8 Eyewear: From Idea, to Launch, to Growth (And Quitting the Job)

[Bigguns50]

@Vick...amazing. I had no idea the FDA was involved or that there were so many requirements. I read through some of the FDA information.

So those cheap a$$ $6 sunglasses at the corner gas station...the company must also comply ?

Keep pushing bro...you'll get there !
Hey...I'm trying to get a resort snowmobiling place in Wyoming hooked on your glasses. (My Niece's Husband works there during the Winter) It's a top resort and super busy during the Season. I'll let you know.

 

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[PopEmersen]

To bypass all this customs crap, can't you get your things stored or housed in Buffalo or Detroit?

 

[Bigguns50]

To bypass all this customs crap, can't you get your things stored or housed in Buffalo or Detroit?

Exactly what I thought. I'm near Detroit... Cheap buildings...3 airports and rail for transportation.

 

[RHL]

You're 100% sure that the "medical device" listing isn't just for prescription lenses? Because that actually makes sense.

 

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[MJ DeMarco]

You're 100% sure that the "medical device" listing isn't just for prescription lenses? Because that actually makes sense.

Yea, I would think that sunglasses would be classified as a fashion item.

Road trip to Buffalo? Just remember, Vick, all of this hassle is a barrier of entry to the competition!

I'm almost thinking maybe you should do a cost study and see if it would be better to take out an ad on Craigslist Buffalo seeking to hire a stay-at-home mom to run point for your US orders.

 

[wilddog]

Road trip to Buffalo? Just remember, Vick, all of this hassle is a barrier of entry to the competition!

usaddressinc
50 minute drive from Toronto and they hold your packages for $5.
I do tons of ordering in the states and always use them to hold my shipment for pickup.

 

[Vick]

To bypass all this customs crap, can't you get your things stored or housed in Buffalo or Detroit?

I still have to get them across the border. What woukd be the difference?

UPS seems to be getting my shipmemts through ok.

So it looks as though i can use them.

 

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[RHL]

Do you know any other Canadian business owners (maybe on ebay, etc.) who are selling to the US? Maybe they know a 'hack'?

 

[PopEmersen]

I still have to get them across the border. What woukd be the difference?

Not if you get it shipped to a warehouse or some place in the US instead of shipping to your home. Basically an office building, public storage, or anything in Buffalo or Detroit. Ship to there from China, ship from there to US customers.

 

[Vick]

Not if you get it shipped to a warehouse or some place in the US instead of shipping to your home. Basically an office building, public storage, or anything in Buffalo or Detroit. Ship to there from China, ship from there to US customers.

Ya that is an option for sure, and I've thought about it.

But I have to check each product first before sending out, and verify quality, I've come across some bad defects that I wouldn't want my customers receiving. especially this early in the game. I just don't trust anyone yet to do this for me. not this early anyway.

 

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[Vick]

You're 100% sure that the "medical device" listing isn't just for prescription lenses? Because that actually makes sense.

They said that Non-prescription sunglasses are classified as Medical Devices.

 

[Vick]

My packages are getting through now with UPS )))))

Just got confirmation tonight that recipient received package. and no delays, and no phone calls, straight to there door.

saaaaaaa wheat.

 

[RHL]

What's the percentage breakdown of US vs Canadian sales so far?

 

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[Vick]

About 60% cad. And 40% us

 

[GravyBoat]

Posted a shitty video on Youtube, I'll take some pics next to my car as well (CTS-V)

Also, got my glasses in a few days, live in Idaho. No shipping issues here. Already had people asking if they were Oakley's, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. Been telling your story to friends and family.

LOVE the glasses man, thank you!

Dave

 

[RHL]

Dave, your pair looks great. Sweet car too. I love the CTSV to death, I only picked the Viper instead because I needed a more fuel efficient car.

 

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[Vick]

Posted a shitty video on Youtube, I'll take some pics next to my car as well (CTS-V)

Also, got my glasses in a few days, live in Idaho. No shipping issues here. Already had people asking if they were Oakley's, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. Been telling your story to friends and family.

LOVE the glasses man, thank you!

Dave

Glad you like em bud and thanks for doing the unboxing vid Cheers

 

[TJPB]

@Vick I've seen your ads running around on FaceBook......are they performing for you?

 

[Vick]

@Vick I've seen your ads running around on FaceBook......are they performing for you?

I get few sales from Facebook. My ads get about 4-8% ctr. But not many conversions right away. Dont think my product is an impulse buy. But return visits are way up. And visitor length is way up. Which tells me people are coming back and thinking about a purchase.

Sales are slowly goin up to about 3 a day.

Instagram seems to be a better option right now for exposure. And its alot cheaper to hit a ton of people instantly.

So im betting my money on Instagram right now with accounts with huge followings.

 

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[Vick]

Also. On another note. Have a new slogan. Which focuses on our strength and durability. To help separate us from the crowd. New image branding to follow soon.

Strength Redefined.

 

[PopEmersen]

So im betting my money on Instagram right now with accounts with huge followings.

You should see if you can get dan bilzerian to wear them. He has a huge male following and he's rich. Hit em up maybe.
http://instagram.com/danbilzerian

 

[Vick]

You should see if you can get dan bilzerian to wear them. He has a huge male following and he's rich. Hit em up maybe.
http://instagram.com/danbilzerian

Lol ya def. Ill give it a shot. But im sure ill get a 'no thanks'

But ill def try.

He'll prolly want a shit ton of money.

 

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[PopEmersen]

He may, but the worst he can do is say no. It would probably be best to do it via normal communication lines like maybe an email or so. I know he just recently signed a casino deal SO he is open to business opportunities. Worth a shot tho.

 

[Jake]

Just wanted to let you know that my glasses arrived in Thailand via the U.S..about a week ago. Nice details on the 8 logo on the inside. Was surprised to find it the other day

 

[TJPB]

Also. On another note. Have a new slogan. Which focuses on our strength and durability. To help separate us from the crowd. New image branding to follow soon.

Strength Redefined.

Why change your image and branding so soon after launch?

 

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[RHL]

As much as it hurts, sponsoring some lifestyle channels on YT or IG by giving them free glasses and small amounts of cash might be a good way to get it out there. Matt Farah from The Smoking Tire has a sunglasses sponsor and every time he makes a new video there's at least 3 people asking what sunglasses he's wearing and where to get them in the comments or on Reddit. It might be worth throwing a video maker glasses and like $500 or something if you could reliably drum up 12 sales a month from that avenue.

 

[Vick]

Why change your image and branding so soon after launch?

A very succesful marketer said i have a great product. But havent defined it yet. He loves the video of me bending the heck out of them and the strength angle. I agreed. So im gonna use that more.

 

[Vick]

As much as it hurts, sponsoring some lifestyle channels on YT or IG by giving them free glasses and small amounts of cash might be a good way to get it out there. Matt Farah from The Smoking Tire has a sunglasses sponsor and every time he makes a new video there's at least 3 people asking what sunglasses he's wearing and where to get them in the comments or on Reddit. It might be worth throwing a video maker glasses and like $500 or something if you could reliably drum up 12 sales a month from that avenue.

Ya. I might just do that

 

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[Vick]

Ran 2 ads on Instagram yesterday. They were posted last night. One was for a Sport Bike account and the other a Super Car account. Got 6 orders. Cost me 10$ for each post.

 

[Guest12120]

Got 6 orders. Cost me 10$ for each post.

Nice ROI