Starting customized giftware...

[quentin]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could offer guidance as to the best way to start a business that offers customized giftware & promotional items, framed artwork, and business products.

How do you find companies or manufacturers to make the customized gifts/products that you have designed?

Can you recommend any books on getting started in the giftware and promotional products industry?

Thanks

[camden]

Hello,
I have a very similar plan similar to the one you just wrote about. Just that I need a full capital for this stuff. I have everything else set up as to what all u need for this sort of business u were just talking bout. Keep in touch.

[lane_hug]

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[lukas]

Make a decision first which product you ould like and then search whip are the ones into that industry and then make a website which should be better than competitors.

[ltrahan]

If you're looking for a real cool, unique product to pitch check out http://www.thetoyagency.com/ - they create custom action figures for corporate marketing programs.

Also, one thing to remember going into this type of business is that you will very often have to pay upfront for your product, especially if it comes from overseas, and wait for payment. In some case you may be paying out 3 or 4 months before receiving anything from your clients. Cash flow and access to capital are a key to success in this industry.

[negotiations]

Starting off with a Customized Gift is definitely a great idea. But you have not mentioned anything about what is or are the products that your organization is into. You have also not mentioned what is the target market or who your customers are.

But it needs to be mentioned that whom you want to give the gift. There are two different categories of people who visit you.

One category is those who are not much interested to buy. They visit the store for inquisitiveness or finding out what you have to offer them. These people can be given some smaller tokens.

The other category is of those who buy from you are your real customers and you can give them gifts. The best gift after the sales will definitely be the after sales support and customer services. But these are in the longer run to retain the customers. You can start off with giving some percentage extra depending on what you have to offer. How about Discounts or different Gifts in lieu of purchase of X Amount, Y Amount...

[flimsy031]

Starting off with a Customized Gift is definitely a great idea. But you have not mentioned anything about what is or are the products that your organization is into. You have also not mentioned what is the target market or who your customers are.

yes, It's really important to decide your target market and customers. I also believe that it also depends on your budget. If it's your start up level so I think promotional pens and mugs are good options. Well you can check out Leighmans.com for reference. They offers various promotional products like promotional clothing, promotional pens, mugs, bags, etc..

[ChrisH]

It seems that it would also be good to pick a nice variety to get started, but not to bring in too many products at first. Unless you have a good supplier that would let you get small quantities, but like someone mentioned above, cash flow will be an issue - so careful planning and don't expect to offer hundreds of products at first.

I knew a business owner who had several great suppliers who let him order very small quantities and that gave him the option to offer many products without paying an excessive inventory.

Chris