ForumsAdvertising, Sales and Marketing

Are you locked into a contract - where you agreed to by X amount each month? If not, I think the best way to get a discount is to let the manufacture know that they have competition, that other suppliers have a more aggressive price. You may need to do some homework - such as contacting other suppliers. But, once you do - you'll have something concrete to negotiation with. Also, who knows - you may decide to switch providers! I hope that helps. Remember, as long as you are paying- you are in control.

No, we are not locked into a contract, the only thing they asked is to make a minimum order of $300 on each order.

I recently came accross with somenone else, but some products are equivalent and some are very interesting. I can ask to personalize the labels with the name of my company, or even ask a special composition of the products. There is a catch, I need to buy 300 items minimum, that's a lot for me

If they are unwilling to reduce the price, are the willing to provide more merchandise for the same cost? At the very least, maybe you can ask them to remove the shipping/handling/service fees for being a returning customer, etc. Never hurts to ask. They can just say no.

We are sharing the shipping cost, so that's a good point.

They are unwilling to reduce the price, and usually don't charge us the products they ship by mistake or error, that's another good point.

They are pretty fair, and very nice people, as for business talking they are pretty hard.

Luckiest, You can go to their website http://www.natural-elements-online.com. It would be very hard for them to shop the competition considering the product they carry.

Who did you speak to at the manufacturers? You may have gotten a lower echelon worker trained to say 'no'. Ask to speak to the owner. Do you have a special account manager? If not you may want to ask for one. An account manager would know your order and payment history and would be able to work with you better, who want s to loose business over something like a volume discount?

Then of course you may be dealing with the Hawaiian attitude towards mainlanders or 'howlies' as they are called. Been there done that one too.

Yep, I think you are right