Retail Ready: A Newbie's Roadmap to Retailing

Retail Ready: A Newbie’s Roadmap to Retailing is the step-by-step guide for anyone new to the American retail industry—especially manufacturers and suppliers from Asia who want to build long-term, profitable relationships with major retailers in the U.S.

This book, authored by Steven Chen, a former senior buyer at Walmart and Sam's Club, provides valuable insights into the thoughts of retail buyers and strategies for differentiating your business. Steven has coached hundreds of suppliers through their first meetings, product launches, and line reviews. Now he’s sharing the exact strategies that work.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:

• Approach retail buyers the right way
  
• Prepare for your first meeting like a pro
  
• Ask powerful questions that buyers remember
  
• Handle rejection with confidence and bounce back stronger
  
• Build a reputation as a trusted, go-to supplier
  
• Avoid costly mistakes that most new suppliers make

Steven draws his stories, tips, and lessons from his real-life experiences on both sides of the negotiation process. Whether you’re launching your first product or transitioning from factory-direct sales to retail partnerships, this book will give you the tools, mindset, and confidence to succeed.