Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I hate to say it, because I know the team at SuN loves my Squirrel Bait candied walnuts - but I am 99% sure I`m going to stop manufacture. I did some thinking today, and I honestly hate standing over that stove. On top of that, they have a rather short shelf life, unless frozen. I make them and freeze them for orders that come in via my site, but it makes things complicated. Example - I exhibited at a craft show the other day. I took out 3 cases of SB from the freezer. I only sold half (the dip mixes were the big seller) and now I can`t refreeze them and have to give them away.

Additionally, having celiac disease, and having two kids with the same plus other food intolerances, I know how hard it is to find food we can eat. Although we are not allergic to nuts, I feel kind of funny manufacturing a product that is a known allergen to many people. I also hate having to make them in my regular kitchen with the kids around, and when I`m featured in a major magazine in January, there`s no way I`d be able to keep up with the orders anyway.

I think what I want to do is concentrate more on dried/dehydrated  food products that will go along better with my dip mixes. I`ve been planning some crock pot helpers for a while now, and I also want to make some soup mixes - all gluten-free and natural of course.

Anyway, sorry to make this announcement. I hope I didn`t ruin the SuN team`s holiday!  I do plan to sell them until I run out. I have a few cases made.

Chris - sounds like a very good business decision to me ... but not surprised, already knew you were a smart "chick"! Your ideas on branching out sound promising and I wish you the best. Keep us posted on the magazine exposure. I guess the ABC news gig didn`t hurt, huh?

I know you`re busy but I hope you slow down long enough to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday - you deserve a break. We all have plenty to be thankful for. Remember the ones who will not be at home this year and the ones who have died protecting our freedoms so we can enjoy the holidays.

R@ 

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Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain`t Brain Surgery Blog

No more Squirrel Bait. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

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Vincent Wilcox (a.k.a. KRAKR)
Drummer
My band: Letters Make Words

I`ve not tried the nuts, but from the glowing reports, can`t you copyright the recipe then license out the manufacturing? You could get residuals or have some food company buy you out completely, and use the proceeds to help grow the dip side of the business? Seems a shame to let go of what appears to be a strong product just because of the size of your kitchen...no?

Thanks guys!

Craig - I haven`t built it up enough to be a strong product really, and I can always resurrect it later. I don`t really want to deal with licensing right now. It`s just too much right now for me to handle.

R@ - (I always read that as "rat" when I see it. lol) My in-laws are coming up from PA so I will definitely be chillin` out for a day or two. :)

Hi Chris,

Sounds like a good business decision, given all the factors.  I haven`t tried the squirrel bait, just the dip mix, which I think is great.  I think soup mixes are a great idea too.

I`m a big believer in packaging and presentation - and you`ve definitely got that one covered.  Your packaging/web site are so creative and fun.  I think as long as you continue to bring that creativity to your products, you can`t go wrong. 

:o)

Becky

 

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Becky Boyd
Alexandria, VA
rebeccalboyd@hotmail.com

Thanks Becky! Yeah, the big deciding factor in this is that I`m being featured in Family Circle magazine this January (Feb issue) and there`s no way I can handle a lot of nut orders. The dips will be hard enough, but do-able with a filling machine, which I plan to purchase soon. There will be over 6.5 million issues going out that month, so I really need to prepare. My web address WILL be in the article, so this is huge.

Chris, I`m looking at filling equipment too (as usual a step or two behind you). If you wouldn`t mind sharing your research, I`d be interested in seeing what you`re planning to buy.


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I saw the forum heading "My Nuts" and didn`t even have to guess the originator.
Chris, you have to do what you have to do.
But, I`m sure I speak for many, that we`ll really miss your nuts.

The Swaynester

Steve - Yes, I`ll email you - although, you will need a piston filler I think and I`d need an auger filler.

Sway - What`s so funny about "my nuts"?  (snicker)