Catalogue sharing for B2B sales

What dealers look for

• Clear photo of the actual product, with variants (colours, sizes).
• Item code and name the way they will order it. If your billing name is "FAN CLG 1200 WHT", show a readable name too.
• Pack size and unit: box of 10, carton of 24, per sq ft.
• Category and brand, so they can browse.
• Rate, if you share rates openly; otherwise "price on request".
• Availability, at least whether the item is currently supplied.
• A way to enquire that does not need them to type the whole item name.

PDF catalogue vs online link

Many businesses keep both: a printed or PDF brochure for the main lines and a link for the full range.

Building the catalogue from your item master

The most reliable catalogue is built from the same item list you bill from. Then every item a dealer orders already exists in your books with the right code, unit and GST rate.

1. Clean up item names and groups in your accounting software. Stock groups usually become catalogue categories; see Tally stock groups and categories.
2. Add a good photo for each item. A phone photo on a plain background in daylight is enough.
3. Add a customer-friendly display name where the billing name is cryptic.
4. Hide items you do not want to offer: discontinued lines, internal items, spares.
5. Decide whether to show rates, and at which level. If different dealer types get different rates, a public list price with dealer discounts applied at order time is common.

Sharing it well

• Put the link in your WhatsApp business profile and in every quotation.
• Send a focused link or a few photos when new stock arrives, not the whole catalogue every week.
• Salespeople should show the catalogue on their phone during visits, so dealers see the full range, not only what the salesperson remembers.
• Track which items get enquiries. Items that are never asked about may be candidates for clearance; see inventory turnover and dead stock.

Handling enquiries

Reply within working hours with the rate for that dealer, stock position and dispatch date. Turn a firm enquiry into a quotation or order the same day. An enquiry answered the next morning is often an order lost.

Keep a short list of standard replies for common questions: minimum order quantity, delivery areas and days, payment terms and how to become a dealer. Quick replies save time and keep answers consistent across staff.

A catalogue checklist before you share

1. Every live item has a photo; no placeholder images.
2. Names are readable, with the code shown for ordering.
3. Pack size and unit are correct and match billing.
4. Categories are sensible: a dealer can find "MCBs" without scrolling through all electricals.
5. Discontinued items are hidden.
6. Rates, if shown, match the current price list and say whether GST is extra.
7. Your business name, phone and WhatsApp number are on it.
8. Someone has opened it on an ordinary phone on mobile data to check it loads quickly.

Ask two or three trusted dealers to try it before sending it to everyone. They will spot confusing names and missing items you no longer notice.

Online catalogue in Cashflow OS

Cashflow OS can publish an online catalogue link built from your TallyPrime items, with photos, your own display names, Tally stock groups as categories, and brands. Customers browse it without installing an app, and their enquiries come to you on WhatsApp. Items can be shown or hidden. If you want customers to place orders and pay online, there is also a hosted online store option. See online catalogue and item photos.