Objection Handling Guide

Timberwolf Pet Food — Retailer Objection Handling Guide

Retailer Objection Handling Guide

Timberwolf

Top 10 Retailer Objections & How to Respond

Every objection is an opportunity. These scripted responses give you confident, fact-based answers that move the conversation toward a partnership.

1
"I've never heard of Timberwolf."
Your Response

"That is actually one of the reasons I'm here. Timberwolf has been making ultra premium dog food since 1996 — nearly 30 years. They are trusted by professional breeders, K9 programs, and working dog handlers across the country. The brand is growing fast right now, with over 10,000 monthly visitors to their content platform, and they are expanding into this market with dedicated rep support through Packer Mellem.

What makes them different is the 80/20/0 formula — 80% protein, 20% fruits, veggies, and herbs, zero fillers. No corn, wheat, soy, or by-products. This is not a new startup. It is a proven brand entering a new growth phase."

2
"It's too expensive. My customers won't pay that."
Your Response

"I understand the concern, but let me share the margin story. Timberwolf gives you 40%+ everyday margin on every bag. That means you make over $40 profit on a 20-pound bag compared to about $20 on Blue Buffalo. Your customers who already buy premium — Orijen, Acana, Merrick — will not blink at the price when they see the quality.

And here is the thing: the customers who buy Timberwolf are loyal. They come back every month. This is not a price-sensitive shopper. This is a quality-driven buyer who wants the best for their dog."

3
"I don't have shelf space for another brand."
Your Response

"You don't need a full planogram reset. We recommend starting with just 2-3 SKUs — typically Wild & Natural (chicken, your broadest appeal) and Ocean Blue (salmon, the coat and skin formula). That is two facings. We support sell-through with our 5-5-5 coupon program so those bags turn fast, not sit.

If a product is turning well and making you 40%+ margin, it earns its shelf space. We just need a small footprint to prove it."

4
"My customers won't switch from what they're already feeding."
Your Response

"That is exactly why we built the 5-5-5 program. We give you 25 coupon sets — each one takes a customer from a $5-off trial bag, to a $5-off first large bag, to a $5-off second large bag. By the third purchase, they have switched.

We consistently see 6-8 out of 25 customers become permanent Timberwolf buyers. That is $500 to $800 a month in new recurring revenue from a single coupon program — at zero cost to you."

5
"We already carry enough premium brands."
Your Response

"Timberwolf is not a replacement — it is a complement. Most premium brands top out at 34-38% protein. Timberwolf is at 80% protein with unique formulas like buffalo, venison and bison, and salmon and herring. These are protein sources your other brands may not offer.

Plus, no other premium brand on your shelf gives you 40%+ margin. Timberwolf fills a gap — ultra premium nutrition with the best margin in the category."

Retailer Objection Handling Guide

Timberwolf
6
"I can't take on any new brands right now."
Your Response

"I completely understand — and that is why we make it as low-risk as possible. We can start with a small initial order, provide free samples for your staff to try with their own dogs, and give you 25 coupon sets to drive immediate trial.

There is no minimum commitment beyond the first order. We provide dedicated rep support, in-store training, and POS materials at no cost. If Timberwolf does not perform, you have not risked anything. But based on what we see in other stores, it will."

7
"I'm worried about online competition undercutting my price."
Your Response

"This is one of the biggest advantages of carrying Timberwolf. The brand does not discount to Amazon or Chewy. Your price is protected. When a customer walks into your store, they are not going to pull out their phone and find it cheaper online.

That is increasingly rare in pet food. Brands like Blue Buffalo, Orijen, and Merrick are all available at steep discounts online. Timberwolf is committed to supporting the independent retailer channel — that is why they are partnering with Packer Mellem instead of going direct to big box."

8
"I need to see demand before I commit."
Your Response

"That is fair — and that is exactly what the 5-5-5 program is designed to do. We do not ask you to stock it and hope. We give you 25 coupon sets that actively create demand. Your staff hands them to customers who ask about premium food. The coupons do the work.

We are also building consumer awareness through content marketing — over 10,700 monthly blog visitors and growing. We bring customers to you. The coupon program is proof of concept at zero cost to your store."

9
"My staff doesn't know the brand. They can't sell what they don't know."
Your Response

"Absolutely right — and we handle that. We provide in-store training sessions where we walk your team through every recipe, the 80/20/0 philosophy, and which formula to recommend for different customer needs.

Every team member also gets a pocket-sized quick reference card — coat issues? Recommend Ocean Blue. High energy dog? Black Forest. It takes 30 seconds to learn and makes your staff look like experts. We also provide free staff samples so they can see results on their own dogs."

10
"What if it just doesn't sell?"
Your Response

"We are invested in your success — this is not a drop-and-run. Through the Alpha Club, you get dedicated rep support, Buy 8 Get 1 Free through Astro Loyalty, and guaranteed follow-up from your Packer Mellem rep.

If bags are not moving, we work with you. We adjust your assortment, provide additional samples, and ramp up the coupon program. Our goal is not to get product on your shelf — it is to get it off your shelf and into loyal customers' homes."

Pro Tip: The best objection handling is preparation. Before every store visit, review these responses and have your margin comparison sheet and 5-5-5 program materials ready. Most objections dissolve when you lead with the numbers — 40%+ margin, 2x profit vs Blue Buffalo, and zero online price competition.