Free self-check
Retail Readiness Scorecard
Ten quick questions about where your product stands on the practical groundwork a retail buyer will ask about. It takes about two minutes, and you get your result and a list of gaps straight away.
Nothing is sent or saved while you answer. Your result shows on this page.
Your result
: of 20
Your groundwork looks solid on paper. Double-check the items below, then the next step is the conversation with the buyer itself.
Most of the groundwork is done. A few gaps are worth closing before you approach a buyer.
Some pieces are in place. Working through the gaps below gives you a firmer footing for a buyer meeting.
Most of the groundwork is still ahead of you, which is normal for a new product. The list below shows where to begin.
This scorecard looks only at how prepared your product and paperwork are for a retail buyer conversation. It does not judge your product's market potential or how well it would sell, and a high result does not mean a retailer will carry it.
Your gaps, biggest first
Work out your landed cost · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
Retail pricing starts from what a unit really costs you delivered. If you only know the factory price, your margin may be thinner than you think.
Set your wholesale and shelf prices · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
Retailers usually buy at wholesale and set the shelf price themselves. Knowing both numbers, and the margin each side keeps, lets you answer a buyer's pricing question on the spot.
Get your barcodes in order · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
Stores scan a barcode at checkout, and retailers usually need your product numbers (GTINs) to set you up. The standard way to get your own is a GS1 company prefix.
Finish your retail packaging · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
Packaging is what a buyer holds in the meeting and what a shopper sees on the shelf. A packaging mockup lets you see it before you commit to printing.
Plan the in-store display · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
Some retailers prefer a display-ready unit that goes straight onto the sales floor. Knowing which kind fits your product, and who will make it, avoids scrambling after a yes.
Find out what testing applies · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
What is required depends on the product and on the retailer, so it is worth confirming early. Testing and paperwork can take time to arrange.
Build a sales deck or line sheet · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
Buyers see many products. A clear summary of the product, pricing, order minimums and packaging gives them something to pass around after the meeting.
Confirm production for a retail-size order · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
A buyer will ask how much you can supply and how fast. Having the numbers from your factory lets you answer with confidence.
Learn what a retailer expects of suppliers · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
Retailers register suppliers in their systems and may deduct money for compliance or shipping errors. Understanding this before you pitch avoids surprises.
Line up a way in to the buyer · Start here
You weren't sure about this one, so the first step is finding out.
Even a well-prepared product needs a route to the person who decides. Open calls and scheduled line reviews exist for this.
You answered "Yes" to every question, so no gaps are flagged.
Program request form
Want help closing the gaps?
About one minute. Tell us where your product stands and we'll take a look. Interested in: Retail Ready Program.
Your scorecard answers are included with your request, so we can see where things stand.