How to market/sell a item or items in 2025.

acaptainnn

acaptainnn

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I've no experience in selling items in today's world. I need advise in all aspects including Shipping.
The Item I'm considering is similar to the Sunglasses that are worn over Prescription Eyeglasses by many older folks who can't afford, or won't spend the money on Prescription Sunglasses.
The packaging folds down small, about twice the size of the canisters that 35mm film was stored in back in the day. Pricing would be in the neighborhood of $12.00 per item plus whatever Shipping and Handling is.
I would be buying the item in bulk and reselling in smaller batches. The manufacturer sells only in bulk.I say that as I don't know if that is important as far as their branding or any other concerns. Such as needing permission.

Thanks for your help,
Bryce
 
Random thoughts...

Look and see if the same or similar item is available on eBay and/or Amazon.
Look at the catalogs which sell to older folks for similar items.
If you find similar items, find out how much they are selling for.

Figure out how much you will need to sell your items for in order to turn a profit. Compare to what competitors are charging for a similar product.
> Raw cost. Cost of bulk product shipped to your home. (i.e. factor in the freight)
> Figure out how you will package them for shipping and what that will cost. Plus add in the shipping cost itself.
> Don't forget to factor in the time value of money. (you will need to buy in bulk, so your money will be tied up in inventory until you sell them off. Maintaining inventory costs you money.)

I'd also recommend identifying venues which might appeal to your target market where you might sell to folks directly from a table. Gun shows? Hobby shows? find out how much it costs to set up a table there.
 
knarfeng said:
Random thoughts...

Look and see if the same or similar item is available on eBay and/or Amazon.
Look at the catalogs which sell to older folks for similar items.
If you find similar items, find out how much they are selling for.

Figure out how much you will need to sell your items for in order to turn a profit. Compare to what competitors are charging for a similar product.
> Raw cost. Cost of bulk product shipped to your home. (i.e. factor in the freight)
> Figure out how you will package them for shipping and what that will cost. Plus add in the shipping cost itself.
> Don't forget to factor in the time value of money. (you will need to buy in bulk, so your money will be tied up in inventory until you sell them off. Maintaining inventory costs you money.)

I'd also recommend identifying venues which might appeal to your target market where you might sell to folks directly from a table. Gun shows? Hobby shows? find out how much it costs to set up a table there.
Click to expand...
Ty sir these are all great suggestions. eBay is the only venue I know of to sell online,so I need to find other options, as mentioned.
 
acaptainnn said:
I've no experience in selling items in today's world. I need advise in all aspects including Shipping.
The Item I'm considering is similar to the Sunglasses that are worn over Prescription Eyeglasses by many older folks who can't afford, or won't spend the money on Prescription Sunglasses.
The packaging folds down small, about twice the size of the canisters that 35mm film was stored in back in the day. Pricing would be in the neighborhood of $12.00 per item plus whatever Shipping and Handling is.
I would be buying the item in bulk and reselling in smaller batches. The manufacturer sells only in bulk.I say that as I don't know if that is important as far as their branding or any other concerns. Such as needing permission.

Thanks for your help,
Bryce
Click to expand...


As a guy who makes his living selling eyewear, I don't see this as a viable money maker.
 
Also I,m thinking to start with one store front. Testing the waters. Might eBay be a good choice ?
 
Just in case you haven't considered it, one thing that can kill a small online retail business is the cost of returns. People buy your product, and either they don't like it, or they change their mind, or they break it, and they want their money back. And if you don't give them their money back then they give you bad reviews and trash you online, which can also ruin you. It's a lose/lose situation, lose money on refunds, or lose sales from bad reviews.

It's hard to succeed in online retail. From what I've seen, the people who succeed typically fit into one of three categories-

1. They have a product that goes viral as the latest, hippest new thing, and people just have to have it.

2. They have a unique product that no one else has, and that people really want or need. And they sell a lot of them before the Chinese knock-offs start hitting the market for a fraction of the cost.

3. You sell so many that you can easily absorb losses due to returns/refunds, lost packages, damaged merchandise from the manufacturer, etc.

I'm not trying to be pessimistic or discourage you, just pointing out some facts of starting a small retail business.
 
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SwissHeritageCo said:
Unrelated, but what's up with the trend with massive glasses? I was looking for some frames the other day and honestly... the kids glasses seemed more appropriately sized.
Click to expand...
Took a lesson from the watch market, I'd guess. Any bigger and we'll be accused of weaponry.
 
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