For those of you who don't know, who are probably over 99% of the people reading this, JJ Wear is a brand new company. A company that we started because we had to. Not from a need to create a business for a contract, or for income, but because we took a hobby, starting selling the items created for the hobby just to see how they would sell, and now, we can't keep our supplies in due to demand. We cannot make these necklaces fast enough. Now we do not have the cash to invest into a large amount of inventory, nor do we have the space to store it, other than a one car garage that was supposed to be my man cave (construction was due to start this next spring). I am perfectly happy to delay the man cave in lieu of the orders we are now receiving for our necklaces.
We started making a few for family and friends, because we thought making them was relaxing and something we could do as a family. I figured, well, we will make 10 - 15 tops, then that would be it. We make more than that in an hour now, and it keeps growing. We make University of Kentucky necklaces (our best sellers) to peace sign necklaces, Mickey Mouse Christmas Necklaces, Dora the Explorer, and many other styles. We now have two schools that have agreed to sell necklaces as a fundraiser. We put the school's logo on them, sell them to the school at a discounted rate, and let the school keep the profit for their fundraiser. Another great idea. I just created this Google + page today in hopes of promoting the necklaces even more.
Necklaces are not the only item we make. We also make, on the same design, pins and keychains as well. You really can't complain when a month ago you were trying and stressing about how to pay your bills and get Christmas presents for your kids to now trying to get time to spend with your family. So we involved the family in the venture. After dinner, we sit around the dining room table, with our makeshift assembly line going, and talk about our days just like at dinner. So, I guess what I am trying to say is, if you want to spend more time with your family, include them in as much of your day and activities as well.
The next step is our T-Shirts. We have ordered a T-Shirt press, lined up a supplier for the transfers, inks, and blank t-shirts, but we wont have that part going until after the first of the year. Trying to get that going too with the necklaces is just too much before Christmas, but it will definitely be worthwhile pursuing. A good rule of thumb is at least a 500% markup on your inexpensive items. That makes those items worth making. This is not always possible with more expensive items, but one item at a time is definitely the way to expand your business. It may be slower, but less stressful, and allows you to make sure all your ducks are in a row before moving on to the next thing.
I hope these blogs will help people just like me who are trying to start a business on a budget to help pay the bills. Get your family involved. Make it a group project. Set a goal....something to buy with your profits. That's a great way to get you kids involved. May you have great success with your venture, and until next week...SELL, SELL, SELL!
Jason
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