Trying to get onto store shelves

[Manufacturer]

Hi;
We sent out several samples to stores that asked for information and samples of our product. We waited and after about 10 days emailed them back to see what they thought of the samples and gave them ordering information. So far we've heard back from only 1 place saying they don't have room for more products right now (why ask for the sample then?) and another which lost the sample and hasn't written back since.
What should we do now? How long should we wait to contact them again? I don't want to wait too long because I don't want to be forgotten but then I don't want to annoy them by asking too often. What is the sweet spot? How long should I wait to contact them again?
Thanks

[Harold Mansfield]

Hi;
We sent out several samples to stores that asked for information and samples of our product. We waited and after about 10 days emailed them back to see what they thought of the samples and gave them ordering information. So far we've heard back from only 1 place saying they don't have room for more products right now (why ask for the sample then?) and another which lost the sample and hasn't written back since.
What should we do now? How long should we wait to contact them again? I don't want to wait too long because I don't want to be forgotten but then I don't want to annoy them by asking too often. What is the sweet spot? How long should I wait to contact them again?
Thanks

I don't know a lot about this as it pertains to retail, but I know that unless you're dealing with a Mom and Pop you will never get anywhere on your own trying to get into a corporate store. Shelf space is at a premium and you won't be able to bounce another product from their space so easily.

There are people who specialize in getting products on shelves. Not sure what they are called, but you should investigate more about how this is done.

In the bar business you couldn't just ask a bar owner to start carrying your new beer or liquor. Every day there's a new beer of vodka someone wants you to carry. It was a whole marketing process that came with incentives and partnerships. I'm sure retail is similar.

It's also kind of a catch 22. Stores want to know how many you've sold before they put you on the shelves, but how can you sell if you aren't on any shelves?
That's why a lot of people start with small independent stores and online sales before trying to get on the corporate shelves.

[LogansWalk]

Here are a few articles that might help give some insight on how to go about this, hope it helps !

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/business/smallbusiness/21sbiz.html?_r=0

How to Get a Product on Grocery Store Shelves | Business & Entrepreneurship - azcentral.com (http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/product-grocery-store-shelves-10725.html)

5 Steps to Get Your Product On Store Shelves (http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227828)