Got questions? We’ve got answers.

FAQs
  • Why would we want to hire an outside agency versus building our own direct sales team?

     Having a dedicated sales team is a fixed cost regardless of your success.  The Next Step Club Solutions business model will keep the cost of sales lower thus providing a better overall value to Costco.   The better value to Costco and their members, the greater the chance of gaining distribution. Let’s chat and we can illustrate what we mean.

  • There are bigger agencies that focus on Costco, why should we partner with Next Step Club Solutions?

    Bigger isn’t always better.  


    By partnering with Next Step Club Solutions, you are working with an agency that is selective about who we work with.  As a benefit we don’t have  a long list of clients competing for our time and attention.  We are a boutique agency…intentionally. 


    Our Experience and Relationships.   


    We have worked with departments across the regions as well as in Corporate on both branded and private label items for many years.  With other agencies you could be working with people who don’t have as much experience or may only know a couple of departments.  This is critical when buyer's rotate postions.


    We are proactive, not reactive.  


    “So, what are we showing the buyer today?” A newly signed client shared with us that is the question their previous sales rep with their previous agency asked right before they were about to meet a new buyer.  At Next Steps Club Solutions, we take a proactive role providing insights and strategy to our partners prior to meeting with the buyer.  Like you, we want to take items and concepts the buyers want and expect to see, afterall, it's our crebility too.   

      


  • We work with an agency now and our rep has a great relationship with the buyer, why move to Next Step Club Solutions?

    Many Buyer’s, Assistant Buyers, and ICS’s rotate departments every few years.  This is daunting if you've worked with the same buyer for a while. When these buyer changes happen you may feel as though you are starting over from the beginning.  Since we have worked with most categories and many of the buyers we are use to these changes and when this happens, our clients don't feel as though they are starting over as we continue on with the new buyers.  

  • What if I already have a sales team but need some help with a specific issue or problem?

    No problem!  We understand that sometimes you just need a little help working through a difficult situation.  We will use our expertise to develop a plan that will provide the best possible  outcome for both you and Costco.  Over the years, chances are we’ve helped others with similar situations you find yourself in now.