How to Reach Out to Shops and Retailers (Without Feeling Weird!)
- Veronique Godbout
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
So you’ve created beautiful products, built your brand, and maybe even designed a line sheet... but now comes the big moment: contacting shops and retailers.
If your palms just got sweaty, you’re not alone. Reaching out to retailers can feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be! In fact, with the right approach, it can be encouraging, authentic, and (dare we say it?) even fun.
Here’s how to reach out to stores with confidence and kindness, whether you’re brand new to wholesale or finally ready to go bigger.
1. Know What You’re Sending
Before you hit send, make sure you’ve got the essentials ready:
A clean and clear line sheet
High-quality product photos
Your wholesale terms (minimums, lead times, pricing)
Contact info and social links and website (if you have one)
Bonus: Having a simple order form or a Faire link can make things extra easy for shop owners.
2. Keep It Short and Genuine
You don’t need a big pitch. Most shop owners appreciate quick, friendly messages that are respectful of their time. Try something like:
Hi [Shop Name], I’m Veronique, an artist and maker based in Rhode Island. I create coastal-inspired prints, totes, and accessories, and I thought my work might be a lovely fit for your shop! Here’s my line sheet (or Faire link), and I’d love to hear what you think. Thanks for taking a look! Veronique
It’s that simple. You don’t need to explain everything about your business—just enough to spark interest.
3. Don’t Apologize for Showing Up
Please don’t write: "Sorry to bother you" or "I know you’re super busy."
You’re not a bother. You’re a professional offering something thoughtful and creative that could be just right for their store. Own it with grace.
4. Follow Up (Yes, Really)
It’s okay to follow up once or twice if you haven’t heard back. Keep it simple and warm:
Just checking in in case my earlier note got buried. I'd still love to connect!
Retailers are busy. A kind reminder is often appreciated.
5. Start Small & Keep Going
You don’t need to email 100 stores this week. Start with 5 that you truly admire. Make a list. Track who you contacted and when. Then repeat.
Consistency = visibility.
6. Be Respectful About How You Reach Out
While enthusiasm is wonderful, there’s a right way to approach shops—and showing up out of the blue or calling their store phone is usually not it.
Here’s what does work:
Visit their website first. Many stores list how they prefer to be contacted (email, Faire, etc.).
Reach out through Instagram with a kind, friendly DM (especially if you already follow them or engage with their posts).
Send a professional email with a short intro, a link to your line sheet or Faire shop, and a thank you for their time.
Avoid:
Cold-calling their business line
Walking in unannounced with a tote full of samples
Sending long, overly salesy messages
Keep it human. You’re a maker reaching out to another small business. That shared understanding is your superpower.
Ready for Templates + Outreach Tools?
If this still feels a little scary, I’ve got you. I’m working on a Wholesale Outreach Toolkit filled with email scripts, shop tracking worksheets, and more.
In the meantime, check out my free starter kit or the full line sheet workbook to get your materials ready. You’ll find everything you need in The Wholesale Masterclass Toolkit:
Let’s get your beautiful work into shops!
You've got this!
Veronique Godbout
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