Can't find product...

[Martini]

For some reason, I have a thing for leather bracelets. They are so cool and fashionable in my opinion.

I'd love to start a store where I can sell these bracelets but I can't find a drop shipper or someone to purchase them for the quality of the one I ordered from this website (http://store.soliscompany.com/so99bllebrle1.html). It says they are imported and individually hand crafted. I think this could be a really profitable niche business.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

[MuseMojo]

Martini,
The design looks really simple. Why don't you order one and copy it? You could probably find the clasp/fastener at a jewelry supply company like Rio Grande or Rings & Things.

Go for it.

[Martini]

The clasp might be easy but acquiring Italian leather... where?

[Feumet]

Get someone that can read/speak Itallian, and check out the local yellow pages in Milan and Florence online. You might be able to find a wholesaler there. I know I have bumped into all kinds of wholesalers that were looking for people to sell their products while there. Might want to check out Turin as well. There is some gorgeous merchandise available.

Cheers!

[MiniBlueDragon]

For some reason, I have a thing for leather bracelets. They are so cool and fashionable in my opinion.

I'd love to start a store where I can sell these bracelets but I can't find a drop shipper or someone to purchase them for the quality of the one I ordered from this website (http://store.soliscompany.com/so99bllebrle1.html). It says they are imported and individually hand crafted. I think this could be a really profitable niche business.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

The sole reason I highlighted those words was because you seem to be focussing on finding a product and then looking for a market afterwards. Now I'm not saying it can't work so don't get me wrong but I personally always look for the market first and then provide for that market...

If you're pretty sure your bracelets will sell well then as mentioned above I'd find a few examples of products you think are great and then contact some manufacturers in China, India etc and negotiate how much they can make them for, how much shipping would be, what quantities you'd need to order etc. Then when you have a ballpark figure you can look at your profit margins and pricing for a website.

[Wooderson316]

The sole reason I highlighted those words was because you seem to be focussing on finding a product and then looking for a market afterwards. Now I'm not saying it can't work so don't get me wrong but I personally always look for the market first and then provide for that market...

Quoted for truth.

[Martini]

You are completely right! I didn't look at the market by all means and just thought 'hey, here is a product I like...who else might?'.

Definitely got me thinking of better ways to approach a muse.

Thank you for the feedback!

[davinic]

I think you've approached it correctly - now you just need to test the market. In fact, I have a great leather supplier/manufacturer that I use, and I got a quote from them using the picture you supplied for only $1.40 + shipping, with only a minimum of 100 pieces. Definitely fulfills the profit multiplier.

I spent many, many hours finding this supplier, so if you are interested, we can work something out.

[Talon]

For 140 dollars not bad.
Marketing are you going to try
http://www.trendhunter.com/join/
Just to see if people like the look?

[ardor]

Martini,
The design looks really simple. Why don't you order one and copy it? You could probably find the clasp/fastener at a jewelry supply company like Rio Grande or Rings & Things.

Go for it.

Dont Order it. Dont Copy it.
Sell on Ebay
Make adwords Site, get "orders"

If that works, Order it, Copy It. Sell it.
Market First Sell Later. This is the problem I always Had. the whole
"If you build it they will come" Idea.

[MiniBlueDragon]

Market First Sell Later.

Exactly! :rolleyes:

[MuseMojo]

Ardor is exactly right. I'm so old school. I have to keep reminding myself:

Market first, take orders, create product.
Market first, take orders, create product.
Market first, take orders, create product.

I'm still a total newbie at this. I'm still trying to work out the logistics of the 'market it'. It's so EASY to get caught up in the whole product development thing and waste time on a product that won't sell. It was really valuable for Ardor to remind me of the eBay marketing tip. I totally forgot. That's something I can do TODAY.

I'm beginning to suspect that developing a personal system for rapid creation and testing of ideas is going to be key to the creation of a muse.

[davinic]

All that is true, however, you MUST make sure you can provide adequate supply at the right price, in a timely manner, before you can proceed.

You don't have to buy the supply - just make sure it can be done. Order a sample to test the quality.

Also, note on that site that while it's Italian leather, it doesn't say where it's manufactured. Most likely China or India. Pay attention to the description.