Selling at hospitals and nursing homes can be an exceptionally good money making opportunity. Hospitals and nursing homes are very receptive to hosting “traveling vendors” who bring quality merchandise to their door. They see selling our products in their lobbies as a fundraising opportunity as well as a convenience and “perk” for their employees (and sometimes patients) who appreciate a break in routine.
Typically, these sales are one or two day events. Be prepared to pay about twenty percent commission to the hospital or home as a “donation”. Naturally this donation encourages the hospital or home to assist you in terms of advertising. Advertising often brings outside relatives and friends of employees to the sale. Additionally, employees are sometimes allowed to pay for merchandise by debiting their pay checks, which encourages an even greater sales response but you'll still get paid right away. Hospitals and nursing homes who provide this debit system will provide you with details.
1. Make a list of all of the hospitals and nursing homes in the area you'd like to target
2. Call each one and get the name and phone number of the person in charge of outside vendor sales (or whatever that particular hospital calls it).
3. Call or send each one a letter requesting a date for your sale. You can use the letter below as an example.
4. Follow up each letter with a phone call to set a date.
1. Place an order with Magic Scarf for whatever items you plan to sell. We can help you with the quantity to order. Leave plenty of time for regular ground shipping and to organize your sale.
2. Make sure you have enough mannequins and body forms for display. Remember that we sell all of these and have FREE Popcorn Posters in our Display and Merchandising section.
3. Price all items and learn prices so you can answer pricing questions. You can look at prices on our Retail website for suggested retail pricing.
4. Refer to our website or Selling Points page to become familiar each product’s features and qualities. You can print out pages as a reference. Practice before the sale so you’ll know what to say.
5. Find out from your contact at the hospital where your sales spot will be, what they provide and what you'll have to bring: tables, table covers, chairs, racks for clothing, etc.
1. Make sure you have plenty of change with you
2. Be watchful so that no one walks off without paying you
3. Have fun!
1. Talk to your contact and give them the promised percentage of your sale.
2. If you'd like to sell there again, make a date or tell them you'll call to book a date.
3. Note which items sold well and which didn't so you'll know what to order for your next show.
4. Enjoy your profits!
Printable version of letter to hospitals and nursing homes
Today’s date
Name of gift shop buyer or person in charge of outside vendor sales
Name of hospital or nursing home
Street
City, State Zip
Dear (hospital gift shop buyer or person in charge of outside vendor sales),
I sell a popular line of women’s fashions and accessories and am interested in booking a date to sell at your hospital (nursing home) as an outside vendor. Our clothing is all one size, packable, crushable EZ care fashions that are great for travel and every day. They’re priced to sell, with many items under $20.00, so there’s something affordable for everyone. You can see the line at www.magicscarf.com and I’d love to show you pieces in person at your convenience.
I’ll be happy to give your hospital (facility) a percentage of the sales or work within whatever guidelines may currently exist for outside vendor sales.
I will call you this week to see what date works for you and your hospital (nursing home). I look forward to working with you!
Sincerely,
Your name
Your phone number