The shelf is the constraint
A dog bed takes more floor and wall space than most items in the store. A store that stocks too many sizes and colors ends up with a crowded shelf and slow sales. A store that stocks too few cannot meet customer requests.
Start with the shelf. Measure the space you can give to beds, count how many boxes or display units fit, and plan the range backward from that number.
Building the assortment
- One or two bolster or donut beds in three sizes, as the volume line.
- One orthopedic style bed in a neutral color for older dogs' owners who ask for it.
- One outdoor or water-resistant option for customers who ask about the porch or the car.
- Replacement covers for the best-selling beds, which are an easy add-on at the register.
Fewer colors with deeper stock usually sell better than many colors with a single unit each. Ask the supplier whether a mixed-color carton is available for a first order.
Order size and frequency
A small store rarely wants to order at container volume. Options include consolidating beds with other products, ordering a smaller quantity at a higher unit cost, or working with a US warehouse partner. We can quote each route; the best one depends on turnover.
Plan reorders against the supplier lead time and the shipping time. A reorder placed when stock hits zero will arrive months later.
Display and packaging
Beds that arrive compressed need time to recover loft before display. Ask the supplier how long, and plan unboxing a few days before the display change. Retail-ready packaging, hang tags, and shelf labels can be requested on the quote; see the packing checklist.
What to ask the supplier
- Case pack and carton dimensions, so you can plan storage.
- Whether mixed sizes can share a carton.
- Care label text and fiber content label as supplied.
- Photos you can use on your own website and shelf cards, and the terms of use.
Related product line: Donut dog beds. Quotes and specifications are confirmed in writing for each order.