What Is The Difference Between A Product Catalog And A Line Sheet?

You are in the wholesale business, then probably you know what documents you need to reach out to potential customers. You need to bring more and more customers into business in order to make money. You cannot showcase every product that you have in your line to potential customers. Having all the necessary product information in one place can help brands make a great first impression. The businesses only get one chance to make a great first impression, so do not miss the opportunity and download the industrial product catalog template.

What is a product catalog?

Being a wholesale business, you have to showcase your product mix to potential buyers, and a product catalog can help you do that. It is a type of marketing collateral that contains information needed to make a buying decision.

In simple words, a catalog is a document that contains information about product dimensions, features, size, and weight, etc. It helps brands telling their story to potential buyers so that they can feel more comfortable while making a purchase.

A catalog helps businesses telling their customers who they are and what their products are. In fact, in a product catalog, you tell potential buyers why they should buy your products. You describe the features of your products and tell them why it would be worth buying from you.

In a catalog, you can use long details and descriptions to explain everything clearly. But it does not mean that you can make an overlarge catalog. Bear in mind that potential buyers do not have enough time to read long texts. But it does not mean that you can keep it short. The product catalog should neither be too small, not overlarge. Make sure that you keep the interest of the reader.

What is a line sheet?

You are in the wholesale business, then probably you have heard the term “line sheet.” it is a sales tool used by product-based business to make the buying process easier. A line sheet contains all the product information needed to make purchases.

Now you would be getting confused that a catalog and line sheet both contain product information and make the buying process easy, then what is the difference between them.

A line sheet is a short document that contains information about the products only, such as the product images, contact details, description, payment terms, return policy and shipping terms, etc.

Let’s make it easier. A product catalog tells potential customers why they should buy your products. It tells them how they will be benefited from buying your products. On the other hand, a line sheet tells customers how they can make that purchase.

How to make a line sheet?

Making a great line sheet is essential if you want to take your business to another level. But you cannot use the same line sheet for every wholesale strategy. Do you need to determine why you are making a line sheet? Do you want to sell or just remind?

You should include general information about your company first. Add the company name, logo, and contact details. You should double-check the contact details to make sure that you have provided the correct information.

Then you include the product images, their description and payment details, etc. No matter you are making a line sheet or a catalog, make sure you use high-quality images. In a line sheet, you should use product images with a white or neutral background.

Then tell the customer about your return and shipping policy. It is highly important to clearly describe your policies if you want to avoid a hassle in the future. Do not forget to tell the customers about when the information in the line sheet will expire. You should include the contact details at the top of the page so that the buyer can easily see it.

Your line sheet must be short and precise. There is no need to use flowery language in the sheet. Make sure it does not exceed one or two pages.

How to make a catalog?

Having a product catalog is compulsory for wholesale businesses if they want to stay ahead of the competition. It is a document that should be neither too short nor overlarge. Make sure that you keep the interest of your audience in the catalog. Use quality images in your product catalog as it makes your brand look professional.

You should hire a professional photographer to take the product images. However, if you have the skill, then you can take the pictures by yourself. Also, include the product description, but it should not exceed 150 words. Hiring a copywriter is the right option as he can write something great to impress the reader. However, if you love to play words, then you can do this by yourself.

A product catalog is a document composed of different parts:

• Front cover

• Thumb index

• Introduction pages

• Table of contents

• Catalog

• Table of content

• Final pages

• Back cover

You should include product details such as weight, width, size, and colors available, etc.

Now, you may be thinking that what should your brand do? Should you make a line sheet or a product catalog? Well, using the combination of both is what you should do. It will help you increase your brand recognition. As a result, you will get more and more customers. A product catalog improves conversion rate and enhances branding.

Final verdict:

Make a useful catalog that can actually help you increase sales. You should not omit any important information as your product catalog can make or break the buying decision. If you are making a line sheet, keep it simple and precise. Do not include irrelevant information that is needed to make a purchase.

Both line sheets and catalogs help businesses make the buying process easy. If you have all the required information in one place, things become quite easy. Are you ready to make a great first impression?