This article explains how brands can use Retailer Connect to discover, contact, and track outreach to potential retail partners directly through email, Instagram DM, or phone calls on The Folklore Connect platform.
To contact retailers, you must first connect your Gmail account. This allows you to send emails directly from the platform, and replies will go straight to your personal inbox, to learn how to connect to your G-mail account, click here.
1. Accessing Retailer Connect
Log into your Folklore Connect account.
From the left sidebar, go to:
Selling → Retailer Connect
2. Exploring Retailers
Retailer Connect automatically recommends Smart Matches — retailers whose price range, category, and target audience closely align with your brand.
You can also use filters to find retailers that best match your brand profile.
Available filters include:
Name – Search by retailer name.
Location – Filter by country or city.
Store Type – Online or Physical store.
Gender Served – Men, Women, or both.
Average Price Range – Filter by the retailer’s target price range.
Age Range – Based on customer demographics.
Product Categories – e.g., Accessories, Apparel, Home, etc.
Not Contacted – View only retailers your brand hasn’t contacted yet.
Each retailer card displays:
Retailer name and location
Average price range
Store type (online or physical)
Genders served
Product categories
Website and Instagram links
A Smart Match label (💡) if the platform recommends it for your brand
3. Contact Limits (Monthly Quotas)
Depending on your membership plan, you can contact a limited number of retailers each month:
| Plan | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|
| Plus | 50 retailers |
| Premium | 100 retailers |
💡 Each unique retailer you contact via Email or Instagram DM counts toward your monthly quota.
Phone calls do not count toward the quota.
You can track your current usage at the top of the contact panel (e.g., 14/100 retailers contacted).
4. Selecting a Retailer
Click on a retailer’s card to open the contact panel on the right-hand side.
Check your Retailer Quota to see how many retailers you’ve contacted this month.
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Choose your contact method:
📧 Email
💬 Instagram DM
📞 Call
5. Selecting a Contact
Under Select Contact, choose the appropriate person or team.
If multiple contacts exist, pick the most relevant one (such as “Wholesale Manager” or “Buyer”).
6. Communication Structure (Applies to All Methods)
Use this structure for any outreach method — Email, Instagram DM, or Call.
Step 1: Introduction
Introduce yourself and your brand.
“Hi [Retailer Name], I’m [Your Name] from [Your Brand], a [short brand description].”
Step 2: Express Interest
Explain that you’re interested in a potential retail collaboration.
“We’d love to explore a retail partnership with your store.”
Step 3: Highlight Brand Fit
Show why your products align with their assortment or price range.
“Our average price point and aesthetic match your store’s offerings, and we believe our collection would resonate with your customers.”
Step 4: Call to Action
Encourage the next step.
“Would you be open to reviewing our line sheet or scheduling a quick call to learn more?”
Step 5: Attach Supporting Files (Email Only)
Before sending, attach your materials:
📎 Line Sheet
📎 Brand Deck or Lookbook
📎 Catalog or Campaign Images
(File size limit: 10MB total)
Step 6: Closing
End with a friendly, professional sign-off.
“Thank you for your time — I look forward to hearing from you. Best, [Your Name].”
7. Sending & Tracking
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Email:
Write your own message or click “Write Email with AI” to generate a professional draft automatically.
Your brand’s Folklore Wholesale Storefront URL is automatically included at the end of every email.
After sending, the outreach appears under Previously Sent.
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Instagram DM:
Click Instagram DM to open the retailer’s profile.
Copy the suggested message and send it directly. (Automation via Meta API is not available yet.)
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Phone Call:
Click Call Store to open the phone link.
Use your message structure as a brief call script (under 3 minutes).
Record call outcomes manually for tracking.
8. Tracking Communication
All emails sent through Retailer Connect are saved under Previously Sent (top-right corner).
You can reopen messages, view sent history, and track follow-ups.
For Instagram DMs or phone calls, log the outreach manually.
9. Compliance & Best Practices
To protect your brand reputation and comply with international communication laws, The Folklore automatically adds the following to every email:
📍 Your business address
🔗 A simple unsubscribe option (reply “unsubscribe”)
Important Guidelines
Only contact each retailer once through The Folklore platform
Always include professional and relevant content.
Respect retailer preferences — do not contact those who have unsubscribed.
Avoid mass sending; focus on personalized, high-quality outreach.
Ensure attached materials are professional and reflect your brand identity.
10. Best Practices for Successful Outreach
Contact retailers aligned with your brand’s style and price point.
Personalize every message — mention something specific about their store.
Keep tone professional, concise, and friendly.
Always attach your line sheet or lookbook to increase engagement.
Follow up within 5–7 business days if no reply.
11. Notes
Retailer data is continuously reviewed and updated for accuracy.
Some stores may not have direct buyer contacts available.
Automated Instagram DMs are not yet supported; use the copy-and-paste workflow.
Emails are sent securely via your connected Gmail account.
You remain responsible for ensuring your messages comply with your local outreach regulations.