Is It Okay to Use “Admin” or “Buyer” When You Don’t Have a Retailer’s Name?
We’ve all been there: you’ve connected with a potential retailer through a sales rep or a trade show, but you can’t remember—or never got—their buyer’s name. You’re keen to add them to your Faire mailing list in hopes that if they eventually order, you’ll score that sweet 0% commission. But is it acceptable to label them as “admin” or “buyer” when you don’t have a real name on file?
In this blog post, we’ll take a look into the pros and cons of using generic contact labels, why maintaining accurate records on Faire can be a strategic move, and some best practices for turning these leads into loyal customers.
1. Why Add Leads to Faire at All?
If you’re selling wholesale on Faire, you know their commission structure well. When an existing relationship (one you brought in yourself) makes a purchase, Faire offers a 0% commission. That’s a major perk for you—and it’s why capturing every contact you make is so important.
The Logic:
More Leads = More Reach: Each potential buyer on your Faire list is one more opportunity for a long-term wholesale relationship.
Commission Savings: If someone you’ve previously engaged with decides to order on Faire later, you pay less commission—or none at all.
2. The Name Game: “Admin” or “Buyer” vs. Real Contact
When you don’t have a buyer’s name, it might be tempting to just label them as “admin” or “buyer.” Let’s look at the upsides and potential pitfalls.
Pros
Easy to Identify a “Placeholder”: Seeing “Buyer, XYZ Company” in your records can serve as a reminder that you haven’t pinned down a specific name yet.
Keeps Your Lists Organized: Any contact is better than no contact. You can still reach out via a generic business email, and your communications won’t get lost in the shuffle.
Cons
Impersonal & Less Effective: Emails that start with “Hi Buyer!” can feel spammy and lower your open or response rates.
Potential Confusion: If you end up with multiple “admin@company.com” addresses, it can be tough to sort out who’s who and follow up properly.
Missed Relationship Building: Personalized communication is key in B2B relationships. The more specific the contact information, the better your chance of engaging them later.
3. Best Practices for Handling Unknown Buyer Names
Collect Company Info First Always record the company name, email address, and any other relevant business details, like address or phone. Having those basics will help you fill in the gaps later.
Note the Sales Rep Connection If a sales rep gave you the lead, record that. You might need to follow up with the rep to request the correct buyer name.
Use Placeholders—But Aim to Update While “admin” or “buyer” is acceptable as a short-term placeholder, make a habit of updating your records as soon as you get the actual name. It signals professionalism and improves engagement.
Segment and Personalize When sending emails, segment your list so that placeholders don’t receive the same message as fully vetted contacts. For example, create a “Needs More Info” segment to ensure you don’t send overly personal or targeted emails to people you barely know.
Sync With Your CRM If you have a Customer Relationship Management tool (like HubSpot or an Excel tracker), link it to Faire whenever possible. That way, any updates (like a new buyer’s name) flow into Faire automatically.
4. The Art of Nurturing Leads
A critical aspect of eventually converting these “unknown buyer” leads into real customers is nurturing them the right way.
Welcome Email: After you add a contact to Faire, consider sending a short, non-intrusive message. Something like, “We noticed you’re interested in our brand. We’d love to learn more about your store and how we can support you.”
Monthly or Bi-Monthly Updates: Keep them in the loop about new product launches, special offers, or interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits. Don’t spam them—quality over quantity.
Personal Follow-Up: If you or your sales rep happen to learn more about the store, update your records promptly. Then, reach out with a more personalized message.
Remember: A little personalization goes a long way in wholesale relationships.
5. Keeping Your Faire Account Healthy
Faire is a powerful tool, but like any platform, it’s built on trust. Avoid suspicion by following these guidelines:
Don’t Add Contacts Without Permission
Ensure the individuals you’re adding are indeed interested in your brand (or at least aware of your communication). Unsolicited additions can lead to spam complaints.
Stay Transparent About Commission
If a retailer specifically asks, explain how Faire’s commission works when they order through a direct invite. You never want them to feel tricked into saving you money.
Keep a Paper Trail
Record any email exchanges or phone calls that indicate the retailer gave you consent to add them to your list. Just in case Faire ever questions the relationship’s origins, you have proof you didn’t artificially sidestep their system.
Yes, adding a “buyer” or “admin” placeholder is acceptable—temporarily. The real magic happens when you gather more information and build genuine connections over time. By keeping thorough records, segmenting your list, and gently nurturing unknown contacts, you can turn these vague leads into loyal, commission-free wholesale customers on Faire.
Embrace the process. Stay organized, stay transparent, and update your placeholders as soon as you can. Before you know it, you’ll see those initial “admin@” leads blossoming into profitable, long-term partnerships—all without running afoul of Faire’s guidelines.
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