Sourcing new products is one of the most exciting—and riskiest—parts of running a retail business. A promising brand can drive new foot traffic and energize your shelves. But a poorly chosen product line? That can mean dead stock, unhappy customers, and wasted dollars.
That’s why retailers are turning to Cohere Commerce—a platform built for honest, verified retailer reviews about the brands they’ve carried. It’s a goldmine of firsthand insight. We’ve studied thousands of brand reviews on the platform to bring you a guide to evaluating a brand before you commit.
Here are the key questions successful retailers are asking—inspired directly by their Cohere feedback.
✅ 1. How does this brand actually sell in stores like mine?
Don’t just ask about a brand’s aesthetic or mission—ask how it performs in similar retail environments. Use Cohere to filter reviews by store type, region, or category and get an apples-to-apples comparison.
Ask yourself:
- Are other independent retailers seeing consistent sell-through?
- Is it more of a showroom brand, or does it move volume?
- Are returns or customer complaints a problem?
✅ 2. What’s the fulfillment and shipping experience like?
A great product means nothing if it doesn’t arrive on time—or at all. Retailers on Cohere often highlight their experiences with lead times, backorders, and communication during fulfillment.
Ask yourself:
- Are there frequent delays or fulfillment issues?
- How communicative is the brand when problems arise?
- Do they provide tracking, reliable packaging, and accurate invoices?
✅ 3. How is the customer experience post-purchase?
Cohere reviews reveal a lot about how brands treat your customers after the sale. Do they help with warranty claims? Are they responsive if something goes wrong?
Ask yourself:
- What kind of support does the brand provide after purchase?
- Are they responsive to product defects or damages?
- Do they make your store look good—or leave you to pick up the pieces?
✅ 4. How consistent is the product quality?
Consistency matters. Whether it’s scent, sizing, packaging, or materials, your customers expect continuity. Look at Cohere reviews for trends in quality control issues.
Ask yourself:
- Are there complaints about changing formulas, packaging, or quality?
- Do retailers mention disappointed repeat buyers?
- Is there pride in presentation, or does it look rushed?
✅ 5. What’s the margin—and is it worth it?
A beautiful product with poor margins can drag down your bottom line. Retailers on Cohere are candid about whether a brand pulls its weight financially.
Ask yourself:
- Are the wholesale prices competitive?
- Is there enough margin to justify in-store real estate and staff attention?
- Does the brand offer incentives for reorders or marketing support?
✅ 6. Does this brand align with my store’s values and community?
Beyond numbers, Cohere reviews often speak to brand ethos—what they stand for, how they manufacture, and how that plays with customers.
Ask yourself:
- Does this brand fit my store’s aesthetic and values?
- Is it easy to talk about this product with passion?
- Do they support causes or use practices my customers care about?
Let Other Retailers Help You Source Smarter
Every brand has a pitch. But only Cohere gives you the truth from fellow retailers—the ones who’ve lived it, stocked it, and sold it. Before you place that first order, take 10 minutes to read through reviews and ask: What do store owners like me wish they knew before saying yes?
It could save you thousands—or help you find your next best-seller.
🛒 Ready to evaluate your next brand? Explore Verified Reviews on Cohere Commerce →