For Subscribers

Singular Sensation

It's your best product. Actually, it's your <I>only</I> product. But you can still get big retailers to take notice.

By Don Debelak

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You've probably heard that big retailers tend to shy awayfrom one-product companies. Fact is, chain stores feel that withthe large amount of internal paperwork required to add a newvendor, it's not really worth their time to bother with aone-line company.

But that doesn't mean it's impossible to get theattention of big retailers with only one product. Case in point:Christopher Carter, 38, founder of Storm Master Corp. of Parker,Colorado, whose Gutter Pump has successfully made it to the shelvesof Home Depot stores. It was certainly a lucky break-penetratinglarge retail stores, even on a regional basis, is big business.Carter expects 2001 sales to hit $400,000, and 2002 promises to beeven better, as Home Depots in several other regions are expressinginterest in carrying his product.

Continue reading this article — and all of our other premium content with Entrepreneur+

For just $5, you can get unlimited access to all Entrepreneur’s premium content. You’ll find:

  • Digestible insight on how to be a better entrepreneur and leader
  • Lessons for starting and growing a business from our expert network of CEOs and founders
  • Meaningful content to help you make sharper decisions
  • Business and life hacks to help you stay ahead of the curve

Related Topics

Editor's Pick

This 61-Year-Old Grandma Who Made $35,000 in the Medical Field Now Earns 7 Figures in Retirement
A 'Quiet Promotion' Will Cost You a Lot — Use This Expert's 4-Step Strategy to Avoid It
3 Red Flags on Your LinkedIn Profile That Scare Clients Away
'Everyone Is Freaking Out.' What's Going On With Silicon Valley Bank? Federal Government Takes Control.
Leadership

How to Detect a Liar in Seconds Using Nonverbal Communication

There are many ways to understand if someone is not honest with you. The following signs do not even require words and are all nonverbal queues.

Celebrity Entrepreneurs

'I Dreaded Falling in Love.' Rupert Murdoch Is Getting Hitched for the Fifth Time.

The 92-year-old media tycoon announces he will wed former San Francisco police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith.

Business News

Carnival Cruise Wants Passengers to Have Fun in the Sun — But Do This, and You'll Get Burned With a New $500 Fee

The cruise line's updated contract follows a spate of unruly guest behavior across the tourism industry.

Starting a Business

Selling Your Business? Do These 6 Things Right Now.

If you want the maximum price you need to make these moves before you do anything else.

Leadership

How Great Entrepreneurs Find Ways to Win During Economic Downturns

Recessions are an opportunity to recalibrate and make great strides in your business while others are unprepared to brave the challenges. Here's how great entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success despite economic uncertainty.