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RyanJ


Coach

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Where to sell my products?
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When I read JMR’s business questions it made me think I should ask your opinions too. I am not quite sure why I have not asked you all earlier.

I have been making pet beds for a few months and they have been selling pretty well. I am not making millions or anything, but I am profitable. I have been selling them to a local pet boutique-I use the word boutique loosely. It has a lot of cheesy things in it. I have also been selling them to a few vets’ offices that sell pet items, by word of mouth. I have done ebay a few times.
We don’t have a lot of pet boutiques in my area-all the pet places are chain stores and I am not going to be able to sell things there-yet. I am trying to find new places to sell the beds. There are a few really cute and slightly upscale home décor shops in my area. My mom has spent quite a lot of money in them and they are familiar w/ her. I was thinking those places would be a place to try. Any thought on that or any other ideas?

Which brings me to my second question. I have not had to approach anyone about selling my items in their shop. The pet boutique lady knew someone I had made a bed for and got in contact w/ me. I am going to actually go to these stores I want to sell my item instead of calling them. How should I go about doing this? What I was thinking was make put together a really cute basket or box of the things I have made. I have been making cat toys and a few collars and my mom grows a butt load of catnip. Put all of those items in a really cute package and take them to the shops. I have a price list, business cards and information already made and I would put that in the package as well. I was going to talk to the owners about selling my items and then leave the package w/ them. Let them know it is theirs to keep and they can do what they like w/ it. I will contact them w/ in a week or they can contact me anytime. Is this good? Bad? Anyone have any other suggestions on how to approach them or any other suggestions all together? Thanks for any help!


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Drew


Gucci

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I would begin researching what I need to do to start my internet business (how to get good positioning in search engines, low cost or free web hosting sites, etc.), and then get on it.  I would visit pet forums, get friendly, then gently push my website and pet beds.  The internet can get news to travel very well if you just put it out there enough and in the right places.  Look into advertising with bigger pet companies (like Petco) online websites or other places pet owners would visit.  I would definately focus on internet sales first, then try and get into more pet shops later.  It just seems like it would be easier to do it this way IMO.

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RyanJ


Coach

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quote:
Originally posted by: Drew
"I would begin researching what I need to do to start my internet business (how to get good positioning in search engines, low cost or free web hosting sites, etc.), and then get on it.  I would visit pet forums, get friendly, then gently push my website and pet beds.  The internet can get news to travel very well if you just put it out there enough and in the right places.  Look into advertising with bigger pet companies (like Petco) online websites or other places pet owners would visit.  I would definately focus on internet sales first, then try and get into more pet shops later.  It just seems like it would be easier to do it this way IMO."


I am acutally in the process of doing that. My boyfriend is a graphic designer, so I am getting it all done for free. Which is totally awesome!

The pet forum is a great idea. I had not thought of that. Thanks Drew!

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I don’t want no part of your tight-ass country-club, you freak bitch!
Drew


Gucci

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Posts: 2553
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No problem.  It was the first thing that came to mind.  If I think of anything else I will be sure to post it. 


Good luck to you on your business venture and let me just say how proud I am to know such strong, capable, independent and entrepreneurial women as we have on the forum! 



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theotherjess


Chanel

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I don't know where you live but a farmer's market might be a good option.  We have one almost every weekend (in Florida) and lots of artists sell their products.  I've seen people selling dog toys there.  Or maybe an art festival type thing where you could rent a booth?

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