored strategies for your business, please reach out to our wholesale team. We’re dedicated to your success and look forward to helping you reach your sales goals. Thank you for selecting McCutcheon’s as your private label wholesale partner!
Wholesale FAQs
Private Labeling Information
With your own name on our great products, you will create a winning combination for your market or store. We can print your personalized color labels - complete with your logo and store name - a great way to promote your business!
Partner Label
Private Label
Have Your Own Logo?
Once our design team receives your graphics, we begin with a completely blank label and customize everything to your specifications.
Don’t Have A Logo?
No problem, we will work with you to find the imagery that works best for your business!
What’s The Charge?
DESIGN
$75 one-time setup & design fee. FREE Label Re-design!
Partner Label Design: All product labels feature a small McCutcheon's logo or McCutcheon's name, below your brand & other product related information.
Private Label Design: All products are custom labeled with no mention of McCutcheon's.
LABEL PRINT FEE
Partner Label Program: $1.25 per case label print fee.
Private Label Program: $1.75 per case label print fee.
APPLICATION FEE
There is no application fee for 5+ cases of one product. Anything under 5 cases of one product will be subject to a $1 per case application fee.
If you are interested in receiving our Wholesale price list, please fill out our contact form and a representative will get back to you shortly. For more Wholesale information, please call us at 301-662-3261 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm EST.
If you are a distributor in the northeast, southeast, or western parts of the United States, we would love to speak with you about distribution opportunities!
Available product types include: Preserves, Jellies, Fruit Butters, Honey, Salad Dressings, Pickled Products, Pasta Sauces, Bar-B-Que sauces, Hot Sauces, Apple Juice/Cider, Old Fashioned Soda, Baking Mixes and much more.
While we don't offer gift baskets Wholesale on a regular basis, we can accommodate special orders for pickup only. If your business is looking for gift baskets or corporate gifts, please call us in advance for a price quote. If you are looking to boost sales by offering gift baskets on a regular basis, check out our How-To video in the Marketing Tools below — learn how to make great gift baskets your customers will love! And, if you just want to try a few baskets out before going all-in, we offer a basket-making kit (available to Wholesale customers only) that includes the basic supplies needed to make 6 simple baskets (product not included).
We average 72 hour order turnaround time for pickups and 7 to 10 business days for shipments. If you are ordering Private Label for the first time, the label design must be approved before we can begin pulling your order.
You can schedule your pickup any time Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. We recommend calling before you leave with an estimated arrival time so our Warehouse staff can make sure your order is ready to load. In the Fall (our busiest time of year) the Wholesale office is open for pickups by appointment only. We request that all Saturday pickups are placed in advance and pre-paid.
There is a 5 case minimum for pick-ups and a 12 case/300 lb. minimum for freight.
In an effort to provide the best shipping prices to our client, we quote each order, every time, to ensure the best price is extended to our customers. McCutcheon's believes in transparent pricing and doesn't inflate the case price of our products to cover shipping costs. See "The 'Free' Shipping Myth!" You will receive the lowest shipping available for your shipment.
No, we prefer to deal directly with our customers to better serve them.
At McCutcheon's Apple Products, we get asked about free shipping frequently. We don't offer free shipping, and we don't plan to any time soon. Instead, we focus on keeping our prices low and giving our customers shipping options and the lowest rates we can find – for each and every order. To us, this is a more transparent way to do business.
What consumers often don't realize is when companies offer "free shipping" it really means that the shipping is built into the cost of the product. We recommend that you compare final delivered costs for your product to see if “free shipping” really is a value to you as the consumer.
SHIPPING & RECEIVING POLICIES
ALL ORDERS ARE SHIPPED BY COMMERCIAL CARRIER. Rates are shopped at the time of shipment to ensure you receive the best price possible for your shipment.
CUSTOMER PAYS FREIGHT AND ANY ASSOCIATED CHARGES. Freight charges may be added to your invoice or charged after delivery. Any applicable discounts will be included. Shipments are shrink wrapped on pallets and include a packing list and bill of lading (BOL). Invoices are mailed separately.
STANDARD FREIGHT CHARGES INCLUDE DELIVERY OF PRODUCT ONLY. Other services such as lift gate delivery, inside delivery, delivery appointment or limited access will cost extra. If you need any additional services, please notify us in advance so we can make arrangements for you. You will be responsible for all charges associated with your shipment. If you do not have a loading dock or forklift, the freight company will require you to add lift gate service.
BE PREPARED TO RECEIVE YOUR SHIPMENT. If you are not adequately staffed to handle your delivery during regular business hours, you may wish to call the freight company for an estimated delivery time. If you wish to schedule a delivery appointment, there may be an additional charge. Please notify your staff that you are expecting a shipment.
NEVER REFUSE A SHIPMENT WITHOUT FIRST CALLING MCCUTCHEONS. If you refuse your shipment for any reason other than damages (see instructions below) you will be charged freight both ways (yes – that’s 2x freight!). If you have any questions about your freight, call McCutcheons while the driver is still there. Most problems can be quickly resolved by our experienced staff.
SHIPPING & RECEIVING INSTRUCTIONS
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!! Before you sign the carrier copy of the delivery receipt:
- Verify case count. If the case count is incorrect, mark it on the BOL next to your signature as follows:
Missing Cases - Tom Jones (28 cases received / 31 cases shipped) 10/17/2019 - Visually inspect shipment for damage (crushed boxes, wet or sticky boxes, shrink wrap removed or replaced – McCutcheons only uses clear purple shrink wrap). If your order is wrapped in any color other than purple – your order has been tampered with. If you suspect damages or tampering, take photos and mark the BOL as follows:
Suspect concealed damages – subject to further inspection. Tom Jones (31 cases) 10/17/2019 - If damages are obvious, but not excessive, ask the driver to wait while you make a quick inventory of damages. Take photos of the damages and quickly note obvious damages on the BOL as follows:
Damaged – 2 cases preserves broken. Balance subject to further inspection. Tom Jones (31 cases) 10/17/2019 - For EXCESSIVE damages or if the damages are more than you can inspect on the spot, you are advised to REFUSE the shipment. Be sure to take pictures of the damages and mark the BOL. Inform McCutcheon’s IMMEDIATELY at 301-662-3261 and we will pull your order again and reship it ASAP. Mark the BOL as follows:
Excessive damages. Shipment refused. Tom Jones 10/17/2019
McCutcheon’s MUST be notified of all damages or missing product IMMEDIATELY in order to replace it. We cannot file a claim with the trucking company unless the BOL is marked. Please keep these instructions for future reference.
CALL 301-662-3261 (ask for Wholesale)
Private Label
Customers
McCutcheon’s Label
Customers
Social Media Tools
McCutcheon’s Social Media Materials are tools you can utilize to create your own social media campaigns advertising popular McCutcheon’s products. While you may utilize these graphics free of charge, we ask that you do not manipulate them in any way. Social media serves as a great way to communicate offerings to your consumers if used properly! Remember to always be engaging and utilize positive messaging. We understand that every business is different and encourage you to utilize a voice or language that is specific to your consumer base. Click the links below to download full quality graphics.