The term dinnerware may seem ambiguous, so how do you know what to include in your dinnerware product line and what markets to target? Dinnerware includes items such as plates, bowls, glassware, flatware, barware and even bakeware. These are items easily found on the kitchen or dining room table and sometimes referred to as tableware. Whatever term you wish to use, they are big business in gift and decorating markets.
Who needs and wants tableware? Every bride and groom wants the perfect place setting. Did you know that the bridal market accounts for almost half of all dinnerware sales? Most of these sales come from wedding registries. Think of wedding registry sales as your bread and butter while individual sales from glassware, bakeware and tea sets are icing on the cake.
Bring On A Hearty Appetite For Tableware
The key to selling tableware of any type is presentation. Just like with a meal, the visual aspect is what brings them to the table. Once you have drawn them in visually, they will explore the variety of tastes (or in this case prices) that are available. Brides tend to be visually driven without regard to price. Other customers tend to be “need” driven and conscious of price. Brides purchase dinnerware to establish their homes. However, other customers buy tableware items to enhance or update their existing dinnerware.
As a result, it is imperative that you have a mixture of both high-end dinnerware items as well as mid-priced tableware items. Offering high-end old English plates alongside moderately priced crystal glassware is a way to appeal visually to brides while capturing the interest of other customers. Keep in mind that wedding registry items are purchased as gifts. Brides may not be price conscious but the gift buyers may be. Creating a table with compatible items in a wide ranges of price keeps gift-givers from leaving empty handed. As brides make selections for their bridal registry remind them to include some moderately price items.
Brides aren’t the only ones sitting down to your table. Apply the same basic principles as you set the tables for these customers. Create a display table with eclectic flair. Put some modern pieces in with some traditional pieces. The main idea is to show the different type of products you are selling. By mixing mid priced with high-end pieces the focus shifts from price to beauty. Keep in mind that candle sticks, tea sets or even bakeware are bought as gifts for birthdays and anniversaries. Take time to set the table for these gift-giving events.
Setting The Table For Special Occasions
Since half of your sales will come from special occasions other then weddings, you need to market to them as well. Create event table settings with items that can be added to existing dinnerware items including suggestive signs like “the perfect anniversary gift”. Try this idea as a way to increase sales for birthday gifts: Set a table with stemware or other tableware items and a toaster with a sign that says “what do you think she’d rather have?” Using ideas such as these gives consumers ideas that they may not have thought of for gifts.
Dinner parties use placecards to direct guests. As you set the tables for your customers don’t forget the placecards (great anniversary gift, perfect for her birthday, etc.). If you set the table right they will buy. Setting the perfect table is easy provided you keep a few things in mind: variety in price points, convenient and easy wedding registries, effective signage. Of course to set the perfect table for your customers you need the right wholesale dinnerware.
The tableware vendors at FGmarket can provide you with all the wholesale glassware, dinnerware, flatware, napkins and other wholesale table top items needed to create the perfect mix for your table.
