We have just recently started selling our products in a shop that fits this description in Toronto. http://greeninstead.ca/

We have a contract with the owner who charges us for shelf-space but there is no commission deal attached (although, on the part of the shop owner, I've told her this is a mistake). Because we have a food product, they take care of sampling, and presenting our products to the people who come into the shop.

For us, the vendor, we cannot simply walk away during a downturn because we have a contract. We get the benefit of a great address, knowledgeable sales staff and co-op marketing at retail shows. Which is very useful for us, because we're based in Montreal.

They tell me that they are doing very well and I personally think it's a great idea.

If you send me an email off-list, I will send you a letter of introduction to the owner and you can discuss with her directly how you might copy her principle or not.

Yours,

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!