The Traditional Way: A Rep Walks In, Samples in Hand
We’ve all been there. A sales rep shows up, eager to pitch a brand that “flies off shelves” and “outperforms competitors.” They drop off samples, maybe offer a show deal, and promise to follow up.
But then what?
You bring it in—and sometimes it works. But sometimes the product sits. Or it sells once, and then stalls. Or the margins don’t make sense. Or worse: the packaging confuses shoppers, the restock process is clunky, or the brand goes dark post-launch.
That’s not to say all reps are bad. But more and more buyers are looking for additional signals before making a call. That’s where verified retailer reviews are changing the game.
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Why Reviews Beat a Sales Pitch
✅ Real-World Store Experience
Cohere reviews come straight from grocery managers, category buyers, and store owners. That means every insight—whether about velocity, packaging, or reorder pain points—is grounded in day-to-day retail reality, not marketing.
✅ Less Guesswork, More Pattern Recognition
Instead of relying on one brand’s claim, you can scan dozens of retailer reviews across different markets and see the actual performance—which flavors sell, how often it’s reordered, whether it's shelf-stable, and more.
✅ Unfiltered, No Spin
Reps are trained to highlight positives. Reviews reveal both strengths and weaknesses. That kind of honesty helps you make more confident choices—without needing a full sales deck.
What You Can Learn From Peer Reviews (That Reps Don’t Always Mention)
- “Top-selling flavors in high-foot-traffic stores are actually different from what the brand pushes.”
- “Packaging looks great online but gets lost on crowded shelves.”
- “Restock process is smooth, but margin isn’t strong unless bought in bulk.”
- “Not many customers know the brand unless we put it on promo.”
These are the types of details that don’t always make it into the pitch—but are critical for sell-through success.
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How to Replace Sales Pitch Uncertainty With Peer Confidence
1. Search by Category
Looking at a new hydration brand? Filter for beverages in Cohere and compare it to competitors like Liquid I.V., Huxley, or LMNT to see what stores are saying—good or bad.
2. Watch for Patterns
If five different stores report slow turns, that’s a flag. If multiple buyers mention excellent staff training from the brand, that’s a win. The power of reviews is in the themes.
3. Ask Better Questions
After reading reviews, you’re better equipped to ask the brand real, relevant questions:
“Your mango flavor is the bestseller according to store feedback—should we prioritize that for launch?”“Other stores mention confusion about serving size—has packaging been updated recently?”
4. Use Reviews to Pitch Upward
If you’re not the final decision-maker, retailer reviews can help build your case internally:
“Four other stores our size saw consistent reorders, especially when they had end-cap placement.”
Trust Retailers Who’ve Already Tried It
At the end of the day, your shelf space is valuable—and limited. Don’t base decisions solely on a polished pitch. Use reviews from stores that have actually stocked the product.
Because when retailers talk, you get the truth—before taking the risk.
🛠️ Want to Source Smarter?
Start browsing verified brand reviews from real stores today on Cohere Commerce.