[victoriaK]

Originally Posted by Calibre Designs

I often wonder why people (especially those with your own ecomm online business(s) selling products) why not brand your own products and have that distributed/sold across various mediums including your own website.

Thats what I'm up to at the minute but i really need to work on the packaging and in the near future a decent logo. I am in the process of designing a boys range, so come winter I will have a definite set of designs I would like see stocked in more outlets than just my website.

[Calibre Designs]

Originally Posted by victoriaK

Thats what I'm up to at the minute but i really need to work on the packaging and in the near future a decent logo. I am in the process of designing a boys range, so come winter I will have a definite set of designs I would like see stocked in more outlets than just my website.

Great aim. Thats what I am talking about.

[victoriaK]

I'll more than likely be calling upon your services at some point soon

[consultant]

If managed right, OEM/ROB (Original Equipment Manufacture/Retailer Own Brand) can be a very lucrative and profitable business, however, in most cases, it does involve a commitment in stock, both in depth and, probably, width, so does tie up cash.

Each concept/opportunity needs to be handled differently (I am just starting a niche brand/supplier, where the investment is minimal, but this is not common), however, if a person is already selling reasonable volumes of other merchandise, this does make the opportunity easier.

Own brand merchandise was originally developed as a way for retailers to sell similar products to brands, but get a greater slice of the profit. However, for as many years as I can remember, especially in high ticket markets like electronics, retailers have used them as a way of driving volume/turnover, rather than generating extra profit.

Product & brand develoment has been my bread and butter, in one form or another, for many years, so if anyone needs help, just let me know!

[Nicksyb]

So something like canvas bags and keyrings. mugs etc printed with my logo and name?

And then in time my own unique products

[consultant]

These can be done easily, however, the smaller the item/lower the value, the higher the MOQ's (minimum order quantities). There will be lower volumes available from some suppliers, but you may actually end up paying a premium!

[Chell]

Originally Posted by consultant

These can be done easily, however, the smaller the item/lower the value, the higher the MOQ's (minimum order quantities). There will be lower volumes available from some suppliers, but you may actually end up paying a premium!

This is what stops me. I have ideas of products that I'd like designed for me but it would cost a fortune. I'd need to pay someone with the illustrating skills then pay to have the items made. Unless I was able to order thousands I just couldn't get a good enough price to resell at a profit.

[Calibre Designs]

Consultant - looks like you and I have lots in common. I also come from an OEM background so I understand all the logistics about branding a product, development, manufacture, importation, machinery and investment etc...

It really is rewarding when I see a product that I have helped develop being sold.

This is what stops me. I have ideas of products that I'd like designed for me but it would cost a fortune. I'd need to pay someone with the illustrating skills then pay to have the items made. Unless I was able to order thousands I just couldn't get a good enough price to resell at a profit.

Armed with power of negotiation, you can always ask that your supplier/manufacturer can run a trial run of 100s rather than 1000s as a one off. Don't say that its to test the water for a business model. They are likely to accept your request if it is managed properly.

I'll more than likely be calling upon your services at some point soon

This would be very nice!

[consultant]

"It really is rewarding when I see a product that I have helped develop being sold."

This is so true! There are still several products I conceived several years being sold, which, in the consumer electronics market, is quite rare!

[MSC]

Originally Posted by Calibre Designs

KP - you hit the nail on the head there!

It is something that is very possible to do but I don't see anyone here doing it? I have helped lots of people develop their very own product to launch and its a great achievement to see it being sold.

I've created my own products and brand, does that count?