[cornerofsilence]

I would like to start a business in NZ but I am having trouble locating stock suppliers.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? In the UK it was easy as I built up a good network now I have to start from scratch again.

If you have a shop or a market stall where do you get your stock from?

Many thanks.

[Moorf]

What sort of stock are you after?

[cornerofsilence]

Stock for setting up a craft and gift shop.

[Moorf]

Have you spoken to local galleries etc to see who the local artists and craftsmen are?

Another way in which I have sourced suppliers here is to look at the "imported by" info on product tags... many products are imported or distributed by agencies that supply many brands / products under one roof.

Another way could be to ring up a craft and gift shop somewhere else in NZ and explain that you are setting up and are looking for suppliers.... you never know! Or, you could say you are ringing from somewhere abroad and are looking for NZ suppliers, finding it hard etc, get the sympathy vote and voila :mrgreen:

[veronica]

one good source of stuff is the online yellow pages, and the internet of course. plus browsing around the competition for brand names etc. there is also a retailers assoc. and they may be able to give you some advice.

[adamsat]

Have you thought about placing an add in one of the lifestyle farming magazines?
There's a lot of lifestyle blockers out there producing goods suitable for a craft or gift shop, and a some would be very keen to find an outlet.

We may have some Alpaca wool for you in a few months if everything goes well. :nice1

[Singel]

Hello Susan

Just a thought...................... :P

This company CraftWorld has an unique and interesting way of selling gifts and crafts, here is the website : http://www.craftworld.co.nz/aboutus.html
I enjoy visiting the shop because I could spend at least 2 hours browsing the crafts. Each booth is like a mini art gallery by itself, having it's own theme.

Hope this will give you some inspiration or contact.

GOOD LUCK & SUCCESS with your business venture
:cheers

[gil]

My friend Nicki is a nurse in the Bay of Plenty and her GP hubbie was on course in Dunedin recently. She was surprised ( and pleased) to find him a Welsh mug in a Scottish gift shop there! Do you mean to sell local and your own-made things, or will you look at importing from regions/cultures beyond NZ? My sister makes lovely jewelley/cards here in Wales, and a friend makes beautiful tempered glass jewellery here too. PM me if you'd like more info.
Gil