Need some help coming up with ideas

[RobertM]

Hello everyone,

I've been reading on here for some time but have yet to post until now. Over the past six months I've located a private label company, built a website, and tested a muse idea but haven't been able to get a positive market test (http://www.serenicalm.com). I've decided to move on and pursue other muse ideas (due to the not so great market test AND other reasons)...but I seem to be hitting a brick wall coming up with new ideas.

Do you guys think you might be able to help with the creative process? I'm definitely not asking to have a muse handed to me on a silver platter. I'm just hoping that some of you can send me in the right direction to generate ideas :) You know, to get the creative juices flowing :p

Here's a little background info to help:
- Recent college grad in business but working in IT (specifically video conferencing)
- Interests/hobbies:
- Firearms
- Computers
- Tech gadgets
- Flashlights/LEDs
- Performance cars
EDIT: Forgot to mention :
- I owned and operated my own mobile automotive detailing business during college

Thanks in advance everyone!

Robert

[lolpie]

Maybe:
-An ebook and video on how to construct your own flashlight/LEDs?
-Something with firearms and flashlights

[TimW]

I am in the firearms business...well, sorty of...an ancillary business. I have several good friends, however, who ARE in the firearms business, as retailers and manufacturers.

And, among them, there is a nice saying:

Q. Want to know how to make a little money in the firearms business?
A. Start with a lot.

The firearms industry, for new guns, has crap for margins. If someone makes 10% on a new firearm, they're doing well. Additionally, there is the issue of the target market: firearm owners are some of the cheapest people I've come across. They will shop elsewhere to save $5.00...it's VERY price competitive, even in accessories, where I am.

I've been contemplating an ebook on a certain product line I carry, a primer on the items and how a lot of information currently out "in the market" is wrong. The cost of the book would even be applied toward purchase of the product. Some quick-and-dirty market research shows that, even then, people aren't willing to pay for a researched and writte piece of information that could save their life.

Firearms and flashilights: This gets into the area of low-light shooting. Unless you come up with something INCREDIBLY innovative and new, your chance for success will be slim. There are some very big names that are very well-qualified to "discuss" the topic. Trying to sell something in this arena, without any real-world credentials, will be difficult, unless you're just selling flashlights. And, like all gear-heads, everyone has an opinion on what tactical light is the best. :)