Seeking Advice on Products to Sell in Small Store in Ecuador

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mikatl55

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Not sure where to post this so thought I'd start here.

I've done some adventure travel and volunteer work in Ecuador over the last 5 years. I am now considering moving there full time and have several small business ideas based on my travels.

I'm considering opening a small "Gear and Gadgets" shop as there is a definite shortage of "good" quality knives , tools and other outdoor equipment due to high import tarriffs and low per capita income. Ecuadorians appreciate better quality items and need access to better quality items. I've seen some poor quality stuff down there.

My goal would be offer "good value" items at fair prices and while earning a modest income. I am absolutely not looking to gouge anyone and not looking to buy counterfeits. I own Kershaw and Gerber and a Benchmade, but don't know much about quality of the entry level brands.

What brands give the most "bang for the buck" at entry level price tier ($5 - $15) for:
- folding knife?
- fixed Blade?
- machetes?
- multitools?
- flashlights?

Would appreciate any thoughts or recommendations on specific items or sources for products. Not sure if this will work with shipping costs and import taxes, but want to run some math once I have 7-8 products to price out.

Thanks in advance!

Mike
 
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Where in Ecuador? Cuenca, Quito, or the coast?

I would look into Mora Knives if I were you, the quality you get for the value is very good. Opinel's would probably do well too, look at the Inox models they have.


Maybe some firesteels?
 
Not sure how you intend to work around the "high import taxes and low per capita income" problem. In lots of countries, those with reasonable income go on shopping sprees in the U.S. where everything is cheap, cheap, cheap!
 
Outside of a mora I don't know what kinda quality knives you're expecting to be $5-$15... Thats your typical gas station mtech,
elk ridge, survivor, and frost range...Which don't fit in under the quality label at all... Hell even the knockoffs cost around $30.
 
One knife I left behind after Peace Corps service in the Pacific islands was a GI pocket knife. I think mine was Camillus but I recently bought Marbles copies for about $7 - good utility pocket knives for village tasks. :cool: Cut rope, open cans and beer bottles, punch holes in leather - and a bail to tie it to your belt. Stainless steel construction.
 
It's funny asking us here what to stock and sell in Ecuador. You need to be talking to local people in Ecuador.

"high import tarriffs and low per capita income"- Items sourced locally seem the best way to beat #1 and what is disposable income in Ecuador for #2?

What's actually needed and missing on the local market in Ecuador? What's the price point locally that will enable people to buy in Ecuador?

With no existing contacts \ sources why do you think you can accomplish what they can't because of "high import tarriffs and low per capita income"?

What's the local competition selling in Ecuador?
 
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