who not only buy, but offer rich retail guidance
"I discovered SKUE when I was still finalizing my product line. I even got my first orders through the platform!"
I've been thrilled with the response. Seeing feedback from the buyers was both reassuring and exciting.
Eagerly awaiting the order from Oakland Supply Co. So thrilled that this all came out of participating in the buying round.
I've found the feedback very helpful and it made me look at things from another perspective.
I loved having the feedback in pricing as well as if they would carry it in their store. It made me think a little more about the design of my product.
What is SKUE?
A wholesale market where professional makers sell to stores and get tailored insights on getting retail ready.
For established makers, this can mean getting thoughts from retailers on a new line.
For an emerging designer, more in depth feedback on packaging, pricing and what worked for similar items.
Is membership for you?
Yes. If you've found success with retail for a while, online or at juried craft fairs.
If you're ready to extend your brand to independent retail stores.
We service makers that meet between $5-$100K annually. Beyond that, you'll probably need a full service rep.
We have a supportive community of professional makers and retailers who can help you get to that next level.
What's the criteria for getting accepted?
Almost everyone who applies to the DIY tier gets accepted since it's self-managed. We just make sure you'e wholesale ready.
For Another Hand tier, we have a few criteria:
Your product has the right aesthetic for the stores we work with.
Your collection isn't too similar to an existing line on SKUE.
You have enough inventory to fulfill orders.
Overall we need you to exhibit a high level of professionalism since we have to answer to our retailers.
Check with us. We love to help as much as we can. And point you in the right direction.
What does the Extra Hand tier cover?
Getting you properly set up, expert feedback on your goods, monthly buying rounds and warm intros to busy busy buyers.
We arrange for feedback from top stores like SFMoMA, Rare Device, Paxton Gate, Michele Varian covering all types of independent stores such as lifestyle retailers, museum gift shops, galleries, specialty retail and more!
Members are automatically added to all review rounds as long as their listings are current.
What exactly are buying rounds?
Buying rounds, which happen during key buying moments of each month, are a fun week for buyers and makers to engage on SKUE.
They are timed to precede trade shows like NY NOW, or buying for occasions like July 4th, Mother's Day.
We have ten rounds total, between Jan to October. We invite buyers to look at your products, provide feedback and source what they fancy. Buyers also expect intro emails from you during this time. Three weeks prior to each round is set aside for updating inventory, min orders, pricing and terms. In short making sure you are well decked out for the party.
Can I can cancel anytime?
You can, but we require a 10 month commitment for the lowest DIY program as you will achieve the best results. Sales cycles are pretty long and scoring new stockists can range from 1-8 months. We of course, want you to move up a tier as quickly as possible.
What happens at the workshops?
Workshops are hands on training sessions to help guide you through your wholesale journey. They feature topics like wholesale basics, setting up your collection and trade show prep. Workshops run year round with specific topics ongoing and select topics at pivotal points during the year.
Useful stuff that also comes handy when you are doing retail sales.
You can attend online or in person.
Do buyers order on SKUE?
Yes. They also have your reorder minimums stored when they wish to buy again.
You can also use the platform to start an order and fulfill it through any other means like cash, check or bags of rice. Pretty much anything you're comfortable with. We prefer the security of cards processed with Stripe. When buyers order with Stripe, payments are immediately deposited into your bank account.
I'm already a member. How do things change?
Existing members will enjoy all the benefits available so far. All order management features, inclusion in buying rounds and here's the best part: No more 5% commission fee on sales. If you are an existing members and would like to add guaranteed feedback and warm intros to buyers, then you can get it all for only $9 per month.
Do you have a free tier?
No, we don't sorry. But if you have less than three products, you should check out Brandboom for a free account.
