http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ The community space of the UK's leading provider of business training for entrepreneurs en-US Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:37:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/search.php http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-should-you-be-thinking-about-when-negotiating-a-licensing-deal#post-133 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:14:12 +0000 GregoryPek 133@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi All,</p> <p>Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this great site, good work team.</p> <p>I have a new product which i know will sell very well in the USA, venturing into that part of the world will be a huge hill to climb, a hill my business is unable to climb at present. I feel that if the right deal was there, licensing it would be the easiest option from my side and keep the brand alive in the USA whilst still earning revenue for the company, allowing me to concentrate on getting the brand and product in to the European and Australasian markets. I have no previous experience in negotiating license deals with large American companies, where do you start?</p> <p>Thanks </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-to#post-132 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:21:39 +0000 Nancy Fulton Mazur 132@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>HI Chris :)</p> <p>Its been a tough time for lots of folks, and lots of people have bad credit just now. Furthermore, many people start successful businesses when they are out of work or are forced into a career change. One of the best reasons to start a business is to make money.</p> <p>We have a bunch of free articles online that discuss how to start a business. The first step is to create a "business model" which is a kind of very well considered hypothesis about what you are going to sell to who for how much with what help, etc. You need a business model, not a business plan to start a business.</p> <p>Why? Because a writing business plan written when you don't really understand how your business works in the real world is like a building a full engine before you've built and tested a prototype. </p> <p>We have several tutorials that talk about business models and the important objectives for a small business. You can read them here. </p> <p><a href="http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/tag/starting-a-business/" rel="nofollow">http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/tag/starting-a-business/</a></p> <p>If you are looking for step by step instructions in how to start a business, you can purchase our Build Your Business Now toolkit which was written specifically to support people who want to start a solid business quickly.</p> <p>Thanks for posting here. We're glad to have you as a guest on our site :) We look forward to being of service to you in the months and years to come. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-to#post-131 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:43:08 +0000 cjwhite 131@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I have been looking to start up my own business for a while but I have a couple problems.</p> <p>1. My credit is more than bad.</p> <p>2. I have no idea where to start</p> <p>Number 1 is not to much of an issue as I believe with the right conversations I may be able to start with very little or no cost. My main issue is with the second point as I do not know who to pitch the idea to to clarify whether my idea is viable or a good proposal. Also I wouldn't be able to quit my current job so time may be an issue...</p> <p>Please if anyone has any advise on where to start it would be much appreciated</p> <p>Kind Regards</p> <p>Chris </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-find-manufacturers-in-the-uk#post-130 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:04:44 +0000 Anne 130@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hello all,</p> <p>I am new to the site and have joined hoping to find some help. I am in the process of starting up my own business and really need to find a manufacturer in the textile/fashion/apparale industry to make handbags. I am specifically looking for a manufacturer in the UK and am finding it difficult.</p> <p>So far the problems are any of the bag manufacturers I have managed to find will only take minimum orders of 1000 bags which is not realistic for me. The other problem is that I want to use fabric I have sourced myself and they wont let me do that.</p> <p>I am thinking that I need to speak to smaller companies/sewing factories but I am struggling to identify any.</p> <p>Can anyone give me advice on how to move forward?</p> <p>Thank you</p> <p>Anne </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-to-find-angel-investors#post-129 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:45:40 +0000 richardf1 129@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi</p> <p>I have added a few ideas for other types of networking where Business Angels are likely to attend. This also lets you start to build relationships or identify those you might be able to work with before going down a formal pitching process. Not sure where you are based but there are a couple of good groups in Manchester for networking with Business Angels and VC's. </p> <p>I have added links below.</p> <p><a href="http://techcelerate.org/">Techcelerate</a><br /> <a href="http://uk.tie.org/">tie</a></p> <p>If you are looking for more and would benefit from an investment readiness programme along with introductions to the investment community take a look at <a href="http://thedifferenceengine.eu/">the difference engine</a>. You have to relocate to the North East for three months but you receive finance to do this.</p> <p>Hope this is useful, just a couple of good organisations I have come across in the past few months.</p> <p>Richard<br /> <a href="http://www.makeurmove.co.uk/">makeurmove</a> </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/graphic-design#post-128 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 06:30:06 +0000 photoshopclippath 128@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Get the best Image Manipulation Service Online from Photoshopclippingpath.us, an offshore graphic design service provider. They are employed with state of the art graphic designers to assist you in your businesses by providing clipped product image to suite your marketing and advertising need. The quality photo editing and photo manipulation services won't exceed your budget but would certainly reach your expectations.<br /> Body:<br /> Today with the advent of globalization a huge amount of jobs are being outsourced to south Asian continents. Companies are fast scaling up to match or surpass international quality standards and are ensuring that they stay ahead through stable quality systems and continuous quality improvement. Photoshopclippingpath.us is one such graphic design company that provides all kinds of graphic design needs such as clipping path and masking service in very quick turnaround time. Employed with state of the art graphic designers and you will get assistance in your businesses by our creative and effective graphic design and identity building marketing systems. We provide our clients with the highest quality graphic design solutions available maintaining strict deadlines.<br /> As professional graphic designers we have extra creativity and expertise in graphic designs to help you reach your potential through marketing. Our delivered services won't exceed your budget but would certainly reach your expectations. Find out more about high-class quality photo editing and wide range of photo manipulation services from our website. Get mammoth flexibility for masking and editing your photos. Don’t wait for your chance to get the best image manipulation and photo editing service at a very reasonable price.<br /> Services List of Photoshopclippingpath.us is as follows:<br /> A. Clipping Path<br /> • Basic &amp; Complex Clipping Path<br /> • Multi Clipping Path &amp; Clipping Path with shadow<br /> B. Photoshop Masking<br /> • Alpha Channel Masking<br /> • Advanced or Complex Layer (Hair &amp; Fur) Masking<br /> • Color Correction Masking<br /> Client work orders are done maintaining zero tolerance level providing 24X7 facilities. Enjoy attractive discount system for large volume of work. More details please visit: - <a href="http://www.photoshopclippingpath.us" rel="nofollow">http://www.photoshopclippingpath.us</a></p> <p>Company: Photoshopclippingpath.us<br /> Address: PROACTIVE INFOTRADE.<br /> 35 N BOSTON AVE,<br /> ATLANTIC CITY,NEW JERSEY-08401,USA<br /> Phone : +1 609 576 1785<br /> Email : <a href="mailto:info@Photoshopclippingpath.us">info@Photoshopclippingpath.us</a> </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/i-dont-need-money-i-need-skills#post-127 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:15:07 +0000 gadgetgirluk 127@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi Mary - what a lovely problem to have! I hope you have managed to catch with Alan - it sounds like he is going to be an absolute star and help you with further product promotion. </p> <p>I can help you with outsourcing as this is how I have grown my business and now spend my days working on it and not in it! So if you want any help with find UK or international outsourcers who can take over any processes immediately and give you a bit of breathing space to look for a more long term solution.</p> <p>Perhaps you should think about a partner or a joint venture if you think it is appropriate.</p> <p>Kind regards</p> <p>Eva Davies<br /> <a href="http://www.ElectronicZone.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.ElectronicZone.co.uk</a><br /> <a href="mailto:eva@electroniczone.co.uk">eva@electroniczone.co.uk</a><br /> 020 8447 1653 (if I am out do leave a message with one of the team) </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-to-find-angel-investors#post-126 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:42:15 +0000 AMJSimpson 126@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I know that Doug Richard speaks out about Angel groups charging Entrepreneurs to pitch, the problem is that most of the groups in the UK do charge.</p> <p>How can I (or any other Entrepreneur) find Angel investors without using one of these paid for services? Are there any groups that don't charge you to pitch? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/i-dont-need-money-i-need-skills#post-125 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:37:57 +0000 alankharrison 125@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi Mary. I emailed you through your website but have had no reply but u must be very busy I can imagine. Anyway I love the product and think it will do amazingly well. I have contacts on a range of different car enthusiast websites and I have a lot of ideas which may help get the products out there So I'm interested in helping out in some way. Please give me a call or an email my number is 0759 057 4136 and my email is <a href="mailto:alankharrison@hotmail.co.uk">alankharrison@hotmail.co.uk</a></p> <p>Regards</p> <p>Alan </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/website-reviews#post-124 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:44:26 +0000 whatsgood 124@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I run a new website called <a href="http://www.whatsgoodontheweb.co.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.whatsgoodontheweb.co.uk</a> and I am happy to receive news on new online business launches. Please visit the site for our contact details. </p> <p>All reviews will include links to your site and if you have any specific pages you want linking to please let me know. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/great-article-on-how-to-avoid-customers-abandoning-their-order-during-checkout#post-123 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:02:12 +0000 Nancy Fulton Mazur 123@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p><a href="http://econsultancy.com/blog/6079-reduce-checkout-abandonments-and-increase-registrations?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter" rel="nofollow">http://econsultancy.com/blog/6079-reduce-checkout-abandonments-and-increase-registrations?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter</a> </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/help-marketing-a-new-ecommerce-gift-company#post-122 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:47:55 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 122@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi,<br /> Need some more presenmts for men ??? Just won a Gift of the year award for my male products !!<br /> get in touch.....<br /> Best,<br /> Mary </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-a-great-web-site#post-121 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 10:28:21 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 121@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>again...........are you talking about <a href="http://www.carmasutra.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.carmasutra.com</a> or the S4S website ?!!???? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/attracting-customers-to-a-new-service-business#post-120 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 10:26:42 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 120@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi Andrea,<br /> Just looked at your web site, and it looks as if it is all based in the USA ?<br /> I do have requirements, but I want to deal with British companies.<br /> How does your company work?<br /> best,<br /> Mary</p> <p><a href="http://www.carmasutra.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.carmasutra.com</a> </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/i-dont-need-money-i-need-skills#post-119 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 08:09:40 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 119@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Where do I find a manager to run my company? How do I employ my first person? </p> <p>I have now got international media coverage for my product, the product has won a national award, I have a trade show in mid July and 3 later in the year, I am working with a high profile comedy director and producer for putting a British Industries feature film together, I have Top Gear Live wanting my products for prizes at their shows, but I CAN NOT DO EVERYTHING !!!</p> <p>Where do I go to find a manager, or a business partner with selling, retail skills, social networking &amp; computer skills who can take the company on, and help me not waste the amazing opportunities I have. Many people on the out side, say go to Dragons Den, but that is not the answer. I need a manager to run the company while I am pulling in more free media, developing the product range and getting goverment backing.</p> <p>My web site is just sitting there, and there is soooooooooooooooo much that can be done with it. <a href="http://www.carmasutra.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.carmasutra.com</a> </p> <p>.......well ???...anyone interested ??!! ........anyone give me advise ??!!</p> <p>Mary </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/entrepreneurs-on-tv-what-do-you-think#post-118 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:26:06 +0000 JimDrewberry 118@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I completely agree with Mary, TV is just one big PR stunt. That is not to say the programs aren't interesting, I think they definitely are, I love the apprentice and dragons den etc. inafishbowl is a much better way to give an idea of the journey involved (and work needed) rather than some pre-orchestrated task to prove ability. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-avoid-tiredness-when-youre-running-your-own-business#post-117 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:19:36 +0000 JimDrewberry 117@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I find it helps to be quite disciplined when it comes to sleeping. It is very tempting to have a very late night to get as much done as possible but the side effects can follow-on for the next few days and cause a drop in quality of work. I try to spend 7 hours per night sleeping and the rest working, which is a sustainable model for me. I've done the 4 hours a night business and because of tiredness tasks just end up taking longer to do, there is a trade-off. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-to-develop-a-new-idea#post-116 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:56:28 +0000 Edriddell4 116@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I have a great new idea for a mobile app. It is a sports based app which involves the use of GPS. I feel it could be really successful within the phone fitness market. The application could have great expansion plans and a real profit potential. I do not however have the experience or skills necessary to develop the application myself. I was wondering what is the best way to get the product designed. So far my options are development companies, freelancers, computer development students or learn the development process myself. Please could someone advise me on which process to use and how? </p> <p>Ed, from Cambridge. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/politics-and-small-business-how-will-the-election-results-affect-you#post-115 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:32:10 +0000 margey 115@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>The emergency budget is looking quite positive for the entrepreneurs, the conservatives have been very sensible in their moves and seem to be looking to promote the small business to help drive growth into our economy. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-a-great-web-site#post-114 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:40:56 +0000 unitednotions 114@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>did you outsource the site, or develop yourselves? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/maltese-food#post-113 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:05:44 +0000 Cesca 113@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Pleeeeese do this! There are so many bits on the internet about people confused as to why there is nowhere to purchase Maltese food in the UK, and why no Maltese cafes etc. I would be interested in hearing how you get on. Keep in touch x </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-a-great-web-site#post-112 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:05:12 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 112@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>HI Bobby,<br /> Are you talking about theSchool for Start ups web site or <a href="http://www.carmasutra.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.carmasutra.com</a> ??!!<br /> Best,<br /> Mary </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-avoid-tiredness-when-youre-running-your-own-business#post-111 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:27:04 +0000 Nancy Fulton Mazur 111@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Well, first, as an entrepreneur, it is important to keep track of how you are spending your time and how well it pays off. Doug's a big fan of keeping some kind of time sheet or diary so you can look back on what really worked and what really didn't. Sometimes face to face meetings are the best way to get business, sometimes they aren't. </p> <p>If all your running around is paying off, you should be able to hire help hourly or full time, to make your job easier. If not, and you've been doing all this running around for several months, it might be time to step back to evaluate your business model and strategies.</p> <p>Also, it really is important to make your products "sell themselves" so selling one sells two or three more. The Build Your Business Toolkit that we've delivered with the last few classes has specific recommendations on how to do that, like making sure anyone who has your product or has used your service, can get back to your website . . . </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-a-great-web-site#post-110 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:20:18 +0000 Nancy Fulton Mazur 110@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>We've been developing it for several months, and its hard to estimate cost. Its built using Word Press, but we've added a lot of programming, artwork and of course content. </p> <p>We're starting to develop a solution that will help our entrepreneurs bring their sites online quickly. You can check out some of the resources we recommend for building a site here:</p> <p><a href="http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/2010/06/09/some-resources-we-recommend/" rel="nofollow">http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/2010/06/09/some-resources-we-recommend/</a> </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-a-great-web-site#post-109 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:51:36 +0000 Bobby 109@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hey, cool website, where did you get it developed and if I can be so rude as to ask, how much did it cost? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-sell-a-product-jigsaw-puzzle-into-a-retailer#post-108 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:48:50 +0000 Bobby 108@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi Mary</p> <p>Woooooo there, loads of questions. I've had a change of tack now after a conversation with the puzzle buyer at W H Smith (very helpful lady), the idea is good but after she explained the margins they require I am going to distribute it online/post. A bit of a change of direction but if it works then the money goes to me and not the distributors.</p> <p>I'll keep you posted on how things are coming along and will forward the link when the site is up and running.</p> <p>Good luck with Japan!!</p> <p>Bobby </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/maltese-food#post-107 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 06:53:55 +0000 McGeees 107@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi there gozo!</p> <p>We are very interested in what you have to offer. Could you get in touch please? email is best initially (mcgeees@virginmedia.com). Thanks </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-avoid-tiredness-when-youre-running-your-own-business#post-106 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:31:59 +0000 FishBowl 106@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Recently, our entrepreneurs have been saying how tired they are. Matt in Fishbowl One has been travelling all over the country to organise venues for his business launch tour, and has been getting a maximum of 4 hours sleep per night, often sleeping on his friend's floors! He explains in this video how he is so tired but still loving it - <a href="http://inafishbowl.com/Fishbowl-One/tired-but-loving-it.html" rel="nofollow">http://inafishbowl.com/Fishbowl-One/tired-but-loving-it.html</a></p> <p>Then there's Dom and Owain in Fishbowl Three. Following the advice of Expert Claire Young (finalist on The Apprentice 2004 <a href="http://inafishbowl.com/claire-young.html)" rel="nofollow">http://inafishbowl.com/claire-young.html)</a>, the pair took a week long break from their business after becoming so run down that they were losing motivation. They are now back to work refreshed and raring to go - <a href="http://inafishbowl.com/Fishbowl-Three/video-taking-a-break.html" rel="nofollow">http://inafishbowl.com/Fishbowl-Three/video-taking-a-break.html</a></p> <p>But how can you avoid this tiredness when you're running your own business? The stress and the ownership can really take it's toll, but when you're the only one working, how can you take time off?</p> <p>These guys love what they're doing, but eventually it must get you down.</p> <p>Does anyone have any tips for staying energised and upbeat when you're running your own business? </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/entrepreneurs-on-tv-what-do-you-think#post-105 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:26:13 +0000 FishBowl 105@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi Mary,</p> <p>Good advice, and I agree completely. These programmes provide a snapshot of life as a business owner, but it is only through watching or experiencing the real journey that you can understand. That is where I think the strengths of inafishbowl.com lie, and perhaps people can use it as inspiration to go and run their own business. </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/entrepreneurs-on-tv-what-do-you-think#post-104 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:02:39 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 104@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Unless one has the passion for ones own product, and is prepared to work, nothing is going to happen. Use the TV programmes as free PR, not a means to an end.<br /> People can tell you lots of stuff, or one can see situations on TV etc etc, but only when you are in the real life thick of things, having to pay the bills and keep the bank happy, are you ever going to know and learn what it is really all about, and understand why so few make it.<br /> Best,<br /> mary </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-sell-a-product-jigsaw-puzzle-into-a-retailer#post-103 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 20:47:56 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 103@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hi Bobby,</p> <p>Hope your brain in better now !</p> <p>Ok...Tell me why, do you only want to deal with one retailer ?</p> <p>Why is that one retailer going to want your jigsaw ?</p> <p>What has your jigsaw got that no other Jigsaw has ?</p> <p>Who do you want to buy your jigsaw?</p> <p>Why should they buy your jigsaw and not someone elses?</p> <p>Is this a jigsaw that is going to get you press and publicity ?</p> <p>If you only want to deal with one retailer, have you seen them yet ?</p> <p>Have they seen your jigsaw?</p> <p>What did they say ? </p> <p>If not, why not .... as they are going to be the basket that you are putting all your eggs into.</p> <p>I have found is that I have had to throw lots of mud, as high as I can throw it, at many walls for a very long time.<br /> Sometimes the sun is shinning but often it is raining, and very damp and cold and windy ...... AND STILL ONE HAS TO<br /> KEEP THROWING THE MUD !</p> <p>People will say, "oh come inside now Mary, your getting too wet and dinner is on, leave it, give up" </p> <p>If you believe in your Jigsaw, you will do it.!!</p> <p>I spent all my life saving on getting my "CAR MASUTRA for the man who loves his car" Internationally trade marked, and I still have a couple of blips to iron out in Japan, but I know that no one can put any liquid in a bottle with "CAR MASUTRA for the man who loves his car" on it.</p> <p>The first thing to do is to put the Jigsaw in a sealed envelope and put it in your local bank vault. Often this will be a nominal fee, but do that for starters OK.</p> <p>Tell me about your meeting with your exclusive retailer....</p> <p>All the best,</p> <p>Mary </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-sell-a-product-jigsaw-puzzle-into-a-retailer#post-102 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:31:53 +0000 Bobby 102@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Mary - My head just exploded! (In a good way . . . )</p> <p>But I got better :)</p> <p>I have a quote for manufacture and delivery. I do not have any distribution in place at the moment. I may have (naively) thought that retailers would have a central delivery point, and therefore would not need my own distribution in place. Is this not the case? If not, I guess that is my next stage. . . . </p> <p>At the moment I would only want to do this once (see how it goes) so wouldn't need a continuing distribution network. </p> <p>I am not at a stage to copyright, but will do as soon as I am able to. </p> <p> I would want to deal with only one exclusive retailer so would a trade fair be a good option or would I (manufacture and distribution in check) approach them indiviually?</p> <p>Hopefully this gives you enough to work on? let me know if you need more detail. . . .</p> <p>oh yeah , THANKS!</p> <p>Bobby </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/what-a-great-web-site#post-101 Mon, 31 May 2010 17:19:10 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 101@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I live in East Anglia and have some times felt far away from the bright lights and buzz of London so what a joy to come across "School for Startups" which is just 40mins down the A14 in Cambridge!</p> <p>I have spent most of this Bank Holiday Monday, going through every link and video by Mr. Richard, and suddenly I dont feel as alone as I did at the begining of the day.</p> <p>I own the International Trade mark to "Car Masutra ...for the man who loves his car". (Europe, USA, Japan, Australia) I am a one woman company but can not do EVERYTHING by myself !! </p> <p>The gift "Body Repair Kit" has just been short listed for "The Gift of the Year" Awards 2010, and consists of one product from each male toiletry range. Classic Car Masutra - Custom Car Masutra - Sports Car Masutra. My aim is to take a few % away from Lynx, who have 98% of the body Spray market, and then at prime times during the year, package the products in an amusing way, for us women to buy the man who loves his car. Many other products are pending.</p> <p>I have a global brand to launch, a TV documentry to make and a major manufacturer, distributor and sales team ready to go. I have car shows requesting involvement, retail fairs lined up, access to many personalities and have been studing the market since 1994. The Car Masutra brand had a pre-launch last year at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in November.</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILVGRxKqvfk" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILVGRxKqvfk</a> (short overview with some market research)</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2auM8waBA-g" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2auM8waBA-g</a> (NEC Pre Launch interview etc ..short video)</p> <p><a href="http://www.carmasutra.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.carmasutra.com</a></p> <p>Anyone interested...........</p> <p>All products made the UK, which is just what the Government are after at the moment ?!</p> <p>With best wishes to all of you,</p> <p>Mary Bird </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-sell-a-product-jigsaw-puzzle-into-a-retailer#post-100 Mon, 31 May 2010 14:34:59 +0000 Car Masutra Ltd (Mary Bird) 100@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>Hello Bobby,<br /> What stage is your jigsaw at?<br /> Is it manufactured?<br /> Have you made ot yourself or have you bought it in?<br /> Is it copyright?<br /> How many in stock right now?<br /> Is it distributed by anyone?<br /> What are the turn around times for manufacture?<br /> Have you been to any of the trade fairs?<br /> Have the games manufacturers seen it ?<br /> ahhhhh questions questions !!!<br /> Getting into the High Street is HARD, but it is important that you have all the manufacturing and distribtion in place, otherwise you will not be taken seriously.<br /> So.............where are you at with it all?<br /> Best,<br /> Mary<br /> Car Masutra Limited </p> http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/topic/how-do-you-sell-a-product-jigsaw-puzzle-into-a-retailer#post-99 Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:26 +0000 Bobby 99@http://www.schoolforstartups.co.uk/community/ <p>I have a Jigsaw Puzzle I would like to try to sell into a retailer (Like W H Smiths or Waterstones). Does anyone know the process for getting something onto their shelves, how they pay and you deliver to them? I am a bit lost at sea at the moment so any help would be appreciated.</p> <p>(Lets work on the assumption that I can convince them that the product is something they want as Jigsaws may not be for everyone on the site :)) </p>