6. Think Green
Cameron noted that many colleges and universities are turning to reusable water bottles in an effort to go green. “A lot of schools are banning one-use plastic water bottles due to the negative impact they have on the environment,” she explained.
7. Turn to Nonprofits
You don’t have to sell to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to get in with nonprofits. You can start with the local charity you support and offer water bottles for their next event. “Another popular market for drinkware is charitable and other organizations that do annual walks and runs to raise money,” said Cameron. “Water bottles have always been a popular choice to hand out to the participants to keep them hydrated,” she added.
8. Ask for Proof of Testing
Emery encouraged testing all bottles and cups. “It is important that anything that comes in contact with food or the mouth is tested by an unbiased third party testing facility,” he said. He advised distributors to be wary of suppliers that are unwilling to provide proof of safety testing. “If a vendor is unable to provide you with the information requested, you are putting both yourself and your client at a great deal of unnecessary risk should the pieces sold be the focus of a recall or potential health issue with the recipient.”
9. Safety Test Inks
You already know the importance of testing products, but what about the inks in imprints? “There are specific requirements as to the placement of inks on a piece of drinkware,” said Emery. “Any such item that comes in contact with the mouth should be safety tested as should the ink being used to decorate,” he added.
10. Start Selling Now
Though drinkware sales are steady year-round, the best times are spring and summer. “We find March through August is the busiest time of year due to an increase in outdoor activities such as: sporting events, company picnics, walks and runs for charities, golf tournaments, etc.,” Cameron said.
