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Making selling simple masks For the masses to wear

JohnD Realestate

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a Few weeks back I was talking to my wife as her 2-3 new\old business were starting to evaporate.

We were talking about what could be done to address needs in this new world.

She works with clothing manufacturers.we talked about masks gowns etc.

She got sent a text a few hours after this talk from local Gov official asking people to sew masks for hospitals. We looked into that and they didn’t need help on her level....a lot of big time folks had already stepped in.

we were talking about a simple cloth mask. Not N95. In China town I see people wearing surgical masks over the years but I’ve also noticed some people wearing what looks like cloth versions occasionally like a fashion maks. I see them on news sometimes coming from Asia.

So we started looking into how to get it done and today we have 8000 masks in a warehouse in LA.

I’m posting here bc I know a lot of you guys have distribution channels. So maybe someone needs them.

I’m also posting just in case someone has a view that we missed. I also don’t mind taking some pot shots so feel free to tell me what you think of me, my idea whatever.

I work in emergency response. I got the corona virus March 17 and now I’m pretty much recovered ready to get back to work.

Stay healthy my friends.

Here are some pics of the product and also some other stuff like the case for masks for all....but of course the gov doesn’t want anyone mass selling n95 as the fbi bust in Brooklyn shows.

I’m not actually involved in her biz. She set up the website production with her people....no help from me.
 
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Scot

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I'll be that guy...


Fabric masks do absolutely nothing. Wearing masks only helps prevent you from spreading illness if you have it, but that is surgical masks. Cloth masks don't do anything. In fact, there are studies out there showing they may actually increase the risk of infection, due to moisture retention and the non-disposable nature of them.
 

JohnD Realestate

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Scot, thanks for jumping in....and being a polite as well


Q are you sure about the study. I’m going to look up some I read. I was reading that even a paper towel was better then nothing in the studies I read.

Have you seen the news today? CDC is changing its guidelines. Little late but better than never.
I'll be that guy...


Fabric masks do absolutely nothing. Wearing masks only helps prevent you from spreading illness if you have it, but that is surgical masks. Cloth masks don't do anything. In fact, there are studies out there showing they may actually increase the risk of infection, due to moisture retention and the non-disposable nature of them.

Hey
 

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I'll be that guy...


Fabric masks do absolutely nothing. Wearing masks only helps prevent you from spreading illness if you have it, but that is surgical masks. Cloth masks don't do anything. In fact, there are studies out there showing they may actually increase the risk of infection, due to moisture retention and the non-disposable nature of them.
CDC is actually recommending simple cotton masks.
 
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MoneyDoc

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a Few weeks back I was talking to my wife as her 2-3 new\old business were starting to evaporate.

We were talking about what could be done to address needs in this new world.

She works with clothing manufacturers.we talked about masks gowns etc.

She got sent a text a few hours after this talk from local Gov official asking people to sew masks for hospitals. We looked into that and they didn’t need help on her level....a lot of big time folks had already stepped in.

we were talking about a simple cloth mask. Not N95. In China town I see people wearing surgical masks over the years but I’ve also noticed some people wearing what looks like cloth versions occasionally like a fashion maks. I see them on news sometimes coming from Asia.

So we started looking into how to get it done and today we have 8000 masks in a warehouse in LA.

I’m posting here bc I know a lot of you guys have distribution channels. So maybe someone needs them.

I’m also posting just in case someone has a view that we missed. I also don’t mind taking some pot shots so feel free to tell me what you think of me, my idea whatever.

I work in emergency response. I got the corona virus March 17 and now I’m pretty much recovered ready to get back to work.

Stay healthy my friends.

Here are some pics of the product and also some other stuff like the case for masks for all....but of course the gov doesn’t want anyone mass selling n95 as the fbi bust in Brooklyn shows.

I’m not actually involved in her biz. She set up the website production with her people....no help from me.
Are these cotton? Thick? How many layers?
 

JohnD Realestate

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@Scot Here’s one of the studies that started this whole thing a week ago or so.



Scot, thanks for jumping in....and being a polite as well


Q are you sure about the study. I’m going to look up some I read. I was reading that even a paper towel was better then nothing in the studies I read.

Have you seen the news today? CDC is changing its guidelines. Little late but better than never.
 

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JohnD Realestate

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Hey MD

2 layers. They have a few choices of fabric, yes to cotton but they have others as well

The masks have a pocket on the inside that will hold and extra layer of fabric...so you can insert a secondary filter.


Biggest obstacle I see now is distribution. I’d like to set up a secondary channel.

They’ve set up the website have orders and began shipping last night. Orders are coming in steadily....and they are getting more frenzied.
But to me they need to do mass. They’re set up so they can mass produce. That’s what my wife does to an extent. But they sell t shirts to women for 70-150$. So this is a new thing. 10$ items.
My first idea was to sell on amazon. But amazon won’t take any new mask listings. Something to do with price gouging for medical products I read.






Are these cotton? Thick? How many layers?



Are these cotton? Thick? How many layers?
 
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Move the chains

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Here’s one of the studies that started this whole thing a week ago or so.


From the latest news releases, it sounds as though it's going to be mandatory to wear some kind of facemask or similar protection to leave the house. Not to mention those who have to continue to work in essential businesses.

@JohnD Realestate it's awesome that your wife is that forward thinking about what might be coming our way or be needed. While no one could have predicted such a situation, many of the great business minds have often stressed how some of the most difficult times are also the most prosperous for those who can adapt and hustle.

I have a supplier too...has some of the top factories producing mass quantities of top quality (non-surgical) washable mask from a reliable vendor. Still awaiting the details...it's hot off the press. Feel free to reach out if interested.

Let's keep using what we have to pivot and solve problems...who can you help today!
 

JohnD Realestate

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I have been watching the news reading and thinking this is going to explode we need to be in position.

I looked around a bit and there are a bunch of people bringing stuff to market. But I think at this point literally everyone and their mom could be making selling masks and there won’t be enough for a bit. But of course in a month or two poof it will all be gone.
I’ll dm you about stuff. See if we can figure out any ways to cooperate.

From the latest news releases, it sounds as though it's going to be mandatory to wear some kind of facemask or similar protection to leave the house. Not to mention those who have to continue to work in essential businesses.

@JohnD Realestate it's awesome that your wife is that forward thinking about what might be coming our way or be needed. While no one could have predicted such a situation, many of the great business minds have often stressed how some of the most difficult times are also the most prosperous for those who can adapt and hustle.

I have a supplier too...has some of the top factories producing mass quantities of top quality (non-surgical) washable mask from a reliable vendor. Still awaiting the details...it's hot off the press. Feel free to reach out if interested.

Let's keep using what we have to pivot and solve problems...who can you help today!
 

JohnD Realestate

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Update. Website keeps crashing. We sold a few thousand today. Can see that there are three probelms.

Can’t produce enough to meet demand, website gets so much traffic it won’t work and we’re selling out fast.






I have been watching the news reading and thinking this is going to explode we need to be in position.

I looked around a bit and there are a bunch of people bringing stuff to market. But I think at this point literally everyone and their mom could be making selling masks and there won’t be enough for a bit. But of course in a month or two poof it will all be gone.
I’ll dm you about stuff. See if we can figure out any ways to cooperate.
 
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JohnD Realestate

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Scot this video does a much better job explaining what’s the deal
is with mask wearing.

View: https://youtu.be/jZtEX2-n2Hc




I'll be that guy...


Fabric masks do absolutely nothing. Wearing masks only helps prevent you from spreading illness if you have it, but that is surgical masks. Cloth masks don't do anything. In fact, there are studies out there showing they may actually increase the risk of infection, due to moisture retention and the non-disposable nature of them.
 

AceVentures

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Interesting stuff John. Seems like CDC just came out with recommendations to wear masks. This could see lots of sales.

Your website, are you shipping international? Selling locally? Are you doing any marketing for your product?
 
D

DeletedUser0287

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I'll be that guy...


Fabric masks do absolutely nothing. Wearing masks only helps prevent you from spreading illness if you have it, but that is surgical masks. Cloth masks don't do anything. In fact, there are studies out there showing they may actually increase the risk of infection, due to moisture retention and the non-disposable nature of them.

I think this is true as well. But goddamn surprised that CDC actually changed their guidelines for this?

This sewing mask thing for me is literally “preparation meets opportunity” but I still haven’t done it...Why? Even if the CDC says they ok, I just don’t believe it. The only way I would make masks is getting a furnace filter that actually filters out viruses. But then again costs go up with that. Since these are disposable products, over engineering is a no go. ‍

Will people actually pay for a higher quality disposable mask?

Then again you are kinda perceived as jerk if you sell for profit now. Most people are expecting donation. Especially the largest demographic, hospitals...
 
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evgeney

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Update. Website keeps crashing. We sold a few thousand today. Can see that there are three probelms.

Can’t produce enough to meet demand, website gets so much traffic it won’t work and we’re selling out fast.

Hey John,

I sent you a message.
One of my agency clients is a manufacturer and they are currently producing 10k facemasks in Korea with the filter pocket design. These are not medical grade but fit what you mentioned and are supplied to local hospitals and governing agencies. They are currently being imported to the states, If you're interested in collaboration, we should chat.
 

evgeney

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I think this is true as well. But goddamn surprised that CDC actually changed their guidelines for this?

This sewing mask thing for me is literally “preparation meets opportunity” but I still haven’t done it...Why? Even if the CDC says they ok, I just don’t believe it. The only way I would make masks is getting a furnace filter that actually filters out viruses. But then again costs go up with that. Since these are disposable products, over engineering is a no go. ‍

Will people actually pay for a higher quality disposable mask?

Then again you are kinda perceived as jerk if you sell for profit now. Most people are expecting donation. Especially the largest demographic, hospitals...

I feel its more about preventing spreading the virus than contaminating yourself.
 

ChrisV

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You have to know something about filtration.

Look into the Air Conditioning filters they sell at Home Depot.

Those should filter particles.

You can NOT just use regular cloth.
 
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ChrisV

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I think this is true as well. But goddamn surprised that CDC actually changed their guidelines for this?

This sewing mask thing for me is literally “preparation meets opportunity” but I still haven’t done it...Why? Even if the CDC says they ok, I just don’t believe it. The only way I would make masks is getting a furnace filter that actually filters out viruses. But then again costs go up with that. Since these are disposable products, over engineering is a no go. ‍

Will people actually pay for a higher quality disposable mask?

Then again you are kinda perceived as jerk if you sell for profit now. Most people are expecting donation. Especially the largest demographic, hospitals...
Consumer masks would be well-recieved.
 

JohnD Realestate

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Yes we did see that coming. Not so much locally that was bit of a surprise but internationally we had come across a lot of info on majority of folks wearing mask to stope spread.

We’re not doing international. Were selling on two websites here in the states and doing wholesale sale through my wife’s brick and mortar contacts...she has a contemporary women’s showroom in NYC that sells nationally to boutiques and Dept stores. Orders are coming in...working out the kinks.



Interesting stuff John. Seems like CDC just came out with recommendations to wear masks. This could see lots of sales.

Your website, are you shipping international? Selling locally? Are you doing any marketing for your product?
[/QUOTE]
 

JohnD Realestate

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There’s a few people that have used furnace filters and are selling masks....I would not do that without doing some heavy duty research. Which we will not do.

We looked into it a bit. Some of the furnace filters use stuff that we don’t have time to research the effects of and how it would stand up to washing etc affects on health. We also had to roll with in stock fabrics as we just got into this 10 or maybe 11 days ago.

so we put a pocket in that folks could add their own filter.

Many, many sources that have credentials are recommending plain fabric cloth masks.


The idea is not to protect the wearer so much as it is meant to stop the spread. In other words put a mask on everyone and them the sick will spread less germs.



There was a survey in Hong Kong. 99 of the population wears a mask. They have very few cases. In Czech Republic they have mandatory scarf/mask/diy cloth covering in effect. Very low numbers on CV. But let me say this if you know filtration it’s a good time to open up.

You could sell paper towel mask right now.

You have to know something about filtration.

Look into the Air Conditioning filters they sell at Home Depot.

Those should filter particles.

You can NOT just use regular cloth.
 
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JohnD Realestate

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Interesting stuff John. Seems like CDC just came out with recommendations to wear masks. This could see lots of sales.

Your website, are you shipping international? Selling locally? Are you doing any marketing for your product?


Not doing much marketing. Prob could use some help.
 

JohnD Realestate

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I’ve gotten a bit of pushback for folks in making a business out of this. Very simple response. If you need it you need to pay for it.



Masks are 10$.

Hospitals are full of people right now. If putting one on lessens the chance of me ending up in a hospital I’m buying.


Of course I already had it. That’s why my wife and I came up with the idea. It started on March 13th with a conversation but then she and I both got sick and she went nuts on this business from a sickbed.



I think this is true as well. But goddamn surprised that CDC actually changed their guidelines for this?

This sewing mask thing for me is literally “preparation meets opportunity” but I still haven’t done it...Why? Even if the CDC says they ok, I just don’t believe it. The only way I would make masks is getting a furnace filter that actually filters out viruses. But then again costs go up with that. Since these are disposable products, over engineering is a no go. ‍

Will people actually pay for a higher quality disposable mask?

Then again you are kinda perceived as jerk if you sell for profit now. Most people are expecting donation. Especially the largest demographic, hospitals...
 

Roger FS

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CDC is actually recommending simple cotton masks.

This NY doctor (video link below, dealing heavily with C0VlD-19 patients) recommends simple masks outside of the home, just to keep people from touching their faces - it's a constant reminder. That, and use hand-sanitizer every time you touch something outside the home that you might spread to yourself by touching your face.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxyH1rkuLaw
 
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JohnD Realestate

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Got distracted with stock market. Lost some money.

So the biz took off. It was a joint venture between my wife and a friend and a manufacturer.

I was running FB ads for about 5 weeks. Shopify site. In the beginning FB posts brought us 9k in sales in 2 days. Then we realized we needed to go bigger. Started FB ads. Got 170k in sales, spent about 13% on ads. Then FB banned mask sales which I was unprepared for. My mistake. That’s one of the basics. Need to start keeping my head up in that stuff. I’ve read here how metrics or policies change and your business withers, now I’ve lived it.

So we went to 400-500 a day for a while and then $50/day so they brought in a FB/google ad pro. He did some work then FB opened up mask ads again and the biz is back up to 23k EOM July. That’s respectable.

But bringing the pro in means I’m back to just doing my 9-5.

My wife meanwhile opened up 100s of wholesale accounts around the US for masks in brick and mortar and online. Her personal brick and mortar is killing it bc many of her competitors didn’t pivot well. She also managed to open one of the biggest online retailers and they are doing brisk business as well.

Which means that my wife is killing it again and I’m back to surfing the net.

She owns a Women’s boutique brick and mortar. 2 years old. The website has always lagged very little sales. So after working with Shopify on the other product she decided to switch from one hosting site to Shopify and gave me the job that of growing that business.

Starting a new thread on that. Sorry for the abysmal progress repeating here. Kids being home and starting up new biz has kept me busy.
 

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