Had a great trip to SuperZoo Pet Product trade fair in Las Vegas. Being my first big trade show, I felt like a kid in a toy store viewing a vast assortment of products available and seeing their quality first hand. Some of the apparel was very high quality and well made, and there was also lots of clothing that was cheap looking and poorly made. But, regardless, there is a market for high as well as low end.
I found most of the exhibiting, were enormously friendly and helpful even when I explained that I wasn't a buyer but simply attending as an observer and hoping to launch my own business. They were willing to give advice regarding manufacturing resources, importing issues, best sellers, the economy, the future of the petwear business. One vendor, Bob Siemon from Rockin' Doggie even showed me a video of how his beautiful collars and leads are made by hand in California. Classy. I showed him the Misty Heart sweater and how it worked so beautifully with his color choices on display. And got his feedback on my sweaters (loved them) as well as what his experiences were working with China
www.rockindoggie.com
www.rockindoggie.com
Another terrific booth was newbie Zoe & Co. Karen Tsai, owner and a real sweetheart, has a beautiful product. Coats with "real"couture details and high end fabrics. The picture on the far right is her little dog Zoe, modeling one of them on the runway. I immediately went to her booth to offer my congrats. She also admired two of the sweaters I showed her and with her high taste level, I was doubly honored.
There was a rep I spoke to who I will keep in contact with, and Shari Smith from Green Field Paper Company with whom I discussed the possibility of having greeting cards made to send to my customers' pets or to package and sell as gift cards. They're made with seeds embedded in them and the whole thing can be stuck in soil to produce a garden (of what variety I'm not sure)
I had actually gotten something similar from a friend some 12 years ago but the card was so pretty, I never planted it. Shari gave me a sample and I'm going to give it a try.
I also attended a couple of workshops on internet commerce, marketing and SEOs and how to make the most of your website. Lots to learn and all good to know (and helped my cottage cheese brain to grasp) once I'm ready with a REAL website.
Meanwhile, I was able to make another sweater (crocheting really helps pass the time and anxiety of 5 hour plane flights) and am in the final stages.... just need to decide on the sleeves and embellishments. I'll post that when completed.
As for my suppliers, and on the advice of several of the attendees showing at the trade fair, I've started looking into Peru (great wool resource) and Canada as possible manufacturers of Lollypups sweaters. Also tried to reconnect with a vendor I worked with at LCI who made ladies sweaters in Mexico. Once I have more information from various resources and am more comfortable with the process, I'll be able to move forward.
Thought of the day..................dog lovers are a whole different breed of person. I'm grateful to everyone who was so free to give me pointers on this business.
