Sunglasses Brand - Ideal time to launch?

[JustInnovate]

I am currently starting up my own brand of Sunglasses. The sunglasses will be in the $16-$26 price range. They are fashionable, but at the same time durable at the right price. One of my big target audiences will be surfers, skaters, snowboarders, skiiers, or any people involved in action sports. If you are familiar with the wayfarer style sunglasses, it is a similar frame but shaped a little differently. I have the funds, a completed business plan, and a manufacturer. I am located in New York, but my location should not matter because my brand of glasses will only be sold in my online store. Does anyone know when sunglasses sales are the highest, does it vary by season? If i were to have the online store ready and fully stocked by October is that a good time to launch? I am just worried that summer is nearing i my local area and i personally wouldn't think of buying sunglasses in a different season? Keep in mind all of my sales will be online, and i will ship anywhere in the United States, as well as a handful of international countries. Thank you in advance for your help & responses!

-Justin

[Steven@A&CMediaCons.]

People do buy sunglasses all year around but i think the problem will be that companies of your type have the most exposure during the summer months. A client of mine owns a company just like yours and he plans all your long for the summer and when it rolls around he host tons of public events. He will also just park his truck here down on the jersey shore and sell stuff right out of his truck. Offering to be a sponsor too during events helps a ton too. I know blue mountain in PA is big on sponsors for their events. I could make a list a mile long of things you could do. From here on out just pump your name into the public. If you ever need a good e commerce store designer, give me a shout. Your target market is nothing new to us.

-Steven
A&C Media Consulting

[JustInnovate]

Thanks Steven. Does anybody else have knowledge or advice they would care to share. I greatly appreciate all of your help.

[Gary Barzel]

Being that you plan on catering to people in action sports I don't think you have to worry about launching in October. Yes summer is a busy season for sunglasses but keep in mind that's generally for people just spending time outdoors, not your target market. You will have all winter to attract extreme sports.
Best of luck on your new venture!

[bobbyjetson]

@JustInovate Are you looking for a manufacturer? If you are please shoot me a message as I can help you produce your sunglasses. Or go ahead n email me at robert@triotrading.com

[VastyleProductions]

Thats pretty pricey for a start I think. I think you should build your company up, then slowly increase the price as it builds

[slideways14]

Since your target market is specifically action sports you should find a way to penetrate each specific one. I would say that getting a pro or someone notable within each sport you choose to represent your brand would be your best form of marketing and advertising. In those industries, trends catch on fast and the market you are trying to reach would be most receptive to seeing their idols wearing your brand. Since these sports tend to be less mainstream, it is easier to get in touch with some of these pro athletes via twitter or networking. I personally know a lot of professional skaters and believe that your idea would indeed succeed!

Good luck!!

[nickhumph]

Sounds cool!

Your basically trying to reach a 15 - 30 year old market. What I suggest is try doing some creative things with PR and social media to get the word out there about your sunglasses brand. Maybe try get a YouTube celeb to start wearing your glasses, send over a free pair to them!

Good luck and I have no doubt the summer months are when everyone buys sunglasses (I do). Maybe you should begin planning for May/June

Otherwise, try targeting Australia who are just about to begin their summer

[Courtneyangus]

Hey Justin,

I am a pro wakeboarder from Australia. I get a heap of exposure throughout my industry and am interested in promoting your brand. Let me know if you are interested.

Cheers,

Courtney Angus

[Horrors]

hope you will do same things again

[gbusiness]

Good luck in your promotion

[Alexander Gill]

Your idea is very good and you don’t need to worry about your launching. Your target market is related to sports and it doesn’t depend on any season. Best of luck for your new business.