I will help you find a product to sell on Amazon

[funkj25]

Boring doesn't mean abstract.

Casters are boring. But people buy them every day.
Soap dishes are boring. But everyone has one.
Milk crates are boring. They still sell.

Something can be boring without being "abstract".

Anything people are passionate about generally has a million competitors.
Anything that you need but nobody is really passionate about is likely what what would constitute a great "boring" product.
A shower organizer is something people need, can be improved, but nobody is passionate about it.

I'm not saying "go boring", necessarily, but when someone says "go boring", this is what they mean.

I tell my family and friends that my dream is to own an industrial machine lube factory. I wait for their eyes to glaze over as I envision my simple yet essential operation churning out cash year after year.

 

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[Guest06196]

Anything people are passionate about generally has a million competitors.
Anything that you need but nobody is really passionate about is likely what what would constitute a great "boring" product.
A shower organizer is something people need, can be improved, but nobody is passionate about it.

I'm not saying "go boring", necessarily, but when someone says "go boring", this is what they mean.

Great advice @JAJT
This is a quick & dirty way to gauge competition. Looks like I should go boring.

I tell my family and friends that my dream is to own an industrial machine lube factory. I wait for their eyes to glaze over as I envision my simple yet essential operation churning out cash year after year.

I can see cash gushing out of the factory too!

 

[biophase]

So I've got one... I thought about it for longer, but have other project going right now. Peace of mind and stuff.
Feel free to grab it, even if I believe bio will dismiss it. Too complicated.

Competition:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FVUXE6A/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DODMU9I/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KDNSNVM/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

Features they all have:

• chin support
• neck support
• sides supported
• can be packaged smaller, when not in use
• all have this fleecy surface

Possible Improvements (or I thought so..):
The core of the usp should be suitable for outdoor people, or frequent travelers:

You sew something like a bag to the back of the pillow so that it can be packaged into this bag. I always tend to lose these seperate bags. And they are often not water and dirt-resistant. Easy solution: Use the fabric they use for canvas and such heavy duty stuff. Attach a carabiner there to attach to backpack/headrest in plane or car. It uses no more space inside your luggage but it keeps clean and dry outside of it.

Additional you could bring premium to the inside of the pillow as well:

There are manufacturers here in Germany that laser cut memory foam with anti toxic cert.
The actual market participants all have a solid offer, but nothing extraordinary. Something that commands a premium, even if you only consider the surface, the fabric, or gum. Here in europe premium pillows do often have one part natural feathers contained. Feathers and foam could be sourced US or EU- based to jump through certification and toxin - hoops.

As long is could see through a short research the fabrics from asia are really nice and they can sew it for you.


I see it's complicated after my write up. These foams are harder to source (lower quality) in China, that's my gut feeling. Maybe the margins get low here.

Thank you bio for your support!

#n

I wouldn't do this product either. Alot of design and competition, even though most are the same. How are you going to show that yours is different?

Another a similar note, I just bought one of these through kickstarter and it's very different and way nicer. They are selling it for $50 now.

 

[MitchA]

What about this:

Need (that I see all the time when searching): people want a high quality (minimalist) watch for the price of a fashion watch (200$).

Value adds:
- Sapphire glass. Most fashion brands (like Daniel Wellington, MVMT, Diesel etc.) use cheap mineral glass.
- Swiss quartz movement. Most fashion brands use japanese or chinese quartz movements.
- Calf leather strap. Most fashion brands use "genuine leather" straps.
- Better looking and better quality packaging.

I used to sell watches which I've imported from China and I've already contacted my suppliers. The best one can produce said watch (with box included) for around 70$. So I can fulfill a need from people (wanting a high quality watch for under 200$) for around 70$.

 

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[MidwestLandlord]

What about this:

Need (that I see all the time when searching): people want a high quality (minimalist) watch for the price of a fashion watch (200$).

Value adds:
- Sapphire glass. Most fashion brands (like Daniel Wellington, MVMT, Diesel etc.) use cheap mineral glass.
- Swiss quartz movement. Most fashion brands use japanese or chinese quartz movements.
- Calf leather strap. Most fashion brands use "genuine leather" straps.
- Better looking and better quality packaging.

I used to sell watches which I've imported from China and I've already contacted my suppliers. The best one can produce said watch (with box included) for around 70$. So I can fulfill a need from people (wanting a high quality watch for under 200$) for around 70$.

Isn't the brand important for people with watches though?

I own something like 18 watches, and I buy by the look I'm going for first, and brand second. I don't look for any of that stuff you just mentioned. (Shinola, Orient, Citizen, and Timex Weekender are my favorite brands. Not sure I would buy an off brand even if it fit the look I was after)

I mean, watches are purely a fashion/status symbol. If I just wanted the time I'd look at my phone...

 

[Jake]

What about this:

Need (that I see all the time when searching): people want a high quality (minimalist) watch for the price of a fashion watch (200$).

Value adds:
- Sapphire glass. Most fashion brands (like Daniel Wellington, MVMT, Diesel etc.) use cheap mineral glass.
- Swiss quartz movement. Most fashion brands use japanese or chinese quartz movements.
- Calf leather strap. Most fashion brands use "genuine leather" straps.
- Better looking and better quality packaging.

I used to sell watches which I've imported from China and I've already contacted my suppliers. The best one can produce said watch (with box included) for around 70$. So I can fulfill a need from people (wanting a high quality watch for under 200$) for around 70$.

They go cheap and spend a ton on advertising to establish their brands. Paying $70 and charging $200 would be extremely tough imo in the watch industry.

I think Lum-Tec got it right between with their mix. Cases made in China assembled in the U.S. A mix between Quartz and Automatic to hit various points of the market.

 

[biophase]

What about this:

Need (that I see all the time when searching): people want a high quality (minimalist) watch for the price of a fashion watch (200$).

Value adds:
- Sapphire glass. Most fashion brands (like Daniel Wellington, MVMT, Diesel etc.) use cheap mineral glass.
- Swiss quartz movement. Most fashion brands use japanese or chinese quartz movements.
- Calf leather strap. Most fashion brands use "genuine leather" straps.
- Better looking and better quality packaging.

I used to sell watches which I've imported from China and I've already contacted my suppliers. The best one can produce said watch (with box included) for around 70$. So I can fulfill a need from people (wanting a high quality watch for under 200$) for around 70$.

There's another thread about watches. I would stay away from watches. They are very subjective and I don't think that it's a real need. real The need would be, people need a device so they know what time it is. It's more of a luxury than a need. It would be like saying, people need a way to get to and from work in a high quality, fashionable way, so I'm starting Lexus or Mercedes.

 

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[Greg R]

High quality Yerba Mate Gourd

Let's get really niche.

Here is and example of what I am talking about.
And here.
Lastly here.

The examples provided are the range between what is currently out there. The factory-made gourds have many different complaints, as do the handmade ones.

Tea is definitely on the uptrend right now, and the tea snobs, zen hedonists, and mommy bloggers need their special tools to drink the stuff.

The size and price range for this product seams like it would be worth it to go FBA.

As for product specs and modifcations;

• Produce in-factory using materials that have the same hardness as the real handmade gourds, maybe ceramic. Alternative is to find the best maker of the handmade gourds instead of producing the in the factory
• Possibly repackage them in a set of two vessels (one is a lonely number)
• Have different colors and patterns available (trendy or "cool" looking)
• Take higher quality pictures
• Possibly offer the Yerba Mate tea with the item as a set since they are frequently bought together

Thank you to @biophase for this thread.

 

[biophase]

High quality Yerba Mate Gourd

Let's get really niche.

Here is and example of what I am talking about.
And here.
Lastly here.

The examples provided are the range between what is currently out there. The factory-made gourds have many different complaints, as do the handmade ones.

Tea is definitely on the uptrend right now, and the tea snobs, zen hedonists, and mommy bloggers need their special tools to drink the stuff.

The size and price range for this product seams like it would be worth it to go FBA.

As for product specs and modifications;

• Produce in-factory using materials that have the same hardness as the real handmade gourds, maybe ceramic. Alternative is to find the best maker of the handmade gourds instead of producing the in the factory
• Possibly repackage them in a set of two vessels (one is a lonely number)
• Have different colors and patterns available (trendy or "cool" looking)
• Take higher quality pictures
• Possibly offer the Yerba Mate tea with the item as a set since they are frequently bought together

Thank you to @biophase for this thread.

Hi Greg, one of my coaching clients had already sent this to me earlier this year. Our decision was that it was a no go. The silicone ones are a me too product. Basically too easy to start and too many people doing it. The handmade ones are a little better, but still a bunch for sale and nothing different about them except style. Again, I stay away from subjective competitive products that the only differentiation is look, but functionality is basically the same.

 

[Scot]

I think we're all getting a real lesson on how difficult it is to pick a good product to sell on Amazon.

This shit is hard!

 

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[Greg R]

I think we're all getting a real lesson on how difficult it is to pick a good product to sell on Amazon.

This shit is hard!

Lol, I am treating this as a challenge now!

Should be interesting to see how many forum members pile in when @biophase gives the green light on a product.

 

[BlindSide]

I think we're all getting a real lesson on how difficult it is to pick a good product to sell on Amazon.

This shit is hard!

So true. I'm not even dabbling in eCom, yet I keep looking at Bio's response and then wanting to take on the challenge on finding the first product he approves of. LOL

 

[MitchA]

I was just walking the streets of Amsterdam. It was raining very hard, like it does a lot in the Netherlands. I bought a cheap umbrella because I didn't bring one.

Because of the heavy wind, the umbrella broke within 5 minutes. I thought: I HATE umbrella's that break so fast.

Is there a need here? A durable umbrella which doesn't break so fast.

 

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[Scot]

I was just walking the streets of Amsterdam. It was raining very hard, like it does a lot in the Netherlands. I bought a cheap umbrella because I didn't bring one.

Because of the heavy wind, the umbrella broke within 5 minutes. I thought: I HATE umbrella's that break so fast.

Is there a need here? A durable umbrella which doesn't break so fast.

I honestly can't think of a more commoditized product than umbrellas though.

 

[AA1980]

I was just walking the streets of Amsterdam. It was raining very hard, like it does a lot in the Netherlands. I bought a cheap umbrella because I didn't bring one.

Because of the heavy wind, the umbrella broke within 5 minutes. I thought: I HATE umbrella's that break so fast.

Is there a need here? A durable umbrella which doesn't break so fast.

Yea, there a ton of good quality umbrellas out there.

 

[KLaw]

Lol, I am treating this as a challenge now!

Should be interesting to see how many forum members pile in when @biophase gives the green light on a product.

I think he already green lighted a suggestion. Y'all missed it...

 

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[AA1980]

I think he already green lighted a suggestion. Y'all missed it...

Correct. Notable! - I will help you find a product to sell on Amazon

 

[AA1980]

I hope no one tries to steal anyone else's idea. That would be just so disappointing. Especially since we're all trying to help each other here.

 

[KLaw]

I hope no one tries to steal anyone else's idea. That would be just so disappointing. Especially since we're all trying to help each other here.

I wouldn't consider it stealing. Who ever takes action is the owner. Remember...ideas are shit without action.

 

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[AA1980]

back to the kicking net, just because i'm curious about why it's greenlighted (I don't plan on taking the idea and trying to sell it), aren't we concerned about competition from something like this? @biophase @kutlarvadisi and @MoneyDoc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064B6NCI/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

 

[exclusives88]

Rock Climbing Training Board. Only 217 search results. Only one main competitor (below link)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VSM1B0/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

High priced. Probably doesn't cost too much to make. Easy for PPC. Easy to custom make with different colors and various grip holes.

You can improve it by:

- Making holes so it is easier to grip
- Add pinch holes
- Better packaging. There are complaints that this one has glue residue all over and in the package
- Make it lighter
- Include mounting board (in case they want to install on wooden beams or dry wall) with instructions
- Make different variations from beginner to advanced
- Add more workouts with the board
- Better pictures. Add life style pictures with someone actually using it

Thoughts?

 

[ripas]

Hi Greg, one of my coaching clients had already sent this to me earlier this year. Our decision was that it was a no go. The silicone ones are a me too product. Basically too easy to start and too many people doing it. The handmade ones are a little better, but still a bunch for sale and nothing different about them except style. Again, I stay away from subjective competitive products that the only differentiation is look, but functionality is basically the same.

The other thing I noted with this one was low volume sales overall.

 

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[AA1980]

Rock Climbing Training Board. Only 217 search results. Only one main competitor (below link)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VSM1B0/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

High priced. Probably doesn't cost too much to make. Easy for PPC. Easy to custom make with different colors and various grip holes.

You can improve it by:

- Making holes so it is easier to grip
- Add pinch holes
- Better packaging. There are complaints that this one has glue residue all over and in the package
- Make it lighter
- Include mounting board (in case they want to install on wooden beams or dry wall) with instructions
- Make different variations from beginner to advanced
- Add more workouts with the board
- Better pictures. Add life style pictures with someone actually using it

Thoughts?

1) First thought on making the holes.. you mean like put holes all the way through it? if so, wouldn't that not be like rock climbing anymore?

2) what are pinch holes?

3) love the mounting board and advanced variation idea

 

[exclusives88]

1) First thought on making the holes.. you mean like put holes all the way through it? if so, wouldn't that not be like rock climbing anymore? I think the issue is the holes aren't deep enough so it's impossible to get a grip on it.

2) what are pinch holes? Pinches are usually edges that protrude from the rock surface like a book, although sometimes pinches are small knobs and crystals or two side-by-side pockets, which are gripped as you would the finger holes in a bowling ball. Pinches are often small, requiring your fingers and thumb to be close together.

3) love the mounting board and advanced variation idea

I'm no rock climbing expert, but see answers to your question

I can see a whole business selling variations to these boards. I honestly didn't even think these existed.

 

[biophase]

back to the kicking net, just because i'm curious about why it's greenlighted (I don't plan on taking the idea and trying to sell it), aren't we concerned about competition from something like this? @biophase @kutlarvadisi and @MoneyDoc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064B6NCI/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

That product isn't in the same price range as the other. We are talking $105 vs $400. Now imagine if you can make your $100 product as good as the $400 or close. Would you have a problem selling it?

 

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[biophase]

I like a product like this. It's very niche even within a niche. It helps it you are a rock climber too. This isn't the type of product that will have hijackers or AMZ seller people. The product itself probably won't make enough money for you to quit your job, however it could be the start of a great niche business. I'm not sure what it's made of and what the cost would be to make but I could see this business going into all sorts of holds and rock climbing accessories.

 

[Scot]

I like a product like this. It's very niche even within a niche. It helps it you are a rock climber too. This isn't the type of product that will have hijackers or AMZ seller people. The product itself probably won't make enough money for you to quit your job, however it could be the start of a great niche business. I'm not sure what it's made of and what the cost would be to make but I could see this business going into all sorts of holds and rock climbing accessories.

As a former rock climber there are so many products I can think of to branch out with if he made a brand. Better chalk pouch, hand care products, brushes for cleaning hand holds, the list goes on.

Don't even need to get into technical products like harnesses or caribeeners either.

 

[biophase]

As a former rock climber there are so many products I can think of to branch out with if he made a brand. Better chalk pouch, hand care products, brushes for cleaning hand holds, the list goes on.

Don't even need to get into technical products like harnesses or caribeeners either.

Exactly. I wouldn't go into harnesses are carabiners either. I would just go into multiple types of hand holds. I would probably branch out into different colors too. There's so much you can do. You just need to get your foot into the door with your brand and build from there.

 

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[AG356]

As a former rock climber there are so many products I can think of to branch out with if he made a brand. Better chalk pouch, hand care products, brushes for cleaning hand holds, the list goes on.

Don't even need to get into technical products like harnesses or caribeeners either.

Great idea! I know a few climbers and they mentioned their messed up hands and sloopy pouches which would leak after brushing against a wall.

There are also some additonal products people use to train their grip strength and technique which represent an additonal upsell to the original product posted. Like these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJU4ME2/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQLA78A/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IJE5ES/?tag=tff-amazonparser-20

 

[Scot]

Just to chime in on the hangboard too, o had one in college that I split with a roommate. I think we paid $75 for it but man did my climbing improve a lot after I bought one.

Edit: Rock climbing can be an expensive hobby. Climbers are used to spending $100+ on things that will either help their climb or help them climb better.