Archive for January, 2008
Trying to Figure Out How to Fund Your Business?
Wednesday, January 30th, 2008Unless you have spectacular credit and a substantial down payment, funding can be the biggest hurdle to starting a new business. While there are definitely cases where it’s simply impossible to get normal funding, there are also thousands of cases where people give up without exploring all the options.
What a lot of people don’t know is that the SBA (Small Business Administration) is designed to help entrepreneurs start small businesses. The independent spirit is a vital part of our economy, and the government has taken numerous measures to make sure that worthy businesses are able to get the money they need to get off the ground.
I’m not talking about those crazy late night commercials where an insane guy screams at the screen, telling you that the government wants to give you bajillions of dollars for nothing. In fact, there’s a fair amount of research and effort involved in getting SBA funding. It’s not impossible, though, and it’s a heck of a lot more fun than continuing to deal with a boss and commute every day.
If you want to find out about your startup funding options, Express Business Funding has a guide that you can get for $2 in shipping and handling costs. Obviously, they’ll want to try to sell you on some of their other products/services, but if the guide is all you want, you can definitely get just the guide. It’s considerably cheaper than most of the books I’ve seen that offer similar information.
Know of any other resources for locating government small business funds? Let me know in the comments.
Spring Fitness Equipment
Sunday, January 27th, 2008Fitness equipment is a great idea for a spring product line in nearly any kind of store. Whether you go with something like pedometers or yoga mats, or something a little more aggressive like actual exercise equipment, the warm weather is a great way to inspire purchases. Everyone wants to be more active as things warm up.
If you’re looking for somewhere to get started, try checking out a magazine like Self or Shape and browsing the new product sections. They nearly always list the manufacturer, and it’s a great way to see what’s new and hot and (usually) very cute.
New Products for Spring
Sunday, January 27th, 2008Every time the season changes, I try to think of “strange” new products that might do well in my product lineup. Depending on my mood and the seasons, it could be anything from kitchen gadgets to glass figurines to costumes to legal steroids. You just never know, right? With the right tie-ins and supplementary products, almost anything can work.
Have you ever tried anything really strange, given your existing line? How did it work out for you? I’m very curious to hear about others who might have the same, slightly crazy tendencies.
Modern Furniture Wholesale
Saturday, January 26th, 2008Depending on the nature of your store, you might find that it’s worthwhile to look into carrying a variety of furniture selections. If you sell electronics, home theater furniture could be a great way to grab additional sales. Something like a TV stand or plasma lift console could be a great add-on for your customers.
To get an idea of what’s popular, browse websites in the niche you’d like to explore. Learn about the features and figure out what it is that makes a good piece. Once you know that, it will be a lot easier to find the best items for your store.
Upper Canada Soap Company - Wholesale Body Products
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008I’m a huge fan of soaps and gels and body washes and other deliciously scented personal items. I can never get out of a Bath & Body Works for less than $50, and every time I go to hotels or on cruises, the shampoos and lotions are the first things I check out.
That’s why this Lemongrass Saffron line from Upper Canada Soap seemed so great. They offer that scent for everything from a reed diffuser to a hand lotion to a counter spray. It’s not every day that you see a company making its scents available in counter spray.
Anyway, they do offer wholesale pricers for interested resellers. If you’re interested, contact them at this page.
Cute Sewing Kits Wholesale
Sunday, January 20th, 2008When I think of sewing kits, I’ve always envisioned those $1 kits that you can buy at Wal-Mart. They’re usually so small that almost nothing in the kit is actually usable, save for the thread (if they even give you enough to sew a button back onto a shirt). I guess they’re alright as auto accessories for an emergency, but definitely not something you’d keep in a drawer for everyday use when you need to mend little things here and there.
Chronicle Books has new book-style kits that are bright and fun and actually functional. I can get behind these. In fact, even if I had no desire to re-sell them, I’d be interested in getting a bulk lot to give away at birthdays or Christmas. They’re very cute.
If you’re interested in re-selling them, give them a call at (800) 759-0190.
Stocking up for the Valentine’s Day Holiday
Monday, January 14th, 2008While the Valentine’s Day shopping season isn’t quite as long or lucrative as the Christmas holiday, it’s still important to carry at least a couple of season-specific gift items. Lover’s Notes by Pardon Moi would be one great idea.
Of course, if you prefer not to invest too heavily in seasonal products, you could instead find romantic angles for your normal products. For instance, home theater sconces can be quite romantic. The ambiance they create is tough to match. Whatever you sell, there’s probably an angle you can work.
You can get in touch with Pardon Moi at:
(217) 369-6362