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Kites & Toys Business - Any Ideas To Help My Girlfriend's Parents Turn This Around?

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BlindSide

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Hello all,

My girlfriend's parents own a kites and toys business that's local in the Midwest. They are both in their 60's, and hurting very much financially, hence the reason for this post. Not expecting a miracle, just seeing if I can gather any ideas that could be relayed to them to help them out.

They tried to build a website, but I feel that they just got scammed by someone for thousands of dollars really. That or her father is just taking way too long to get it done. I'm not sure that they try to sell outside of their local area. Of course, this is a passion-based business, and they have been running for years, so not a complete failure.

But I feel sorry for them, and want to see if there's any avenues they haven't considered that would give them a big boost.
 
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sparechange

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Hello all,

My girlfriend's parents own a kites and toys business that's local in the Midwest. They are both in their 60's, and hurting very much financially, hence the reason for this post. Not expecting a miracle, just seeing if I can gather any ideas that could be relayed to them to help them out.

They tried to build a website, but I feel that they just got scammed by someone for thousands of dollars really. That or her father is just taking way too long to get it done. I'm not sure that they try to sell outside of their local area. Of course, this is a passion-based business, and they have been running for years, so not a complete failure.

But I feel sorry for them, and want to see if there's any avenues they haven't considered that would give them a big boost.

A simple shopify store for about $40 a month can let them run the buisness still, you don't necessarily need to spend a ton of money on website dev.
 

Bobby_italy

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Give us MUCH more information then we can make an educated guess on how to help.

Right now we don't know anything.
 

becks22

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Honestly people are starved for entertainment right now. Do they have social media? Maybe a pop up sit via Facebook live? A simple shopify website.

Can they reach out to other businesses that have stronger networks. In my community, the goodwill between businesses is amazing!
 
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ShamanKing

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When you say toys can you be more specific? Like brand what type of toys like cars, stuffed animals etc...
Toys were my favorite to sell on eBay.
 

BlindSide

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A simple shopify store for about $40 a month can let them run the buisness still, you don't necessarily need to spend a ton of money on website dev.

Agreed, this was a big issue I had with the route he was taking. Felt that it was taking way too long for them.

Give us MUCH more information then we can make an educated guess on how to help.

Right now we don't know anything.

What do you need?
Honestly people are starved for entertainment right now. Do they have social media? Maybe a pop up sit via Facebook live? A simple shopify website.

Can they reach out to other businesses that have stronger networks. In my community, the goodwill between businesses is amazing!

Love this. Where they are from, I would say the store is somewhat popular, due to the tight-knit community with other businesses. Her mother is absolutely INCREDIBLE at networking as well. They both can talk, but she has a great way of building a great connection with people.

They do utilize IG and FB, I'll have to check their numbers and see what they can do to leverage those avenues. They often only use it to make short videos, but giveaways, contests, etc.. wonder if they could do more.
When you say toys can you be more specific? Like brand what type of toys like cars, stuffed animals etc...
Toys were my favorite to sell on eBay.

This has always been something I've discussed with them - that's the actual name of the company. But it varies SO much! Store inventory consists of:

- Kites
- Random toys (board games; kids toys like dinosaurs and hot wheels; family friendly games). It's hard to narrow down, because it genuinely feels like they just choose at random.
- Where they are from, they have a great sense of community there. So they will sell shirts, and other trinkets that symbolize the community (think college team logos, city logo, etc.)
 

becks22

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Honestly social media is the way to go right now if I were them. Have the mom reach out to other businesses and see if they can start doing giveaways, sales, etc. Any toys that have that are educational or get people outside would be my focus. I can't remember the last time I saw a kid flying a kite! They could easily do a lot of sales right now if they start RIGHT NOW.
 
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ShamanKing

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Agreed, this was a big issue I had with the route he was taking. Felt that it was taking way too long for them.



What do you need?


Love this. Where they are from, I would say the store is somewhat popular, due to the tight-knit community with other businesses. Her mother is absolutely INCREDIBLE at networking as well. They both can talk, but she has a great way of building a great connection with people.

They do utilize IG and FB, I'll have to check their numbers and see what they can do to leverage those avenues. They often only use it to make short videos, but giveaways, contests, etc.. wonder if they could do more.


This has always been something I've discussed with them - that's the actual name of the company. But it varies SO much! Store inventory consists of:

- Kites
- Random toys (board games; kids toys like dinosaurs and hot wheels; family friendly games). It's hard to narrow down, because it genuinely feels like they just choose at random.
- Where they are from, they have a great sense of community there. So they will sell shirts, and other trinkets that symbolize the community (think college team logos, city logo, etc.)

I’ve sold thing(s) in each category you just named. Check out the SOLD history on eBay and Amazon and I’m sure you can make something work. Then again the big boys will take a % but its a win-win. GL!
 

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