As an entrepreneur, you need a plan for how you’re going to get your products into the hands of your customers. Although you can handle distribution yourself, you can also find partners through an indirect distribution model. This removes some of the hassle of selling directly, but it comes with its own set of costs…
The average consumer may not need to know the details of consumer products, but the information is critical for business owners, entrepreneurs, and product managers—if they want to create and sell products, that is. When you have a deep understanding of the ins and outs of consumer products, you’re better positioned to connect with your…
Companies find success when their products’ features solve their customers’ problems. To develop and define product features, you must first understand the problem that needs solving. Once you’ve identified the problem, you can then explore ways to provide a useful solution. Finally, you’ll work to find the best way to communicate that feature’s functionality to…
Imagine a home chef doing a happy dance as he realizes his new stainless steel cookware is exactly what he wanted: a sturdy pan that evenly distributes heat. This kind of reaction is possible because of rigorous testing to ensure the cookware’s durability and performance, statistical process control to maintain consistent manufacturing standards, and thorough…
To succeed in selling physical goods, you need an effective supply chain strategy. No matter how great your product is, you simply cannot deliver it at scale without efficient supply chain operations. There’s more than one way to structure your organization’s supply chain strategy, but it helps to work from a successful template. Two notable…
Imagine organizing a big party and enlisting your friends’ help. Each handles a different task: one picks up the cake, another arranges decorations, another brings equipment. You want everything to go smoothly, but you can’t be everywhere at once. Supply chain visibility is like having an app that shows you where each friend is, what…
When you visit a retail website and find yourself thinking it’s a pleasant experience, that’s not by accident. In fact, you’re being guided by a well-designed website structure known as product taxonomy. Different types of products are organized and categorized together so that you can find what you want. What is product taxonomy? Product taxonomy…
As a small business owner, finding new and innovative ways to get your products into your customers’ hands can be an exciting yet challenging task. A pop-up shop is one effective strategy, allowing you to interact with customers in person while they engage with your products and brand—boosting sales in the process. Whether you’re a…
Imagine three friends, all avid cyclists, who decide to start a business making bicycles. They have conducted market research and expect the US bicycle market to increase in size during the next several years. They’re considering setting up a manufacturing business, not just a makeshift workshop in the back of a bike store. To do…
When you’re running an ecommerce business, it’s natural to want to spend all your time and energy making sales—but your work doesn’t end when a site visitor buys something. You still have to assemble the order, pack it, ship it, and ensure it lands at your customer’s door. If you offer subscription options, the process…