Million Dollar Idea...or is it?

As I stated in the previous post, I literally get 3-5 emails/calls each week about new products that someone would like to show us. This is an effective way to market but there are a couple of other options for you out there. Go into your local boutiques, you might even travel to the nearest metroplex to get a wider opinion. You are always more likely to get a response in person. Ask to see the buyer and then talk to them about your product. See if they have any suggestions, do they think it is viable, is there something already out there that fills this need. Hopefully you will find someone who has just a couple of minutes to give you. Get your product to several mommy blogers. They are incredibly influential! They are after all your market.

Next go to a trade show as a observer. It maybe tricky getting in but talk to the registration personnel and see where that will get you. Walk around and look at the products and booths so that when you have a booth of your own you know what you want and what you don't want. The ABC Show is the BEST and Biggest market to attend. But you have to realize there is 1,000,000 square feet for the buyers to cover. Do something to get there attention without being super pushy. Offer a SHOW SPECIAL! I cannot stress how important that is. I don't write orders at show that don't have a special. Come prepared with order forms. Seems like a no brainer but honestly there are a ton of people that set up a booth and I guess don't expect to write order or give copies. Collect potential buyers cards and send them information (including the mommy blogs that have reviewed your product) after the show is over.

One more tip. There are several buying groups for independent specialty stores. NINFRA is the one that we are a part of. Find out who the executive director is and get in contact with them. See if they will do a new product release to their membership. Make sure there is a special specific to that group. For example: All NINFRA members get free shipping.

I hope these tips help you. There are lost of mom's/dad/grandma's etc that have great idea's that fill a nintch no one else has. GOOD LUCK!!!

PS. Could someone invent the next Beanie Baby and come by my store first!