What type of business is Naturally Sweet?
"Naturally Sweet is a wholesale distributor of Happy and Healthy Products, Inc. We sell all natural, gluten free, fruit bars, healthy snacks and whole grain flavored popcorn to retailers which include colleges, health food stores, hospitals, fitness centers, family entertainment centers, delis and grocery stores just to name a few."
How did you get started?
"We started the business in July, 2013. We were looking for an opportunity to run our own business. We decided to investigate franchises since the business models are proven and structured. We used a broker who helped us find the right prospects, coached us on how to do our due diligence and lead us through the process. This particular franchise met our criteria and appealed to us on many different levels."
What obstacles have you faced in starting a business?
"Can't say there are too many obstacles but we need to overcome objections from retailers who may not be interested in carrying our products for various reasons: price point, lack of space, not familiar with product or brand, seasonality of the frozen fruit bars. We stress the value....it's a high quality, wholesome and healthy snack; it's larger than the other bars on the market. The first ingredient is fruit and once they sample the product - that usually seals the deal. We educate our potential customers on the new revenue stream it may become, the target market and importance of that market and the value of the high level of customer service we provide. To boost their sales we also provide a small branded freezer which also overcomes the objection "I don't have a freezer"."
What makes your business different from others of it's kind?
"We are a very small business that can give a lot of attention to our customer's needs. That sets us apart from many other distributors and wholesalers. Our products also have the appeal of being healthier which has a wide audience these days. People are more conscious of what they eat. Our Fruitfull frozen fruit bars have no added sugar and just basically contain fruit...it's the number one ingredient. How can you beat that? They are low calorie and contain either no fat or are low fat and have no preservatives. Parents would rather have their kids snacking on treats that count as a fruit serving, as opposed to sweet snacks with empty calories. Also, we are a one stop shop for vendors and can supply several different types of snacks. We are a turn key package for them!
"Can't say there are too many obstacles but we need to overcome objections from retailers who may not be interested in carrying our products for various reasons: price point, lack of space, not familiar with product or brand, seasonality of the frozen fruit bars. We stress the value....it's a high quality, wholesome and healthy snack; it's larger than the other bars on the market. The first ingredient is fruit and once they sample the product - that usually seals the deal. We educate our potential customers on the new revenue stream it may become, the target market and importance of that market and the value of the high level of customer service we provide. To boost their sales we also provide a small branded freezer which also overcomes the objection "I don't have a freezer"."
What makes your business different from others of it's kind?
"We are a very small business that can give a lot of attention to our customer's needs. That sets us apart from many other distributors and wholesalers. Our products also have the appeal of being healthier which has a wide audience these days. People are more conscious of what they eat. Our Fruitfull frozen fruit bars have no added sugar and just basically contain fruit...it's the number one ingredient. How can you beat that? They are low calorie and contain either no fat or are low fat and have no preservatives. Parents would rather have their kids snacking on treats that count as a fruit serving, as opposed to sweet snacks with empty calories. Also, we are a one stop shop for vendors and can supply several different types of snacks. We are a turn key package for them!
What advice would you give someone looking to start a business for themselves?
"We're too new to be handing out advice! But common sense says to do your research, know the demographics of the community you're serving and make sure the business serves a need. Talk to people in that industry and seek advice from them. Learn from others, and learn about your market as much as you can. Know that the harder you work and the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it!"
Do you offer any specials this time of year?
"We don't sell to the public, so we can't run any specials right now. That's up to each specific realtor."
Where/how can people get in touch with you?
"People can visit our page on Facebook and like us!- Naturally Sweet. We keep up by posting content on healthy eating and new locations. If you have a place where you think you'd like to buy the product and it's a good fit, let us know! We will approach the store, and hey if it works, we'll thank you generously with a basket full of lip smackin' goodness! We can also be reached via email [email protected] as well.
"We're too new to be handing out advice! But common sense says to do your research, know the demographics of the community you're serving and make sure the business serves a need. Talk to people in that industry and seek advice from them. Learn from others, and learn about your market as much as you can. Know that the harder you work and the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it!"
Do you offer any specials this time of year?
"We don't sell to the public, so we can't run any specials right now. That's up to each specific realtor."
Where/how can people get in touch with you?
"People can visit our page on Facebook and like us!- Naturally Sweet. We keep up by posting content on healthy eating and new locations. If you have a place where you think you'd like to buy the product and it's a good fit, let us know! We will approach the store, and hey if it works, we'll thank you generously with a basket full of lip smackin' goodness! We can also be reached via email [email protected] as well.
