"How You Can Acquire Exclusive Rights To Products" Part 1

Maverick Marketing Insider SeriesHe realized we could outsell him even in the market he
PART 1 OF 2was already serving and he was satisfied with the
If you have a marketing business, chances are you getbigger picture of my group handling all sales. He
excited at the prospect of acquiring a new product torealized he would make more income with much less
sell. One challenge to marketing, especially over thework on his part by having us make all sales.
Internet, is the amount of competition. AffiliateThe nice thing about a product that is already being
programs often create an enormous amount ofsold in a very limited market is the manufacturer can
competitors offering identical products. Experiencedalready provide you with literature, product samples
marketers realize the benefit and excitement of beingand his successful marketing programs. In the USA, I
the first to make a new product offering of an affiliatenever had to pay for initial product samples, though I
product, or even better, their own exclusive product.understand that climate is starting to change. I have
Suppose you've done your research and located apaid for a few foreign samples over the years.
couple of products that you believe potential buyersDid you realize that it's been reported that only about
are seeking, ones you feel are the next generation of4% of all manufactures export their products outside
hot, high demand items. You want to offer them andof America? Did you know some companies secure
beat the competition to the niche market. You knowexclusive rights on a product or service, then sell those
you could really make a financial killing if you hadrights to a third party that is setup to market it?
exclusive rights to them, by marketing them yourselfSometimes you can just work as a Finder making an
and through your own affiliate program. How do youincome through selling your services through the
acquire exclusivity of these products?Finders Exchange. There is great value in securing
The prime benefit of having exclusive product rights isexclusive product rights.
the level of control you have and potential for greaterHow To Request Exclusive Rights
income. Personally, I will only represent products that I· Since most manufacturers only sell their products
control through exclusive rights. The only exceptionsthrough two or three methods, you may get exclusive
are affiliate programs, but this is a different discussionrights for other markets like the Internet or mail order.
entirely. I am excluding affiliate programs relative to this· Once the manufacturer sees you can perform in
subject, since they are the exception. I have beenthe market he's assigned to you, he will likely give you
marketing products in many categories for nearly fortyadditional exclusive rights to other markets.
years, both intangibles (services, financial etc.), and· Never pay for exclusive rights. You are opening up
tangibles (physical products in many categories) andnew markets and sales for him at your expense.
have made most of the mistakes possible, as well asRemember, time is money and that's what you will be
my share of successes. Experience teaches you toproviding. Your total upfront cost should be for
not waste your time, money and effort. The followingpostage, and maybe a sample if you can't talk him into
is an overview of the basics to acquiring producta free review product.
exclusivity.· Don't buy a large upfront inventory. If possible, just
I only represent products that I can gain exclusiveget a few samples, and work with these and possibly
rights for my market and I will get paid something forsome pictures or catalog sheets (glossy pictures with
every product unit sold, even if sold by others.product description and specifications). If you need an
Exclusive rights means no one else can purchase thatinventory, be conservative, and start with as little as
product without purchasing it through you, includingpossible. Use all the existing selling aids you can get
wholesalers, distributors, affiliates, and etc.from the manufacturer, to start with.
The secret is to locate a product already selling, but is· Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. If you
not available in your niche market yet. Its exposure iscalculate you realistically need to make a certain
currently very limited. Many companies make greatamount of money per unit, and you expect to
products but don't really know how to sell them, orconservatively sell a specific minimum of units per
how to locate and reach other markets. That's wheremonth, don't be pressured into higher prices or greater
you come in. Think outside of the box. You aresales numbers. Only settle for what you believe to be
suggesting to the manufacturer or company thatfair and realistic. If they want more than you believe
controls the product that he should give you exclusivefair or realistic, pass up the product and find another
rights for a special market he isn't yet covering. Onceone from someone else.
you show him you can perform, he will likely give you· When negotiating for new product exclusivity,
additional exclusive rights for that product or service inexpect to get your share of refusals and turndowns.
other market niches.Keep plugging along and you'll likely get that winner in
For example, he's selling his product only throughtime. The manufacturer wants to work with you, and
distributors that sell to retail stores, who in turn retail toespecially wants you to succeed. But, he wants to be
the end user, the final customer. He would like to reachrepresented by a true professional that can perform,
new markets if the opportunity arose. That's wheremaking sales according to his goals. It's your job to
you come in.convince him you are that person. Give him reasons
You desire to sell over the Internet, through yourwhy you can perform by showing some past
website, newsletter, and affiliates. You're opening up asuccesses, and your ability to penetrate the market
new, potentially mass market for him. Perform well,you are requesting exclusivity for. Don't be too specific
and you may get international rights, direct mailor you'll give away your trade secrets and he may
exclusivity and etc. I negotiated total exclusive rights onfeel he may not need you, because he now believes
a product, in all markets, even though the manufacturerhe can now do it himself, since you've given him the
was directly selling to over 200 clients nationwide. And,idea.
we secured international - worldwide exclusive rights.The steps to gaining exclusive rights are in Part Two.