Rapid Retail Questions with Jing Gao, Founder of Fly By Jing

Send us Fan MailIn this special Retail Readiness Round from Shelf Talks, Fly By Jing founder Jing Gao shares what it really takes for a product-based business to succeed in retail.If you're a founder working toward getting your product onto store shelves, this rapid-fire segment breaks down the essential elements buyers and retailers expect before saying yes.Jing dives into the fundamentals of retail readiness, including why proof of concept matters, how a clear value proposition should show up directly on your packaging, and why your product needs to stand out enough to move off the shelf on its own.She also shares three non-negotiables every founder must understand before pitching retail—from margin structure and hidden retail costs to the financial resources required to support a retail launch. Plus, she highlights a mistake that can permanently damage retailer relationships: failing to deliver on supply chain commitments.You’ll learn about: • What makes a product truly shelf ready • The three non-negotiables before pitching retail buyers • Why margin structure and retail costs matter more than most founders realize • The importance of supply chain readiness and delivering on time and in full • How getting on retail shelves unlocks access to a broader consumer baseIf you're preparing to pitch retailers or scale your brand in stores, this quick Retail Readiness Round delivers powerful insight from a founder who successfully built a globally recognized food brand.Listen to the full episode released 3/9/2026 Support the showEvent Partner: Nourish Summit & Expo (Oct. 5-7, 2027 | Baltimore) - Use code SHELFTALKS10 for 10% off full registration https://bit.ly/4sx0ZbaLooking for more? Visit our Linktree for the latest episodes, free resources, retail tips, and ways to connect with the Shelf Talks community.https://linktr.ee/shelftalkspodcastLove what you hear on Shelf Talks? You can now support the podcast. Every contribution helps bring more indie voices to the mic. Thank you for being part of this journey! ✨https://www.buzzsprout.com/2411532/supportContact us via email: [email protected] Reach out if you know of a female founder with an impactful brand and retail story and leave a review if you found value in this episode! [email protected] the book Shelf Talk: A step by step guide to launching your product in Retail Stores by Roberta Townes Buy Book