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filling the gap in the fitness industry market (my 1st online business idea)

Idea threads

Malcolm_X

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Recently I had (seemingly) great idea and in the last couple of days I tried to elaborate on it and do some initial research and planning, on how to turn it into a business.

I'd be essentially filling a gap in the market, as the product is really hard to find - however could be very well marketable and appealing to potential customers.

As it is in an industry that a lot of people are very passionate about (fitness / weightlifting) I think the demand could be established with good promotion (+ educating the customers on how they can directly benefit from using the product).

I have never done any kind of business before, but I do have a solid knowledge on most of the things necessary to run an online business (developing websites, graphics, email campaigns, seo, analytics). I do currently spend a lot of time doing research and getting myself educated on this topic and it would be a great challenge and experience for me (which is always welcome).

I'd be buying the product itself from china (alibaba) as the risk factor (bad quality etc.) is very low in this case. And honestly, I have no idea where else I could get it manufactured.
- here's my 1st issue though: I have tried to contact a couple of the manufacturers, just inquiring about the specs, options for custom labeling and of course samples. I did not get any response yet.
I am not very familiar with alibaba's system itself and not sure about how reliable the messaging system is.

Without getting feedback from them, I cannot move forward - as the whole business is dependent on the product of course!

After I get some recommendations and comments on the idea itself, I will put some more effort into contacting the manufacturers.

I have two concepts on how to actually sell:
1. (easier) using Amazon - this would address only customers that are actually looking for the product themselves. It could work however, as the supply is very low and competition almost nonexistent. Though I would have no sure way to test what the demand is, nor would I be able to influence the market - not sure how Amazon 'self-promotes' certain products, if they see that the demand is high, but supply low (based on search keywords and number of relevant results for example). It would be completely automated though and save A LOT of time.
Sidenote: I have really bad experience with the mofos at ebay, so I am not going that route..

2. (possibly more successful) Create a shopify web (something in this style) for the product and promote it myself on social media.
I feel that this could be far better, as I can validate (see what the demand is) beforehand and have full control over the product, marketing and promotion.
In this way I could create a brand around the product, possibly increasing the customer base myself, by explaining the product and it's relevant benefits on the website / through posts on sm.
Effect: even people that did not know something like this existed, or would never consider buying it, can become interested.
Since I am also very well educated and passionate about the fitness industry, this would be relatively easy. Also as I am in my 20s - which I expect at least 70% of my customers will be - the product / brand could spread almost effortlessly among my friends (and their friends -> and their friends).

3. combination of both


As I said, I have never sold through Amazon or done landing pages, fb ads etc.

This is just an initial plan to gather more information and ideas from you more experienced guys.

I am quite passionate about this, since it could also tie into my future 'dream business' - but I am not going to go into that, the post is already long enough.

I will appreciate all comments and recommendations!
 
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lucasmello

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As someone who is the fitness industry as well, this is what I have to recommend:

Build a following

No joke. Most important thing in this kind of business. Establish relationships with the people that most influence people. For example, in my niche, there are bloggers and actresses who have thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook. What did I do? Compiled a list of them in my area, sent them all e-mails offering my product for free in exchange for a couple of posts on Instagram/Facebook tagging back to my page. Guess what? 100+ orders in a single day.

As for production, I don't know where you are located. If it is the US, then I guess you might try China, but seriously, you should simply google "product manufacturer" and some should appear. Even those that don't produce exactly like you want it, you can explain to them and most of the times they will be happy to help. For example, my product was custom developed by my company before I bought it, there is no product exactly equal (similar, yes, but none are equal). I contacted a bunch of manufacturers which produced similar or even the basic form of my product, and told them what needed, and some of them went above and beyond in trying to solve my problems.

BTW, that is how I realized that I had a great supplier. I would send the supplier an e-mail asking what he could and they would call me within 24 hours, asking me questions, explaining me the process, everything.
 

Malcolm_X

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thanks! great idea with gaining customers this way.

If you are not a business per se, just trying to sell one single product, does it makes sense to put it on Amazon ?
 

patrickdomingo

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Hey Malcolm!

I agree with Lucas's approach. Instagram especially for fitness. I'm starting something similar in the fitness niche with Alibaba and Amazon. Amazon is great as a launch & testing platform, so I agree to build the initial revenue on Amazon then move to your own store while building your following on Instagram.

Packaging and branding are going to be uber important(especially for Amazon..also look into "bundling" as well).

Also the reason you're not getting any response's is because it's currently Chinese New Year and all the factories in China are closed until after Valentine's day.

Good luck man!
Pat
 
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Malcolm_X

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Thanks a lot Patrick. That clears up a lot. Who would've known.. (and I got a Chinese flatmate).
 

Walter Hay

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Hey Malcolm!

I agree with Lucas's approach. Instagram especially for fitness. I'm starting something similar in the fitness niche with Alibaba and Amazon. Amazon is great as a launch & testing platform, so I agree to build the initial revenue on Amazon then move to your own store while building your following on Instagram.

Packaging and branding are going to be uber important(especially for Amazon..also look into "bundling" as well).

Also the reason you're not getting any response's is because it's currently Chinese New Year and all the factories in China are closed until after Valentine's day.

Good luck man!
Pat
You will definitely not get any response during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), or probably for a couple of weeks afterwards. Suppliers will have a huge backlog of orders to catch up on, and dealing with newbie inquires would be at the bottom of their to do list.

There is another major reason why newbies don't get responses. It is because they blow it in their first email. Have a look at this post in my AMA thread: Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.
It might give you some ideas on how to improve your first contact email. I suggest you wait until well after Chinese business starts back after the holiday and then make contact again. I would use a different business name this time, and a throw away email address. That is so you can abandon that mailbox after it gets flooded with spam.

If you have the time and inclination you might also do some searching on my AMA for posts explaining why you should avoid Alibaba.

Walter
 
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Malcolm_X

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thank you. Yes, I started going though your topic as well, will read it all when I have some time.
And I did have a quick look on Europe-based suppliers but did not find too many.

Will wait for the chinese guys to get back to their business and will do some more research and prep in the meantime.
 
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Walter Hay

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thank you. Yes, I started going though your topic as well, will read it all when I have some time.
And I did have a quick look on Europe-based suppliers but did not find too many.

Will wait for the chinese guys to get back to their business and will do some more research and prep in the meantime.
Finding suppliers in Europe is not as easy as it is to find suppliers in China/Taiwan/Korea, but it can be done. I have more than 25 sites listed in my book for sourcing in countries other than China.

Walter
 
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