So, we've been a little busy around here in pretzel land. I've been working on some more aggressive marketing this holiday. And by aggressive, I mean I'm actually trying for once. You see, I have these things called children that, in the past, have required lots of attention from me. Not that they still don't, but they are much more manageable and understanding than during previous holidays. I think it goes without saying, that I prefer my sanity over pretzel sales any day. I don't think all business owners share my beliefs on that one, but for our family, this is what works.
Having said all that, I feel a little safer in attempting to secure more orders for DipSticks. So, while my days aren't entirely kid free, or stress free, I am quite a bit more flexible with what my options can be.
The best part is most people approach us anyway, so we've done pretty good so far without spending money or going crazy on getting new business. Case in point, the Hilton in Indianapolis contacted us a few weeks ago to try some samples of our pretzels. They loved them and are now carrying them as turndown ammenities for their special guests. Very cool.
Also, Crazy Sisters Coffee, in Lutheran Hospital, has shown interest and will hopefully be selling our little pretzels for the holiday season soon. Webbs Hallmark in southern Indiana has also called several times to find out how to carry the pretzels. We're playing phone tag now, but I'm confident once the kinks are worked out, we'll be there in no time.
Another exciting addition to the DipSticks family, although I'm not quite sure how it's going to play out in the long run, are my lovely and tasty cheesecakes. If you read this blog, you've seen them. They are fun to make and so delicious. And now, they can be purchased (well not now, but very soon!) at the Eagle Creek Farms Market in Winona Lake. Our pretzels will be there too in addition to ready to take home cheesecakes, and also by the slice served at lunch. I never imagined selling cheesecakes, but I'm not turning it down. My dream is to have a DipSticks Gourmet Coffee and Sweets shop someday and sell all my baked goods, pretzels, and great coffee. I can smell it already!
Overall, sales have been pretty good this year, despite the economy. But, the weird thing, is that while some stores like Hallmark and other smaller stores have really declined in sales, others have picked up, or we've added new ones. It all seems to balance out. I'm super thankful that I don't pay any overhead really at all, and no employees to worry about, and it's not our sole income, so that's a plus. It would be hard to run a brick and mortar business these days, and it's so sad to see some close up or lose hope. Maybe this holiday will turn things around. Things are looking up already!
Happy holiday shopping, and don't forget about our lovely gift boxes! (And the 4" pretzels are perfect for stockings and package tie-ons, too.)
Showing posts with label marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marketing. Show all posts
Monday, November 9, 2009
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Blurg.
So, like I mentioned, there's this large, regional grocery chain I've been trying to get into. The one that turned us down twice so far.
I mailed a package a few weeks ago, only to find out there was a new candy buyer in the corporate office. I hadn't thought to call to find out who the candy buyer was because the old candy buyer had been there awhile, and I had just communicated with her before Christmas. But just in case, I called to make sure the new person received the package.
She hadn't gotten it yet, and I was more than a little anxious because I had overnighted it a week earlier with ice packs since their headquarters is in North Carolina. Needless to say, I justified that expense the first time around, but to do it again wasn't exactly top on my list.
I called today, and luckily got through to the actual person, instead of the waste land that is voice mail, and spoke with her regarding the package. Luckily, she had gotten it.
However, they are not interested at this time. What were the reasons?
1.) The pretzels don't have UPC codes, which is a requirement. Here's the tricky part about that statement. UPC codes cost over $700, and that doesn't count all of my product, or the special program you need to do your own UPC codes. And, this particular company is the only company to request UPC codes, which makes it a bit of a gamble. Now, of course, having the codes would enable me to pursue other stores, but most are too big for us right now, like Target, Borders, etc, so this was the smallest big option we had. If we got the codes and they still turned us down, then that money was spent for nothing. (for now anyway)
2.) They have two pretzel lines already that are doing well, and don't have room for another one. Now this I can understand. But, I had to ask them if these pretzels had caramel on them. All she could say was that they do a variety of things. I know what pretzels she is talking about and they are nothing like ours. You have no idea how many times someone tells me, "Oh, so and so sells a pretzel now, and it's EXACTLY like yours." I rush right over to see who my competition is and guess what? There is a scrawny pretzel rod, barely covered in chocolate with a few haphazardly dropped confetti pieces on them, usually sold 2 for a dollar or something like that. The weight of two of those is usually less than half the weight of one of my 4" pretzels.
These two reasons are way better than if she would have said, "I've had better candy from a vending machine!" but they still mean we have some work ahead of us before we play with the big dogs. Not a horrible position to be in, but darn it wouldn't it be so much fun to not have to work so hard at something??? That's a joke. I know things worth having are worth working for, but haven't I worked pretty hard at this one account? OR maybe these no's are telling me that this isn't the direction to go, yet.
We're pretty busy as it is, and with no actual employees, it's kind of amazing we do this much. Maybe once we have a few more vendors added to our growing list, we'll be in a position to hire full time people, which would ultimately allow us to get bigger accounts.
Who knows what is going to be that thing that takes us to the next level, but we're looking for it any place we can.
I mailed a package a few weeks ago, only to find out there was a new candy buyer in the corporate office. I hadn't thought to call to find out who the candy buyer was because the old candy buyer had been there awhile, and I had just communicated with her before Christmas. But just in case, I called to make sure the new person received the package.
She hadn't gotten it yet, and I was more than a little anxious because I had overnighted it a week earlier with ice packs since their headquarters is in North Carolina. Needless to say, I justified that expense the first time around, but to do it again wasn't exactly top on my list.
I called today, and luckily got through to the actual person, instead of the waste land that is voice mail, and spoke with her regarding the package. Luckily, she had gotten it.
However, they are not interested at this time. What were the reasons?
1.) The pretzels don't have UPC codes, which is a requirement. Here's the tricky part about that statement. UPC codes cost over $700, and that doesn't count all of my product, or the special program you need to do your own UPC codes. And, this particular company is the only company to request UPC codes, which makes it a bit of a gamble. Now, of course, having the codes would enable me to pursue other stores, but most are too big for us right now, like Target, Borders, etc, so this was the smallest big option we had. If we got the codes and they still turned us down, then that money was spent for nothing. (for now anyway)
2.) They have two pretzel lines already that are doing well, and don't have room for another one. Now this I can understand. But, I had to ask them if these pretzels had caramel on them. All she could say was that they do a variety of things. I know what pretzels she is talking about and they are nothing like ours. You have no idea how many times someone tells me, "Oh, so and so sells a pretzel now, and it's EXACTLY like yours." I rush right over to see who my competition is and guess what? There is a scrawny pretzel rod, barely covered in chocolate with a few haphazardly dropped confetti pieces on them, usually sold 2 for a dollar or something like that. The weight of two of those is usually less than half the weight of one of my 4" pretzels.
These two reasons are way better than if she would have said, "I've had better candy from a vending machine!" but they still mean we have some work ahead of us before we play with the big dogs. Not a horrible position to be in, but darn it wouldn't it be so much fun to not have to work so hard at something??? That's a joke. I know things worth having are worth working for, but haven't I worked pretty hard at this one account? OR maybe these no's are telling me that this isn't the direction to go, yet.
We're pretty busy as it is, and with no actual employees, it's kind of amazing we do this much. Maybe once we have a few more vendors added to our growing list, we'll be in a position to hire full time people, which would ultimately allow us to get bigger accounts.
Who knows what is going to be that thing that takes us to the next level, but we're looking for it any place we can.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
A good feeling, indeed
Wow, what a difference a few weeks make. I haven't been eating as well as I should be, but now that I'm addressing my iron deficiency, things seem so much better. My energy is returning, which is resulting in my desire to exercise. I'm just going to go with that for now, and hope the food thing follows.
And, a huge feeling of accomplishment has swept over me all day today. Not only did I get through the craziest week ever, especially for being the summer, but I've also continued to send out packages and complete orders this week.
I sent out a very interesting package to a popular blogger (not perez, FYI) as a thank you for something, and who knows where that will go, but the feeling of sealing that package and sending it in the mail was so fulfilling.
Some of my marketing pays off, and some of it goes nowhere, but just the fact that I'm doing it is a win win in itself. To sit back and do nothing would be worse than putting my product out there and getting turned down.
I'm still waiting feedback from one huge vendor. I've been turned down by them twice now, but so far, I haven't taken no for an answer. When we make improvements, or when they get a new manager, I just send some more product. Someday we'll have the right combination and they'll say "Yes"...but if not, I'll keep plugging away.
A few weeks ago, in the deep crevice of my misery, I would have done all of this (the vera basket, the huge hallmark order, the new marketing shipments) and felt nothing. I would have thought "Who cares, it's all going to end someday." But thankfully, with a better outlook and a clearer head, I can see all of this for what it is.
It's a feeling of accomplishment. A feeling that I'm making a mark on the world. A feeling that I can be proud of myself. A feeling that my two boys can be proud of their mom someday for standing up for something she believes in and working hard to give them a legacy.
The knowing that I haven't quit this business and that I've created something unique from nothing but creativity and a little maniacal energy, is very fulfilling.
Some days are better than others, and some days just suck the life out of me, but I wouldn't keep doing this if it wasn't part of my soul. I chug through the hard work on days when I'd rather be six feet under, and relish in the minor accomplishment of finding a great basket on days when I feel like I'm on cloud nine.
My ups and downs may not be typical of an entrepreneur, but it's my path, and I'm carving it bit by bit...even if it is with a spork.
And, a huge feeling of accomplishment has swept over me all day today. Not only did I get through the craziest week ever, especially for being the summer, but I've also continued to send out packages and complete orders this week.
I sent out a very interesting package to a popular blogger (not perez, FYI) as a thank you for something, and who knows where that will go, but the feeling of sealing that package and sending it in the mail was so fulfilling.
Some of my marketing pays off, and some of it goes nowhere, but just the fact that I'm doing it is a win win in itself. To sit back and do nothing would be worse than putting my product out there and getting turned down.
I'm still waiting feedback from one huge vendor. I've been turned down by them twice now, but so far, I haven't taken no for an answer. When we make improvements, or when they get a new manager, I just send some more product. Someday we'll have the right combination and they'll say "Yes"...but if not, I'll keep plugging away.
A few weeks ago, in the deep crevice of my misery, I would have done all of this (the vera basket, the huge hallmark order, the new marketing shipments) and felt nothing. I would have thought "Who cares, it's all going to end someday." But thankfully, with a better outlook and a clearer head, I can see all of this for what it is.
It's a feeling of accomplishment. A feeling that I'm making a mark on the world. A feeling that I can be proud of myself. A feeling that my two boys can be proud of their mom someday for standing up for something she believes in and working hard to give them a legacy.
The knowing that I haven't quit this business and that I've created something unique from nothing but creativity and a little maniacal energy, is very fulfilling.
Some days are better than others, and some days just suck the life out of me, but I wouldn't keep doing this if it wasn't part of my soul. I chug through the hard work on days when I'd rather be six feet under, and relish in the minor accomplishment of finding a great basket on days when I feel like I'm on cloud nine.
My ups and downs may not be typical of an entrepreneur, but it's my path, and I'm carving it bit by bit...even if it is with a spork.
Monday, May 19, 2008
First Impressions
When deciding to put DipSticks into stores, I never fully considered how they would be displayed.
My first location had their own basket, which fit nicely on their counter top. So, I decided a basket was the way to go for displaying the pretzels in all the stores. For the next few stores, that idea worked well. They had the counter space and the look fit with the store. I wasn't entirely happy with the basket idea, because it seemed to display the raffia ties more than the pretzels themselves, but it worked for what we needed at the time.
However, some other stores wanted to use their own containers. Some used glass jars, others used large wicker baskets that fit their store's theme. I was okay with that. After all, I didn't have to worry about where to get the container.
But, now that I've been thinking a lot about branding, and getting into more chain stores, I realize I probably should have a common "look" for my displays.
This is harder than it seems. Every store is unique. Not all stores have equal counter space to fit a large display. Especially one from a new vendor who may or may not tank in their stores. They don't want to give up valuable display area to a no namer like me.
I can offer a variety of options, but even that can be a hassle on my end. Most catalogs have pictures of displays with quantity pricing, but until you actually get that item in front of you and arrange your product on it, you can't tell if it's going to work.
Pay shipping charges and cost for each of these sample displays, and pretty soon you have a nice chunk of money wrapped up in something that may not even work.
Right now we're leaning towards a metal stand with hooks that the pretzels and marshmallows can hang from, thanks to my new client The Surface. They had a few extra lying around, and hung the pretzels from the raffia ribbon. They looked great, and could be arranged in a fairly small area, and split into groups to move around to different spots in the store. That idea I love, because they do that at Hallmark, and it gives a cross promotion effect that helps that store sell the most pretzels.
But what about when we add the pretzel bark or caramel apples? Maybe we should cross that bridge when we get to it, but it is something to think about.
Some of my competitors use large plastic bins with dividers in them, but I've been told they are too large to fit in most places.
Of course nothing is ever set in stone. Coke and Pepsi are still tinkering with their image. Change is good, and no matter what display I choose now, it can always be reformulated as we deem it necessary.
Do you have opinions on what kind of displays you like to see in stores? Do you own a store and have an opinion on displays? Please let me know in the comments!
My first location had their own basket, which fit nicely on their counter top. So, I decided a basket was the way to go for displaying the pretzels in all the stores. For the next few stores, that idea worked well. They had the counter space and the look fit with the store. I wasn't entirely happy with the basket idea, because it seemed to display the raffia ties more than the pretzels themselves, but it worked for what we needed at the time.
However, some other stores wanted to use their own containers. Some used glass jars, others used large wicker baskets that fit their store's theme. I was okay with that. After all, I didn't have to worry about where to get the container.
But, now that I've been thinking a lot about branding, and getting into more chain stores, I realize I probably should have a common "look" for my displays.
This is harder than it seems. Every store is unique. Not all stores have equal counter space to fit a large display. Especially one from a new vendor who may or may not tank in their stores. They don't want to give up valuable display area to a no namer like me.
I can offer a variety of options, but even that can be a hassle on my end. Most catalogs have pictures of displays with quantity pricing, but until you actually get that item in front of you and arrange your product on it, you can't tell if it's going to work.
Pay shipping charges and cost for each of these sample displays, and pretty soon you have a nice chunk of money wrapped up in something that may not even work.
Right now we're leaning towards a metal stand with hooks that the pretzels and marshmallows can hang from, thanks to my new client The Surface. They had a few extra lying around, and hung the pretzels from the raffia ribbon. They looked great, and could be arranged in a fairly small area, and split into groups to move around to different spots in the store. That idea I love, because they do that at Hallmark, and it gives a cross promotion effect that helps that store sell the most pretzels.
But what about when we add the pretzel bark or caramel apples? Maybe we should cross that bridge when we get to it, but it is something to think about.
Some of my competitors use large plastic bins with dividers in them, but I've been told they are too large to fit in most places.
Of course nothing is ever set in stone. Coke and Pepsi are still tinkering with their image. Change is good, and no matter what display I choose now, it can always be reformulated as we deem it necessary.
Do you have opinions on what kind of displays you like to see in stores? Do you own a store and have an opinion on displays? Please let me know in the comments!
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