I'm thinking about submitting a proposal to the wholesale stores where customers can call ahead and have their merchandise waiting for them. Do you think it's a good idea?

Also, who do you think I should contact to pitch the idea? and who should I contact to safeguard my idea?

Thanks any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,
This sounds like provisioning, what they do here (British Virgin Islands) for the pleasure boat community. People on their yachts or other vessels call the supermarket with their list and employees shop for them, put the cost on their charge, pack it and ship it to them or have it ready for pick up.
Question: who consolidates the products for the customers? The wholesale business is probably they limit their staff to a minimum and they may multi-task. Would the wholesaler want this under his/her roof or remote? The shopping list could be faxed or emailed to you. Already know any people who could use your service?
Another approach may be to connect with potential customers-facilties, households who collectively could save a lot of time. This is an environemtally correct business- fewer cars on the road. I may have raised more questions than provide answers. I think it is a good idea.

Allison
L5 ASSOCIATES

Ditto to what Linda said.

The do this in the Bahamas too. Sailors will fax their orders ahead to their next port of call, so that when they arrive, their groceries are ready to pick up.

I can't tell you much more than that, myself. But I also think it is a fantastic idea.

As part of your market research you will want to look around to see if anyone else is doing this sort of thing in your area already and find out what they charge on top of the price of the groceries.

T

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

Eat more peppers!