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

In 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 base

If 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