Marketing Outside the Big Box

This article was written by Tamara Monosof of Entrepreneur.com

When launching a new product, it's only natural to think of big-box retailers -- Wal-Mart (WMT Quote), Home Depot (HD Quote), Babies "R" Us -- as the pot of gold at the end of the sales and marketing rainbow. Certainly these stores have unparalleled distribution throughout the country and even the world. But depending on your product, you have many other options.

Many inventors and entrepreneurs have had great success with sales channels that may not be top-of-mind -- and may even be considered offbeat or unconventional. Either way, they provide different routes for connecting with your customers. They also can be stepping stones that build awareness for your product and establish a track record that'll eventually help you sell to the bigger retailers.

Remember, not every option will work for every product or product line; part of your sales strategy involves finding the most effective way to link your product with your target market. Here are just a few possibilities that can help you start thinking outside the big box. ...