Need advice for new business....

**maribatchelor** · 07-31-2009 04:59 PM

I am in the beginning trial and error phase of starting a small business. I design and manufacture earth-friendlier greeting cards, wedding invitations and favors, and promotional products for businesses.

The response on the product is amazing. I have sold the greeting cards at a large farmer's market on the weekends with some success, but I am thinking it's time to switch gears on my marketing plan.

What would be the best way to get the ball rolling regarding wholesaling greeting cards to gift shops? Also, would it be more productive to visit business owners in person to offer promotional items or send samples and literature snail-mail?

I feel that getting my name out there is pretty time sensitive as there are only a handful of companies nationwide that are selling my type of product and the general population has never heard of it before. But it is only a matter of time...

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

Mari

**swede** · 08-01-2009 05:12 AM

Hi

Your business is a good idea and it's a growth market.

Are you based in the UK?

Thanks

Cary

**inle** · 08-01-2009 02:45 PM

Who are you targetting?

**beatrix09** · 08-01-2009 03:32 PM

Designing and manufacturing earth-friendlier greeting cards, wedding invitations and favors, and promotional products for businesses is really great idea. Wish you good luck!

**bennihan** · 08-02-2009 02:41 AM

I recommend that you analyze the network of people you will be targeting as well as any possible competition you may have. Then make a plan from there

**maribatchelor** · 08-04-2009 06:17 PM

I will be targeting women ages 35-65, although the product has been purchased for and by consumers ages 5-93.

Although I am selling several types of products, my main goal is selling the greeting cards to retailers and businesses for their own use.

I have done research as far as how many suitable retailers offer my type of stationery. I have found that about 1 in 75 carry a like product at this time.

Also, I am located in the lovely Pacific Northwest. A great place for starting a "green" business.

**inle** · 08-05-2009 01:14 AM

Pardon me but I am confused..

Are you targettin "women aged 35-65" or "retailers & businesses"?
Because one is B-C, the other is B-B business nature..

**maribatchelor** · 08-05-2009 01:20 AM

Well, I guess my company is targeting retailers and businesses, but the product itself is most purchased by women 35-65 years of age.

Sorry if I'm a little confusing...I'm new

**inle** · 08-05-2009 02:00 AM

I am new too..
Don't worry, we are here to learn from each other..

From what I had gathered from the previous posts, you are trying to get retailers to sell your products which is targetted at women aged 35-65...

Actually, your target should be the women(aged 35-65), & the retailers are your one of the distribution channels you can explore..

If you are confident about your products, do up a proposal & call or walk directly to the shops which has the same target group as yours & just do it..

Bear in mind to think from the retailers' point of view & how you & your products can add value & improve their sales..
If you need any other ideas to market your cards, drop me a pm..
I see what our discussion can bring us to new areas to explore for your business..

**Jean-VA** · 08-05-2009 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by maribatchelor

What would be the best way to get the ball rolling regarding wholesaling greeting cards to gift shops? Also, would it be more productive to visit business owners in person to offer promotional items or send samples and literature snail-mail?
Mari

Hello.

Answering your question, just to get the ball rolling, why don't you do both? Visit business owners of your well-researched target market, and offer your promo items.

Don't forget to make yourself presentable. Prepare your short-but-memorable marketing message (so you don't take away too much of their time-unless they allow you to), leave a sample with your business card.

Eventually business is about people dealing with people. A face is easier to remember than promo items that come in mails, which, by the way, people normally take the item and throw away the rest of the package, including flier/brochure/letter that comes with it.

Don't forget to do follow-up, regardless they contact you or not.

You didn't mention, but do you have a web site? If, as you said, getting your name out there is time-sensitive, and you're targeting businesses nationwide, a good web site is one of your crucial marketing vehicles.

Good luck in your new business adventure and keep us updated.

-Jean