I have a new product which monitors domestic energy comsumption and
would probably to sell to customers through DIY suppliers such as B&Q.
I want to understand how their distribution chain works.

I need to know the following;
How much would they typically mark up a product?
What sales volume of the product would be required?
What are their payment terms?
Any information on typical stocking levels for a new product? 
Or would the supplier be expected to do JIT delivery?
Would a product be placed in one store to start with, or 100?
Do they insist on exclusivity?
Would they deal with a small start-up company?
What job title would be the best person to talk to to start the discussion process?

Thanks

hi there,

Where DIY suppliers are concerned I believe the best approach is to
phone them, most companies are very approachable especially if you
have a new product to add to the market. I will add some links and
phone numbers for you, hopefully these will help you. Has the product
got a patent?

Typically mark up of a product would vary between companies and most
don?t disclose how much anyway.

I am in the same boat it seems, totally different product so don?t
panic! I have a new DIY building system to market and sell.

Here's some info I have found on my hunt for suppliers for my product
they might be useful for yours too:

How do I become a supplier to B&Q?
Click this link - http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/templates/content_lookup.jsp?content=/aboutbandq/contactUs/supplier-enquiry.jsp&qEditAddress=true&menu=aboutbandq&_DARGS=/diy/jsp/bq/templates/content_lookup.jsp.8_A&_DAV=false
Phone numbers and addresses available via clicking contact B&Q link

Homebase have been took over by GUS   
The chief executive is...
John Peace
Tel: 02074950070
http://www.hombase.co.uk

Godfreys
Chris Newberry:
Purchasing Director
Imports (including garden furniture), Volume purchases and clearances
+44 1603 883777
chris.newberry@godfrey-diy.com
http://www.godfrey-diy.com

Richard Bird, 
Managing Director
Wickes
120-138 Station Road, Harrow
HA1 2GB
Middlesex
England
Contact number for merchant Wickes: 0870 6089001 http://www.wickes.co.uk/

sometimes customer support can help (believe it or not!) giving you
the number you require or even putting you through to the right
departments who can then consider buying your product, make sure you
have plenty of info that you can send them to help them know exactly
what it is you are trying to market.

You could also maybe try some of the eco product
distributors/suppliers as it sounds like your product may be of
interest to them, I do have a few peoples contact details for this
sector as the product I market is for the DIY/self build sustainable,
building/eco building, landscaping and much more. If you wish you can
contact me via my website http://www.ez-eco.co.uk .

Dear Burni-ga
Thanks for you help - much appreciated.
It is a new market for me and it appears to be very complex.

Hi again,

i hope some of that info came in usefull.

here's a site you may be interested in

State of the Art (software and technology)
 webpage for eco energy monitoring products has lists and links to the
products and brief descriptions, theres an email addy at bottom for
more info but might be a chance to get your product listed

http://www.sotaew.co.uk/eco_Products.htm

I've decided to do all the marketing/selling for the product I have
rather than go to B&Q and the likes. This I know will be hard but I?m
up for the challenge.
 I?m currently looking for other easy to use products and eco products
(events and news items) to advertise on my site (for free!) and for
people who have not already got a website I will offer a page or two
on my site (for a small cost. This will be ready in about 2 months as
a total website re-write is required to implement this. if you would
like i would be happy to chat to you about putting your product on
here. (Initial interest from other parties has been good)


Best regards.

Thanks for all your help.
I'll pass your details onto the academic team responsible for the project.