Finding customers for computer accessories

Re: [spiers] Finding customers for computer accessories


In a message dated 4/5/02 8:51:04 AM, andrew.ittner@usa.net writes:

<< Mr. Spiers:

I have two ideas for products - one is a "clutter" organizer that
sits on a computer, and the other is a better design for a booklight.

First, what retailers should I approach regarding the organizer? I
believe this would be appropriate for a mass-market retailer like
Best Buy or CompUSA, but I can't think of an upscale computer
accessories retailer besides ThinkGeek.com, which is web-only. Any
thoughts or recommendations? (I live in the Seattle area.)

***If you believe the mass merchandisers are best, then try them. If and
when they say no, then what will you do? That is one question... as far as
upscale, that does not necessarily mean downtown... I see one-store computer
shops all over; I went to one to find out about wireless internet
connections, and paid a premium for their help.

I get nervous when someone has an idea but cannot think of a customer.
Millions of patents are awarded for products that are never made, because
there are no customers for the patented item. Almost nothing patented ever
makes it to market. Perhaps your question is fleshing out another aspect:
not only should the problem and solution jump out at you, but the customer
too... problem and solution is not enough...we need the custoemer too.
Anyway, open the yellow pages and tell me what you see in computer
accessories.

Second, would the organizer and the booklight be too "far apart" in
terms of a market? You have recommended selling products in the same
industry so the importer doesn't create a new sales organization for
every product. I'm guessing the answer is to simply ask the
sales reps, but I'd like your opinion.

***Reps have no idea what sells and what does not. It would be the customers
who woould decide, not the reps. Give it a try too.***

John

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Finding customers for computer accessories

Mr. Spiers:

I have two ideas for products - one is a "clutter" organizer that
sits on a computer, and the other is a better design for a booklight.

First, what retailers should I approach regarding the organizer? I
believe this would be appropriate for a mass-market retailer like
Best Buy or CompUSA, but I can't think of an upscale computer
accessories retailer besides ThinkGeek.com, which is web-only. Any
thoughts or recommendations? (I live in the Seattle area.)

Second, would the organizer and the booklight be too "far apart" in
terms of a market? You have recommended selling products in the same
industry so the importer doesn't create a new sales organization for
every product. I'm guessing the answer is to simply ask the
sales reps, but I'd like your opinion.

Thanks,

Andrew Ittner

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Wall Street Journal Catches Up

Folks,

I think you've heard this before, as it relates to whom we sell, but it seems
the Wall Street Journal has finally gotten the news...

***

"Millions of Americans who once made up the vast middle of the nation's $7
trillion consumer market are migrating upscale toward premium and luxury
goods," reports the Wall Street Journal. The middle-market is disappearing
say
retail analysts. It's either Wal-Mart or Neiman Marcus. If they can afford
it,
people want the top brands.

Personal savings rates are at their lowest level since the Great Depression
while
luxury brands - such as BMW and Mercedes - are hitting sales records.

***

John

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