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Tony Thomas Inner circle North Carolina 1248 Posts |
Hey Jay,
I'm glad you are our guest. I always enjoy your insightful posts. I have a comedy mentalism effect that I have developed that might be marketable. I'm not sure if it is important to describe, but I'm wondering what to do with it? Who do you suggest that I talk with and what factors should a person in my situation consider? I'm sure there are many that are in this situation and could benefit from your advice. Thanks in advance. |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
If you are speaking only about marketing I would also consider these elements.
How popular will this effect be? The leaders are card tricks, coin tricks then mentalism. Do you already have a name, as far as marketing goes? In other words, will people buy it just because your name is attached? What does it cost, to the penny to produce? Reason, you need to know if you can wholesale or distribute it. If you are having it made by another entity, how many will you need to make? What does a similar effect sell for? In the magic world, we all work backwards. The retail price is set then we see if we can make a profit, then we see if we can wholesale. After that is all figured out the marketing begins, If you're a major name then you should go all out and advertise in every magazine. You can also advertise in the magazines which will cause shops to call their distributer and ask for one or two. Don't expect shops to call you directly, they like writing a single check each month to one distributer - which I could never figure out because that means they all have the same product. Another approach is to get the three largest online shops to buy the item and they will do the advertising. By whole-selling you basically give over 50 percent or more of the retail price when you take into account the cost of producing it. Sometimes that means that you must work 250 percent harder to sell a smaller amount... but it's guaranteed, I have never found that having an item reviewed helps sales but testimonials help. This is just my opinion. I know of a few other manufacturers who are into forensic accounting and they know exactly how much various avenues of advertising relate to sales. Half of them do not believe that advertising in magazines but if you have a good item you can sell hundreds. So to kind of point you in the right direction... is it worth expending lots of capitol or is it worth letting someone else sell. The last option is to sell at conventions. Certain items sell better when displayed. I've sold 300 or more of our miracle money at every convention I've shown them at (coin thru coin too) mostly because they are so visual. Don't forget about making some movies of the product for the internet including a version for magic shops which may be different from the version on your site. Hope this helps. If you decide to sell to distributers then go to Murphys. Magicity and Show Biz Services first. If you decide to advertise directly be prepared to run ads several times in each magizine before you hopefully see a return. The best way to figure out if an item will sell is to show it at your magic club and tell them your proposed price and see their reaction. If they say "that's nice" then you tell them the price and there is dead silence.... that's helpful to know not to make too many.
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Tony Thomas Inner circle North Carolina 1248 Posts |
Thank you Jay. Let me ask a clarifying question... I'm not sure of the terms.
I think the option I am interested in is to sell to distributors. Is that where they buy the effect for a one time flat fee (assuming they like it and think it will produce a profit), and then the buyer (distributor) produces, markets, and sells the item for whatever profit. And they keep all the profit (assuming it sells). Is that arrangement you were referring to when you said, sell to distributors? |
jay leslie V.I.P. Southern California 9498 Posts |
The only distributer that manufactures directly is magic city (I believe) although Tim has produced a few items that sold very well (murphys). It really depends on the materials to make the project but I can tell you this much.... you sell the idea and you will never see anywhere the amount of profit you would if you made it yourself - and again. you sell the idea and you're done, paid and out.
Why don't you call me and I can put you on the right track in about 4 minutes 714 847 4311 I;m here most of the day tomorrow making Gozinta Boxes. 9 to 6 Pacific time Thank you
Jay Leslie
www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com |
Tony Thomas Inner circle North Carolina 1248 Posts |
Thanks Jay - I'll do that.
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The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » The July 2009 entrée: Jay Leslie » » Marketing An Effect? » » TOPIC IS LOCKED (0 Likes) |
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