Here’s another installment on the considerations for product selection.
These all revolve around those persons who want to start manufacturing their own private label offshore.
In the last few posts, I’ve started tackling the BIG QUESTION of what product to choose.
The Big Question When You Start a Private Label
Considerations in Choosing a Private Label Product
I realize I’m dragging these out. That’s so I can frequently post an article and encourage my 11 readers to return.
In the product selection process, consider another angle to approach…
Here’s one way of looking at the selection process.
This is actually the way I approached how we chose the product line we would brand and bring to market.
We didn’t start out thinking of A PRODUCT.
Product X
The one item.
Or the 2 items.
I didn’t think in terms of individual listings or references.
Think in terms of THEMES
Let me backtrack, we did think of products, but more so in terms of “themes”.
Certain lines.
The material was open for discussion.
Styles were subject to develop.
But we had an idea of products for what markets.
Based on that knowledge, you start looking for a source.
Think Going all the Way to the River’s Source
It may be because of my years of factory sourcing and living in China that I had a bit of a leg up. But even if you’re just starting out on your import and private label trek, you can do this same thing via trade shows, website, overseas visits…whatever.
So what’s the river’s source?
You want to deal in fountains that will bubble up and flow over, not individual products.
Products have lifespans
Products come and go.
But a good factory is a last partnership that you can develop.
A good factory can make many good products.
A solid production facility has access or material vendors and production lines.
So why scratch and bang your head forever thinking of the perfect product or few items, when you can start out finding a good factory.
Once you find a good factory, build from what they’ve got.
Or what they can do, what they have done.
Their capabilities.
Their current product offering.
Avoid reinventing the wheel as much as you can…
Especially, as you’re starting out, if resources and time are limited, try to reduce the amount of customization you require.
Don’t strive for so lofty an idea when you can private label what’s already on the market.
Of course you want to add your own touch to the product, but customization comes in subtle ways such as packaging or branding.
In the following post, I’ll open more on “finding the factory” mindset instead.
Remember: it’s themes versus individual products.
This method may not work for you, but it’s the way I’ve done and continue to do.
This is post #3 on this process. I’m new to putting out a daily article.
These may seem piecemeal, but go back and read the previous. If these are helpful, would love to hear from you.
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