Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello SUN*

I`m very new and have been following a couple of posts here, and have been so impressed with the responses and help that I thought I`d throw out my dilemma. 

My new start-up company will be hopefully launching our first line of stylish and functional glucose meter testing bags in the next few weeks, and I`m wondering what avenues to pursue as far as selling to this market.  I`m certainly already working on my website, and have made several connections with bloggers in the diabetic community, but how do I really reach this specialized niche? 

I`m having difficulty pinning this down, because while our bags are stylish and contemporary they also fill a health related need as well.  So far I haven`t found a website or store that features stylish medical accessories, or something in a cute boutique like manner that would appeal to those looking for something that does the job, but looks good too, for their medical supply carrying needs. 

Because I am for now a one woman show, I`m trying to keep things in perspective budget wise, because even though I hope to do well down the road, in the beginning I`m trying to keep costs at bay. 

Any suggestions on how to reach out to the millions of diabetics, who could possibly be my customers

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~Signed...Rickina
{Stick Me Designs}~Stylish Accessories for the Modern Diabetic

A Glucose Meter Bag? Ok, how does this work? That is a new one to me...
StickmeDesigns, there`s various ways you can get your product out there. Have you tried talking to your DR. or the diabetics foundation
I think this would be a good aproach to getting your product known. Perhaps get a DR to help you market your ideas...


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Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

Things I would do .... I would seek out distribution.

The supplies are sold in stores like Longs and Walgreens. Talk to them about also carrying your product.
The supplies are sold in mail-order catalogs ... get yourself in those too.

The idea is merchandising ... if the consumer goes to purchase the supplies and sees your accessories right next to it, you will have the best chance of selling.

thanks for the DR suggestion, I`ll have to look into that. It was also suggested that I approach hospitals...I have no idea how to even go about that. where in the world would a person start????

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~Signed...Rickina
{Stick Me Designs}~Stylish Accessories for the Modern Diabetic

Ahhh yes, ok so try to infiltrate the big distribution channels. I`ll def look into that route...will take some diggin` around I imagine. :)

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~Signed...Rickina
{Stick Me Designs}~Stylish Accessories for the Modern Diabetic

Can you get one into the hands of a diabetic celebrity?  Patty LaBelle has been pretty open about being diabetic.  If she loves it - she`ll carry it to any diabetic charity events she goes to and you might get some word-of-mouth marketing.  It`s a long shot but it only costs you some time to find an agent or contact and a bag or two. 

More down-to-earth suggestions like distribution are good.  Also, who is your customer?  Who is most likely diabetic?  Get the bags into places THOSE women shop. 

How about hospital gift shops or those cute local pharmacies that have a bunch of gifty stuff, too?   I`ve spent a lot of time in several hospitals (visiting patients) this summer and it seems like those gift shops have some really trendy stuff. 

~Kim