GENERAL
Q. Q. Who can buy from Widdop & Co.? +-
WIDDOP and Co. is a <strong>TRADE ONLY</strong> supplier. Products purchased from us are for resale only and to successfully apply for a trade account with us you must be a retail business that is actively trading. If you are a member of the public and would like to find a stockist, you can try our stockist locator which is accessible from brand listing pages.
Q. Q. Where do I view new products? +-
We have a section of the website dedicated to <u><a href="/new-products">new products</a></u> where you can easily filter between what is physically in stock at our warehouse now and which lines are available to forward order for delivery later on. With around 3,000 new lines per year across Spring, Autumn and Christmas launches, plus other smaller seasonal occasion collection launches, there is always a host of new options to satisfy your retail customer base.
Q. Q. When will a certain product be in stock? +-
If a product is not available for immediate shipment from our warehouse, once we have a estimated delivery date confirmed, this will show on the website. The exception to this is when an item is available to purchase on pre-order. However, in almost all cases, if the item is not in our warehouse yet, it will be delivered to us for shipment to our customers within four months of being available to purchase on our website, if not sooner.
Q. Q. How do I see your prices? +-
To view our prices, you will need to <u><a href="/more-info/contact-us">register for a trade account</a></u> or <u><a href="/search/login">sign in to your existing WIDDOP and Co. account</a></u>.
Q. Q. How are products packaged? +-
Each brand is packaged in its own individual way. For most products, the packaging is also included within the image gallery on the product details page of our website.
Q. Q. Do you have showrooms? +-
Yes, we have 5 purpose-built showrooms based at our Head Offices in North Manchester showcasing our entire product offering. Across Sentiment, Home, Disney & Kids, Christmas and Ladies & Men’s Gifts, our extensive range of products can be viewed in-person.<br /><br />Our opening hours are 9am – 4.30pm Monday - Friday with special weekend openings throughout the year. See our <u><a href="/the-company/events">events</a></u> and <u><a href="/footer-links/shopping/our-showrooms">showroom</a></u> pages for more details or <u><a href="/footer-links/shopping/book-a-showroom-visit">book a showroom visit</a></u> now. Visits to our showroom are by appointment only.
Q. Q. How can I obtain images from your website? +-
You will be able to download images of items you have purchased through your account area on our website.
Q. Q. Cash is tight so I cannot place huge orders at the moment – can I still get products? +-
If you are an existing customer there is no minimum spend and over 90% of products are available in singles. You can place smaller top-up orders whenever you like to help with any cashflow restrictions.
Q. Q. The retail landscape has changed so much. Do you have any advice on how to stay relevant and successful? +-
We add new articles the <u><a href="/blog">WIDDOP & Co. blog</a></u> on a weekly basis and there is a host of information on business strategy and product trends, which we hope you’ll find useful.
Q. Q. What are your stock levels like? +-
We have great levels of stock on thousands of bestsellers and new collections. You can check stock on our website if you are looking for something specific.
Q. Q. I don’t have the time to spend away from the business visiting showrooms, so how do I view your products? +-
You can view all our products online, along with our <u><a href="/history-our-story/catalogues">digital catalogues</a></u>, which are available for most brands. If you’re an independent retailer in the UK and Ireland, you can also <u><a href="/footer-links/shopping/book-a-rep-visit">request a visit from your sales rep</a></u> at a time convenient to you. Our reps are all equipped with an iPad and our bespoke sales tool, so they’ll be able to walk you through our full product and promotion offering and place an order for you in the convenience of your own premises.
Q. Q. Which trade shows are you attending? +-
We will typically attend both the Spring Fair and Autumn Fair shows at the NEC Birmingham. 2023 also saw us exhibit at our first show outside of the UK and Ireland, the Ambiente trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as PG Live in London and Gift & Home in Dublin. Check <u><a href="/footer-links/shopping/where-to-see-us-next">where you can see us next</a></u>.
Q. Q. Do you offer exclusivity? +-
Although we don’t offer exclusivity, our sales reps manage their territories to ensure there is no conflict/crossover between our retail customers.<br /><br />On top of this, our National accounts sales team focus on bespoke product development. They handle every step of the process, from product design and development through to delivery. Our bespoke product categories include gifting, home accessories and seasonal. We can source and develop bespoke items to your specific brief.<br /><br />We also style, curate collections and branding exclusively to your needs. Learn more about our <u><a href="/the-team/sales-team/national-accounts">bespoke development services</u></a> and on how we pride ourselves on providing exemplary service and an unrivalled experience to our customers.
Q. Q. What are recommended retail prices? +-
The price you want to sell items can depend on a host of different things such as your market, your competition and your costs. Typically, we see our retailers multiply the wholesale cost (excluding VAT) by a minimum of 2.4 to reach their retail price. As an example, if you purchased an item from us at £4.16, then you would typically sell that item for £9.99. Similarly at item you bought for £12.50 could be sold for £29.99. This is for guidance only.<br /><br />Where you benefit from one of our discounts, whether that be through our multibuy deals or promotional packs or through buying group programmes or exclusive offers, you can make an enhanced margin on sales by following the same approach.
Q. Q. I’m a new customer and I’m not sure what to buy. Can you help me? +-
Absolutely, yes. Our bundles are ideal starter or replenishment packs for your convenience. Instead of browsing through individual items, choose our pre-packaged bundles to save time on researching and selecting. Our bundles are designed to provide a diverse range of products including popular items or themed assortments, providing you with plenty of upselling opportunity.<br /><br />These curated packs are a great way to keep on top of current market trends and the latest consumer preferences. Designed with ease and simplicity in mind, we provide marketing support materials in the form of product images and descriptions, so for busy retailers buying bundles makes complete sense. Our promotional packs also offer a chance to maximise profit margins with curated easy-to-buy selections with money off compared to purchasing individual items separately.
ORDERS
Q. Q. How do I place an order? +-
The simplest way to place an order is via our website. If you’re not already a WIDDOP and Co. account holder, you’ll need to <u><a href="/more-info/contact-us">register for a trade account</a></u> first. Our website is easy to use and is the best place to see stock availability and details of our multibuy discounts and promotional packs.<br /><br />If you prefer not to order online, you can also place an order via:<br /><br /><ul><li>Email – send your order to sales@widdop.co.uk</li><li>Phone – ring us on 0161 688 1226 and our customer service team will be happy to take your order</li><li>Through your sales rep – <u><a href="/footer-links/shopping/book-a-rep-visit">book a visit</a></u></li></ul>
Q. Q. Can I buy online? +-
If you are a WIDDOP and Co. account holder you will be able to request permission to order online. For non-account trade enquiries <u><a href="/more-info/contact-us">visit our enquiry page</a></u>, fill in your details and our new business team will follow up with you.
Q. Q. What is your minimum order? +-
We ask UK-based customers (including Northern Ireland) place an opening order of £500, but there is no minimum order value for any subsequent orders, although to take advantage of our free shipping offer, an order of £199 is required for orders to mainland UK, £299 for offshore and remote areas of the UK and £400 for Northern Ireland.<br /><br />For the Republic of Ireland, opening orders must be at least €600 and then €450 for subsequent carriage paid orders.
Q. Q. Can I order in single quantities? +-
Items under £6 have a minimum order quantity of 2 and some of our lines need to be bought in multipacks (these products are clearly marked as such in the product name), but the majority of our products can be ordered in single quantities!
Q. Q. Can I return faulty items? +-
Yes, please contact our sales office on 0161 688 1226 or your local representative.
Q. Q. What is your policy on returning unwanted items? +-
Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sale or return. As we have a business-to-business relationship with our customers, we do not offer refunds if you have changed your mind. B2B suppliers are exempt from Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
Q. Q. I have placed an order online – can I add to it? +-
Yes, it may be possible for you to add to the order, however it depends if the order has begun to be processed in our warehouse – please contact our sales team on 0161 688 1226 for further advise.
Q. Q. I have a spreadsheet of products I’d like to order – do I have to phone up or can I order them online? +-
Yes, you’re now able to order online. Our website can accept orders placed via spreadsheet upload. If you need any support please email sales@widdop.co.uk.
DELIVERY & COLLECTION
Q. Q. How quickly do you dispatch orders? +-
Currently we are operating a 2-3 day lead time on orders for in-stock items. If you’re ordering online, current lead dispatch times will be shown on the checkout.
Q. Q. What are your delivery charges? +-
Our Mainland UK delivery charge is £7.99. Any order over £199 for Mainland UK or £299 for offshore and remote areas of the UK are delivered for free. We also offer free delivery on orders over £400 for Northern Ireland and over £375/€450 for the Republic of Ireland.<br /><br />Orders over €1200 to Europe are delivered to our Netherlands Depot for free, onwards carriage is ex-works. For orders outside of Europe, orders over £1000 are delivered to a UK freight forwarder for free or on an ex-works basis for another location outside the UK.
Q. Q. Can I collect my orders? +-
Yes, please contact our customer service team on 0161 688 1226 to arrange a collection.
Q. Q. How much is a carriage paid order in Mainland UK? +-
You need to order a minimum of £199 worth of stock to get your carriage paid. Any order under this value will incur a carriage charge of £7.99.
Q. Q. When can I expect to receive my back order? +-
Back orders are run every 10 days. Usually, back orders will be released once a value of £150 or more is in stock.
Q. Q. What if an item is damaged or missing from my order? +-
In the unfortunate event that an item has arrived damaged or faulty, you have received an incorrect item or there are items missing from your order, please contact our sales office on 0161 688 1226 and they will provide you with further instructions. Please do not return any item(s) to us until advised to do so. Any issues with your order need to be reported to us within 5 working days.
NEW CUSTOMERS
Q. Q. How much is an opening order? +-
Our opening stock order is £500 for Mainland UK and Northern Ireland and €600 for the Republic of Ireland. We also export to over 75 countries. Please <u><a href="/footer-links/the-team/international-business">enquire with our export team</a></u> for more information.
Q. Q. What is pro-forma? +-
Pro-Forma is a way of paying for an order in advance of delivery. We usually do this whilst we are awaiting trade references, or should you wish to pay for your order up-front.
Q. Q. What are your payment terms for a credit account? +-
Our payment terms are 30 days nett from invoice date.
Q. Q. How do I apply for an account? +-
Please fill in your details on our <u><a href="/more-info/contact-us">online enquiry form</a></u> and our new business team will be in touch.
Q. Q. Do you accept online only traders? +-
We are currently not accepting applications from online traders who solely trade on Amazon and eBay marketplaces in order to protect the reputation and image of our brands, by maintaining some control over how our brands and products are presented and sold. If you are solely an Amazon or eBay trader and apply for an account, you may be notified by email that your application has been unsuccessful.
EXPORT
Q. Q. My business is from outside the UK, can I apply for an account? +-
WIDDOP and Co. supply to over 75 countries around the world. To find out more please <u><a href="/footer-links/the-team/international-business">visit our Export page</a></u>.
Q. Q. Which countries do you ship to? +-
We can arrange shipping to any country on an ex-works basis, but we have customers from over 75 different countries.
Q. Q. Will you ship the goods to my UK shipper’s address? +-
Of course, send us your shipper’s details and we will organise the rest.
Q. Q. I am in the EU, can you ship here? +-
Yes, we can very easily! We have many customers across the EU and we cover all shipping and export costs related to getting the goods into the Netherlands. You can either organise collection of your order from the Netherlands or we can obtain delivery quotes for the final leg of the journey.
Q. Q. What is the minimum order value for EU customers? +-
The minimum initial order value for EU customers is €1,200 in stock. We will ship your order to Widdop Netherlands, covering all transport and export costs involved. You can organise your own onwards transport from the Netherlands or we can provide quotes for you. Find out more about how <u><a href="/international/eu-customers">Widdop Netherlands is supplying EU customers</a></u>.
Q. Q. What is the minimum order value for worldwide customers? +-
The minimum initial order value for worldwide customers is £1,000 in stock. We will ship your order to a UK freight forwarded free of charge. Alternatively, our team are happy to provide quotations for transport from our trusted carriers. Find out more about how <u><a href="/international/worldwide-customers">Widdop Netherlands is delivering to 75 countries worldwide</a></u>.
ACCOUNTS
Q. Q. How do I pay for my order? +-
We accept all major debit and credit cards except AMEX and invoices can also be paid by bank transfer. Our bank account details will be on all invoices that we issue you with.
Q. Q. Do you accept credit cards? +-
Yes, we accept all major debit and credit cards including Visa, Visa Debit, Delta, Mastercard and Maestro. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to accept American Express.
Q. Q. How do I apply for a credit account? +-
Contact our accounts team for more information on 0161 688 1227.