How should I go about doing this?

[CutleryMaster62]

Ok, I want to become an authorized dealer for these companies: ESEE, TOPS, BRKT, Benchmade, Victorinox, & Wicked Edge. (Hopefully more later on!)

However, I first have to design my site and become a registered online business in my state.

Once I do, how should I go about becoming a dealer? Should I get my stock from places like Blue Ridge Knives or deal directly with the companies?

Also, please recommend any USA-made brands you would like me to offer!

Thanks for your feedback!

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[TLR]

You need to develop some relationships within the industry and find a mentor that has been successful in business.

Then contact those companies and do your homework.

Then you will have a first step that will lead you to your first step.

 

[CutleryMaster62]

You need to develop some relationships within the industry and find a mentor that has been successful in business.

Then contact those companies and do your homework.

Then you will have a first step that will lead you to your first step.

Would talking to the guys at KSF or TKC be a good idea?

 

[CWL]

Sorry man, but you sound like you are way outta your league if you need to ask the questions you are asking here.

Maybe you should go and work for a dealer & distributor, so you can learn by watching other people spend money before you start spending your own. Jumping into a business where you're going to need both relationships and cash for inventory (and knowing what to carry) isn't going to be easy. Direct is the best way, but many of these guys (like BRKT) won't give you the time of day unless you buy a minimum investment up front.

And as for online advice (including mine), it can actually hurt you. People who tell you to stock XYZ knife by saying: "Yeah! I'll buy that!" Will waste your time and then go buy from the cheapest eTailer in a heartbeat.

Whatever business you want to get into, take your time and do your homework before you jump in.

 

[T.A.DAVISON]

Sorry man, but you sound like you are way outta your league if you need to ask the questions you are asking here.

Maybe you should go and work for a dealer & distributor, so you can learn by watching other people spend money before you start spending your own.

Whatever business you want to get into, take your time and do your homework before you jump in.

VERY good advice........... :thumbup:

I was at the mall today to get some new band saw blades a Sears.

Any way on the way out I see a new knife shop? So I go in and look a bit.
Looked at a few swords and knives, mostly JUNK!

So I ask the guy - "Do you know who Tony Bose is?" - his reply - "NO"
I ask have you ever heard of Bob Loveless? - his reply - "NO"
Than I ask have you ever heard of AG Russell? - his reply - "NO"

SO THAN - I ask my self - "What is this guy doing in the cutlery business?"

 

[BladeHQ]

I agree with the other posters here. It seems like there's a lot of research left for you to do.

A few basic questions you should have answers for are: Do you want to live off this company or is it going to be a hobby? Can you afford to lose whatever money you invest? Do you have an advantage to offer over existing companies?

As a general rule most larger knife companies want you to have a physical store (their reps often visit). This is to dissuade the casual online "entrepreneur."

And keep in mind most of the "big guys" have been online since the late 90's, stock several thousand SKUs, and have handfuls of employees. I'm not saying it's impossible to start a knife company, but you're going to be up against some serious competition.

Cam

 

[Horizon_Seeker]

if you are going to be a dealer for benchmade, they require a physical store, although the starting minimum order is very small (12 SKU I believe).

if you are online only, you probably won't be carrying benchmade unless they change the policy.