Valour Launches Kiosk Program

For those retailers looking to run a larger cart business, Valour offers a program that provides access to top selling and high margin helicopters. These kiosk owners will be able to choose four small, three medium and three large helicopters from the selection, or a similar configuration. Those owners operating a smaller kiosk may be interested in a two small, two medium and one large helicopter configuration, as some carts are limited on space. If kiosk owners want to carry some of Valour’s other RC toy lines, these purchases can be tacked on to the program package. “Also, if customers find that any inventory isn’t moving they can contact us and we will work with them to resolve the problem,” Ho adds.

Since their introduction, VieFly helicopters continue to be Valour’s best selling RC product. In fact, the VieFly V268 has been a hit among Internet buyers, listed as one of Amazon’s top ten products. “We’re the exclusive distributor of the VieFly series,” Ho says. “They’re growing in popularity, as they have a very high quality control level.” VieFlys are readily available to those kiosks interested in carrying the product line as part of their program package. While Valour’s new program supplies a predetermined quantity, the company asks those retailers opting out of the program to place orders by the case. A case order of small helicopters (8 inches) holds 18 to 24 pieces, medium (12 to 15 inches) contains 8 to 12 helicopters, and large (23 to 30 inches) holds 3 to 6 pieces.

Valour’s RC helicopters continue to evolve as the company works with larger designs that are more stable, durable and flexible. Among some of its latest products is a new VieFly line. Ho says, “The new line debuted at the end of July, and included the first ever 30 inch VieFly helicopters and mini designs.” The company also expects to carry a new enhanced version of the popular V268, available in numerous colors and with the ability to combat one another. While Valour and its customers are looking forward to the release of its new RC helicopters, retailers are also invited to check out the company’s weekly specials on the website, with deals on some of Valour’s top RC products. And while it all sounds like fun and games, Ho did have one thing to add, saying, “Our products are for ages 14 and up. We include a safety feature on every helicopter, requiring the user to launch it from a flat surface and then sync up the remote control before the blades can start.”

For more information:
The Valour Inc.
5650 Savoy Ln
Houston, TX 77036
Tel.: 713-781-1500
Fax: 713-781-1537
Email: service@valorsinc.com
Website: www.valorsinc.com

Lee explains, “Quite a few, nearly 50, of the retailers carrying our products have our jewelry, key chains, displays and decorations showcased at kiosks. A kiosk program is well suited for our attention-grabbing items.” There’s something for everyone, including the encased brown recluse computer mouse that glows in the dark, selling wholesale for $12 and retail for $28, a starfish bracelet sold at $9 wholesale for six pieces and retailing at $5.99 for each, a miniature rose key chain sold at $10.80 wholesale for six pieces and $6.99 retail, or an encased scorpion necklace at $9 wholesale for six pieces and retailing $7.99 apiece. Retailers featuring these novelty items at their kiosks sell them either as individual displays or in combination with other in-store products.

Among the Real Insect Company’s top sellers, the Tarantula versus Scorpion paperweight sells wholesale for $45, with a suggested retail of $99.99. According to Lee, “Any item showcasing the scorpion is a top seller, as the scorpion has many meanings, not only because of the zodiac sign but also culturally.” Another popular item is a necklace featuring the Green Rose Chafer insect. This item is sold at a wholesale price of $13.50 for six pieces, which can be sold retail for $7.99 each. The Real Insect, Co., is in the test phase of creating POP displays, as well as looking into UPC coding for increased salability. Customers are also satisfied to learn that the company’s showcased specimens are farm raised and not endangered. Lee emphasizes, “We have 26 zoo gift shops that buy from us. In order to sell our products, we have to be certified by the government, and farm raise the insects and the flowers.”

As the Real Insect, Co., does not have a brick and mortar store, its representatives are frequent attendees at industry tradeshows, such as ASD in Las Vegas. Independent retailers frequenting these tradeshows, as well as those opting to become new retailers of the company’s products, are offered discounts. Lee assures retailers interested in carrying the products, “We offer our best selling package, showcasing items that have traditionally sold well. Once independent retailers begin to learn the buying habits of their customers for these products, they can then tailor what items they offer.”

For more information:
The Real Insect Co., Inc.
2860 Spring St. Ste 3
Redwood City, CA 94063
Tel: 650-261-9888
Fax: 650-261-9889
Email: tony@realinsect.net
Website: www.realinsect.net

For the millions of Americans who wear glasses, keeping them clean is an exercise in frustration, as most folks usually just breathe on them and wipe them down with whatever piece of cloth happens to be handy. Kim Smith, CEO and founder of Smitty’s Glass Wax, found a better way while cleaning his boat. “I got some wax on my glasses, and after I wiped them off the glasses were remarkably cleaner,” he recalls. “I worked as a roofing contractor and was always sweating on my glasses. Then with the wax coating on them, the glasses cleaned right up,” Smith says.

Believing he’d hit on something big, Smith worked on a special formula for the product for about six months, and finally tested it at a street fair. “We sold about 6,000 bottles at that fair,” he says. “We were on our way.” Smitty’s Glass Wax has three separate components that combine to give eyeglasses a dirt free finish. “First it’s a plastic cleaner that removes the oil and contaminants off the lens, so lenses are a lot clearer right off the bat,” Smith says. “It’s also a polish that makes the lenses feel real slick, so dirt doesn’t stick to them. Finally, the wax in the product makes them easy to clean later, and the microscopic film from the wax makes the glasses more smudge resistant,” he concludes. Smith has also hit on a surefire way to get customers to buy the product. “We let them try it,” he says. “We offer retailers a ‘Try it Free’ demo kit cleaning station, where passersby are invited to step up and try the product on their own glasses. Once they do, we have an 85 percent close rate on sales,” he notes. The demo kit, at 8” deep, 14” wide and about 15” high, is an eye catching display with the products attached to a lanyard, so no one walks off with them. The company must be doing something right, as it went to several different fairs and venues last year and sold an additional 38,000 units.

Smitty’s Glass Wax wholesales for $4.50 per package, which includes the wax cleaner, two micro fiber cleaning cloths, and a carry-it-with-you cleaning bag. The MSRP is $9.83. If retailers buy a minimum of three cases, the wholesale price drops down to $3.60 per unit. Free shipping and a free cleaning station are included at that price, and for storeowners requesting additional signage or POP displays, Smith will make them available at cost. “Right now we’re targeting kiosk and cart owners, as well as drug stores, truck stops, gift shops and numerous other retail outlets,” he says. The company is also working on extending the line, planning to roll out a small aerosol can to clean computer screens, and an aerosol kitchen and bath cleaner that lays down a protective film so dirt doesn’t stick. “We expect to have a big year,” Smith says. “Smitty’s Glass Wax sells like hotcakes.”

For more information:

Smitty’s Glass Wax

1308 East Colorado Blvd., Suite B

Pasadena, CA 91106

Toll Free: 800-588-4799

Email: smittysglasswax@yahoo.com

Website: smittysglasswax.com

The bracelets, the first in a series of products in the line, contain what Hossain calls a, negative ion product. “Throughout the day, we receive positive ions from cell phones, microwaves and other sources,” Hossain says. “These positive ions drain you down.” By wearing Xtreme Energy’s bracelets, their negative ions balance it all out. “Each of our products contain 600 negative ions, the highest in the industry,” Hossain says. “The bracelets help in relaxation, and can reduce stress and increase alertness. Wearing one can affect your whole body and mood in a good way,” he adds.

Xtreme’s bracelets range in sizes from extra small to extra large, and are available in eight different colors and four styles. “We’ll soon be offering many other negative ion products, including necklaces, different bracelets and imitation jewelry,” Hossain says. “They should be available in the next few months.” As demonstrated by a video on the company’s website, the results of using the bracelets can be surprisingly fast, and Xtreme Energy has a U.S. Patent pending on the product line.

Xtreme Energy bracelets wholesale for $3.25 to $3.50 each, depending on quantity and style ordered, and retail anywhere from $19.99 to $29.99. The bracelets currently come in four styles: square, rounded, braided or string wristband. “The minimum order is 500 pieces,” Hossain says, “but if you order 1,000 or more, we’ll include a cart display for free, a $750 value,” he adds. The company will also include various POP displays with every 1,000 pieces, and volume discount is available for orders of 2,000 or more. Each unit comes packed in its own clear plastic tube, so buyers are assured of getting a fully charged, sanitary product. “Our buyers are doing extremely well with the line,” Hossain says. “We expect it to be one of the hottest selling products for cart and kiosk operators in 2011.”

For more information:

Xtreme Energy

740 East Wilson Ave., Suite 201

Glendale, CA 91206

Tel.: 818-396-8400

Toll Free: 888-217-2511

Fax: 818-937-9029

Email: sales@xtremeenergy.us

Website: www.xtremeenergy.us

The Slinky Scarf is described as a multi wear accessory that can be worn in more than 20 different styles. On SlinkyScarf.com, it’s listed as being, “carry-able, flexible and multi wearable.” Made of lightweight woven nylon, wearers say it’s very fluffy and adaptable for multiple uses. “The Slinky Scarf can be worn in many forms and styles, such as a hood, scarf, vest, and even a possible skirt or dress,” Cohen says. “It’s about five feet long and stretches up to 30 inches wide, and can also be worn as a hat, shawl, vest, halter, and more.”

The Slinky Scarf is currently available in 10 colors, including black, gray, white, purple, burgundy, blue, black and white zebra, pink and white zebra, coffee brown, and hot pink. New colors are already on the drawing board. “We’re currently selling it not only to kiosk owners, but also to duty-free stores, gift shops and fashion outlets as well,” Cohen says. “The demand has been amazing,” he adds. “We’re obliged to ship our inventory by air to keep up with the orders.” A how-to video on the website shows models demonstrating the various ways the Slinky Scarf can be worn. It’s easy to see why it would be a big seller. In one segment, a model drapes it over her head and shoulders for a fast, easy hood for colder weather. In another, a simple twist over the shoulders turns the Scarf into a vest that goes with any outfit. Stretch it out, and it becomes a warming shawl.

Cohen has also built a strong support network for new customers, providing a variety of POP and display options. “We have three different designs of display pieces,” he says, “one for the floor, one for the countertop and one that’s wall mounted.” All are available at no charge with quantity purchases. “The floor model stands about five feet high,” Cohen says, “holds up to 60 scarves, and has a monitor atop it that constantly plays a DVD showing how many different ways the Slinky Scarf can be worn.” The countertop and wall mounted units hold about 20 pieces, and are also free for certain quantities. Cohen believes the Slinky Scarf will sell well, mostly because of its uniqueness. “There’s nothing else on the market like it,” he says. “We are the only company in the world to support the product with a vivid brand, nice colors, an instructional video and unique packaging. We think it’s going to be a hit on every level.”

The Slinky Scarf wholesales between $5 and $7 each, depending on the quantity ordered. “It’s selling very well at retail,” Cohen says. “My retailers are getting $19.99 to $29.99 apiece, depending on their business locations and foot traffic, and discounts are available for quantity orders.” In addition to wholesaling the item, Cohen also makes himself available to help customers set up their kiosks for maximum traffic and sales. Besides providing the displays, his company can also supply the necessary graphics to draw attention to the product, and offers to work with any shopping mall where the Slinky Scarf kiosks will be set up. “We provide the raw materials and guidance,” he says. “We recommend that kiosk owners set up a minimum of two video monitors, so passersby can see an actual demonstration of the product and get a better idea of the many ways it can be worn.” Cohen is always available to give support and answer vendors’ questions, either by phone or online. “We back our product all the way,” he says.

So why should a kiosk owner consider carrying the Slinky Scarf? “I can give you a number of reasons,” Cohen says. “First, you have a very low startup cost of only $1,400 for inventory, which includes a minimum of 200 pieces. The markup, depending on location, can be as high as 600 percent,” he adds. “Then you have the video presentation, which shows exactly what it is and how it works. It supports your selling efforts and draws immediate attention.” Cohen also notes that Slinky Scarves come in attractive packages with bright, vivid colors, and are sold as a complete kit containing the scarf, instructional DVD and a carrying pouch. “Because we anticipate them selling out fast, we can fill reorders very quickly,” Cohen says. “Shipping time is fast, and we also do overnight deliveries if requested.” So will the Slinky Scarf take off and be this year’s “Snuggie” sensation? The only retailers who’ll know for sure are those who carry it.

For more information:

Slinky Scarf

210 174th Street, Suite 2106

Sunny Island Beach, FL 33160

Tel.: 305-523-9658

Email: info@slinkyscarf.com

Website: www.slinkyscarf.com

The technology behind Topless Sandals is simple yet practical, as they’re made from a skin adhesive similar to that used in medical prosthetics. “To put the sandal on,” Peterson says, “you simply step on it heel first and then press forward. It’ll stay on all day long. As a matter of fact,” she adds, “the more heat and pressure the foot applies, the better they stick.” The sandals have become a huge hit with kiosk and cart operators nationwide, and sell especially well in warmer and sunnier climates. “To remove them, simply peel them off your feet,” she says. “When the sandals get dirty, just wash and brush them with a mild soap and water, and allow to dry thoroughly. The ‘sticky’ comes right back.”

Based in Deland, FL, Peterson is the primary distributor for manufacturer, That’s Cool, Inc., which makes the sandals here in the U.S.A. in Yuma, AZ. “It’s a high quality product, guaranteed to retain its holding power for at least a year,” Peterson says. Available in a variety of colors, Peterson notes she’s always delighted with every shipment. “A huge bolt of fabric is cut and then put on the base,” she says. The sandal is made in a multitude of patterns of primarily Polynesian or Island design fabrics, and shipped in random styles. Based on sales history, the company can give retailers a breakdown of how many of each size they’d recommend, based on order size, or they can fill the order per request. The sandals are packaged in a cellophane bag with a header for hook display. “We never know what’s coming in, as it’s always a surprise,” Peterson says. Yet it’s always something appropriate for the style. “Tropical colors are best sellers,” she adds, “and pink is probably our No. 1 seller.” About 90 percent of the sandals are sold to women, kiosk owners say, but 10 percent of buyers are men. “Guys don’t like tan lines either,” Peterson notes.

The Topless Sandals are available at various prices depending on quantity, but all enjoy a sizable markup. “For 20 to 49 pair, they wholesale for $6.50 each, but suggested retail pricing is $14.99 a pair,” Peterson says. Orders from 50 to 499 pair drops the price to $5.50 each, and for 500 to 999 pair, they are only $5.25 each. Orders above a thousand pair drop the price even lower, to $5 a pair. Helping retailers to display and sell the product, Peterson also has spinning floor racks to expand kiosk space. While the rack sells for $30, Peterson currently has a new promotion underway. “If you order 72 pair of Topless Sandals, we’ll throw in the rack for free,” she says.

Prettie Pretties also has a less expensive version of the sandals available, mostly for use in spas or other locations where disposable sandals would be desirable. “The Spa Disposable Sandal was designed for one-time use in salons and spas, but is now used internationally in hotels, airports, hospitals, clean rooms, water parks and other venues where cleanliness and protection of bare feet is appropriate,” Peterson says. The sandal has a 1/8″ sole and comes in one size, and is perforated to allow the wearer to tear the product to the exact size of his or her foot.  “Right now the Spa/Disposables wholesale for $1 a pair in black only,” Peterson says. “Or, for $300 you can get 300 pair, special ordered in a variety of pretty colors.”

Realizing that some wearers might want to accessorize their new footwear, Peterson also manufactures and distributes a unique line of toe thongs. “Our Beaded Foot Jewelry is offered as an accessory to the Topless Sandals and sold wholesale by the dozen,” Peterson says. “Retail, the product is sold in one piece units and is designed to be worn on one foot only, to accentuate the Topless look. The casual look of the sandal is made more formal by adding this accent piece,” she adds. The toe thongs wholesale for $2.50 each for a minimum of 12, and the MSRP is $6 each. They come individually packaged with headers in assorted colors, and stretch so that one size fits all.

Prettie Pretties also offers two colorful anklets, the Crystal Brilliance and The Tier. “Available in both silver and gold with Swarovski Crystals, the Brilliance can be worn with a tank top, shorts and Topless Sandals, or dressed up with a prom dress,” Peterson says. “This anklet is worn just a bit loose on the ankle, so it can move ever so slightly. When the sun hits the Crystals it just sparkles!” The Tier Anklet is both casual and dressy, worn with everything from shorts to jeans to formal wear. “For the best effect it’s good to wear this Anklet a bit snug, so it will stay with the Swarovski Crystal Drop in the center of your foot,” Peterson says. “It’s a perfect focus while wearing the Topless Sandals,” she adds. “The Diamond Cut chain design adds sparkle in the sun, and it’s available in either silver or gold.” The Crystal Brilliance wholesales for $9.50 and retails for $22. The Tier wholesales for $8.50 and retails for $20. A tabletop spinner model to display the toe thongs and other jewelry is available for $24. In addition to the floor and table spinner racks, Prettie Pretties offers banners to alert customers that Topless Sandals are available at the location. They can be hung on the wall or suspended, depending on your setup. Pricing is very affordable, only $21 and up, depending on the size that works best.

Interested kiosk and cart owners can, “dip their foot in,” and order a minimum of 20 pair of Sandals or 12 toe thongs to see how they sell. “Registration is free and easy through our website, and we usually ship the same day. Smart retailers will get their orders in early,” Peterson says. “Once the warm weather hits, we predict our Sandals and Foot Jewelry will be the hot items of the year.”

For more information:
Prettie Pretties by BJ
240 North Delaware Avenue
Deland, FL 32720
Tel.: 386-738-1334
Email: PrettiePretties@aol.com
Website: www.topless-sandals-wholesale.biz

For those ready to plunge into the business and turn a fast profit, Queen Accessory offers two starter kits, so kiosk or cart operators can hit the ground running. “The Silver Starter Kit has everything you need to go,” says Lord. “It comes complete with 300 pieces of cashmere-feel scarves in 50 different styles, 60 matching hats, 60 matching trapper hats, 36 matching earmuffs and pairs of gloves, and 36 Pashmina scarves,” he adds. The Silver kit wholesales for $2,121, and retailers can anticipate a threefold return, or over $6,000, Lord says. The Gold Starter Kit offers more variety, including 480 pieces of cashmere-feel scarves, 120 matching hats, 120 matching trapper hats, 84 matching earmuffs, 60 matching pairs of gloves, and 120 Pashmina scarves. “The Gold kit contains nearly 1,000 pieces of merchandise for only $4,011, but it will also bring a threefold return of over $12,000 retail,” Lord says. Again, he stresses that fast shipping is part of the deal, although he’s not sure how popular he’ll be with the UPS deliverymen. “Our starter kits come in multiple boxes,” he notes, laughing. “Still, smart retailers will be able to turn that product around in no time.”

For kiosk and cart owners that are more comfortable starting off smaller, Queen Accessory only requires a $150 minimum order, and the individual items it carries are also equally competitively priced. For example, the Cashmere-feel scarves wholesale for only $3.50 each, but can fetch up to four times at retail. The company’s various trapper hats wholesale for $4 to $5 each, and are going for $17 to $18 retail. Queen Accessory also carries a variety of matching hat and scarf sets, also competitively priced. For those looking for a funkier option, the company carries Navajo Hats, those toppers with the long strings hanging on each side that are popular among the skateboard, snowboard and college set. “I call them dingle-dangle hats,” Lord says with a laugh. “They wholesale for only $1.50 each, but kiosk operators are selling them for $5.99, $6.99 and more apiece.” The company also carries mannequin heads for displaying the various hats, as well as over a dozen different men’s and women’s wigs for customers who want to change their look completely. Pricing is available on request, and less expensive foam heads for display purposes are also available. Gloves are always a strong seller, and Queen Accessory has ladies’ leather gloves with fleece lining available in black and dark brown. They wholesale for $30 for a pack of 12, or $2.50 a pair, and fetch as much as $10 retail. For those retailers selling jewelry, Queen Accessory also carries three dozen different jewelry display stands to highlight various rings, necklaces and earrings. Prices start at only $7.50.

Registering with Queen Accessory is a simple process, Lord says. “Just enter your basic information along with a password, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter listing the specials,” he says. “Then when you return to the site, you can simply log in.” Speaking of specials, the company has an entire section at canalstop.com dedicated to unique buys and closeouts, for even more savings. For example, a recent visit found Leather Trooper Trapper hats marked down from $60 to $48 a dozen wholesale, and a 12 pack of flower shaped earmuffs for only $42 a dozen.

The company has just launched a complete line of knit animal hats for little kids, featuring elephants, pigs, dogs, the ever popular sock monkey, and more. “We got some interest from customers, so we decided to expand into this growing market,” Lord says. “No matter what the economy does, parents and grandparents always buy something for the little ones in their lives.” Interested buyers are advised to call the company for the complete selection and pricing. For cart and kiosk operators looking to take advantage of the cold, Queen Accessory is the place to go. The company has what buyers need, and can ship out as soon as the order is received. “We get a lot of repeat business,” Lord says, “and we believe it’s due to our competitive prices, fast turnaround and strong customer service.” When it comes to retailing, what more could you want?

For more information:
Queen Accessory, Inc.
359 Canal Street
New York, NY 10013
Tel.: 718-821-1092
Email: holidayproducts@comcast.net
Website: www.canalstop.com

Catering to Kiosks
But this wide ranging and big selling company makes a point of catering to kiosk customers. According to Sweatman, “Depending on the season, we have between ten to 20 kiosks that exclusively offer our products, and another five to ten that offer our products as a portion of their kiosk.” The company offers several policies designed to lift kiosk retailers specifically. Says Sweatman, “Because weekends can deplete inventory so quickly, we guarantee that if an order is placed before 11 a.m. Central Time on Monday, we will get the order to the customer by Friday of the same week. We also offer free shipping on orders of only $250, which allows special orders to still be a profitable business practice.”

In addition to fast replenishment and free shipping, Kerusso has a particular program tailored for kiosk customers. Part of the program is a money back guarantee. “Our kiosk / cart program is a complete money back guaranteed program,” says Sweatman. “So if this program ends up not being as profitable as the customer would like it to be, they can send all of the product back to Kerusso for their money back.” That lets customers return stale product and replace it with the hot sellers. “We allow kiosk customers to return slower selling product throughout the year for a credit to their account, so they can bring in new and top selling designs,” says Sweatman.

This also means a customer can buy product with the intention of selling as much as possible, and then return the surplus. In fact, the company actually encourages customers to work the system in this way. “This also is helpful if a customer is just interested in offering our product for the busy holiday season,” elaborates Sweatmen. “If someone is interested in just doing this business as a holiday kiosk, then they can return all the products they purchased that is remaining at the end of their season for a refund.”

Kerusso also backs up its kiosk customers with sales advice, a point of company pride. “One thing that Kerusso takes pride in is the support we have to offer when it comes to helping retailers to merchandise the product,” says Sweatmen. “For example, our apparel display is designed to present the Kerusso tees like artwork instead of just a T-shirt. Customers that have used our apparel display have found significant increase in their sales, primarily because of the intriguing way it presents a large amount of product in a very small amount of space.”

With decades of retail experience, the company has an excellent sense of what sells and what doesn’t. For kiosks, apparel is king, and gift items come next. “Our apparel designs are what really capture the attention of the customers during that very small window of time, say three seconds, as they walk by the kiosk,” says Sweatmen. “Our apparel is typically about 85 percent of what Kerusso sells at kiosks.”

Kudos, Contributions and Community
Of course, Kerusso sells to a wide range of retailers, large and small, and it is for good reason that the company has earned a range of accolades. For the third straight year, “Inc.,” one of the nation’s premier business magazines, has named Kerusso to its Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest growing private companies. Kerusso is regularly listed in the top 30 of the annual Top Volume Decorators by “Impressions,” an apparel trade magazine. The company earned a 2010 Partnership Award from Family Christian Stores, a 2009 Accessories/Apparel Christian Retailing Retailers Choice Award, and a 2008 Best Booth Staff CBA Impact Award.

That speaks to the company’s excellence in business, but Kerusso prides itself on making a contribution to the community and the wider world. Following the beliefs of its founder, the company supports tithing and donates to many charities wholeheartedly. After the 9/11 attacks, Kerusso gave $20,000 to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Over the years, Kerusso has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to churches, organizations for young adults, women’s shelters, and disaster groups, to name a few. The company also takes its eponymous mission seriously, as well. The name, “Kerusso,” derives from a Greek word meaning, “to herald divine truth,” that is, “to preach.” In a way, the company fulfills its mission, “to preach,” every time someone reads one of its shirts. By that measure, Kerusso has reached out to millions. The company’s most recent initiative is an effort to bring a Christian theme author’s movie to northwest Arkansas. According to a recent report on a business-to-business news website, Fibre2Fashion, Kerusso has become the official apparel partner for, “Like Dandelion Dust,” a new film starring Academy Award Winner, Mira Sorvino, and based on the novel by best selling Christian fiction author, Karen Kingsbury.

Stand Out Merchandise
But the awards and the contributions wouldn’t be possible without powerful products. Sweatman says that producing clever and funny designs is a company standard. “About a third of our designs are parodies that are intended to resemble things that are popular in our culture,” he explains. For example, the company has parodied a popular video game with its, “Called to Duty,” shirt, as well as the social networking site with its, “faith book,” design. “Combining someone’s passion for things that they enjoy or are involved in, with their passion for their faith, makes for a great selling product,” says Sweatman.

Another factor that makes Kerusso’s products so appealing, of course, is their Christian theme. “Another reason our products stand out is because there are so many people in malls that resonate with the message our product is sharing,” explains Sweatman. “Newsweek did a survey and found that 85 percent of people claim to be Christian; however there are not that many products in most malls that cater to this large demographic, so our product stands out.”

It stands out with retailers as well, for dollars and cents reasons. Sweatman says that the minimum order is, “just $250 on the initial order, and then no minimum order after that.” The kiosk program offers the best prices the company charges. “Anyone who gets involved with the Kerusso kiosk program will automatically receive the lowest wholesale cost on our products that we have to offer,” says Sweatman. “We don’t have a special, because this program is special.” And with these low prices, he says that retailers can expect margins of 200 percent on the majority of Kerusso’s products.

For more information:
Kerusso
402 Highway 62 Spur_
Berryville, AR 72616_
Tel.: 870-423-6242_
Fax: 870-423-3568_
Email: Use the online form at www.kerusso.com/ContactUs/Sales.aspx
Websites: www.kerusso.com
Or www.christiantbiz.com

“This all started with some friends who were street performers in Japan,” says Yaniv Gross, Client Relations Manager of BlackBox. “They were doing old routines and mind teasers at festivals and street fairs, selling the original versions of what eventually became the BlackBox line.” Gross saw the potential in the products four or five years ago, and the concept was brought to the U.S. in 2007: Magic that is available to the masses. “The biggest knowledge database of magic is here in the U.S.,” he insists. “But our product stands out because it’s not designed for professionals; it’s designed for any layman who likes to use his brain, to find a new hobby, or to make a great gift for someone,” Gross says. “We like to think of it as ‘Magic and brain teasers for Dummies’.”

Gross is one of those fortunate people who gets to do what he loves for a living, and his enthusiasm for his products is infectious. “Every ‘routine’ we sell (and please don’t call them ‘tricks’) gives the desired effect,” amazing and delighting audiences, he says. His company started small, with a kiosk at an indoor mall in San Diego. But Gross knew very quickly he had a hit on his hands. “From Black Friday in 2007 [the day after Thanksgiving] until Christmas Eve that year, we did more than $100,000 in retail sales,” he says. “We didn’t even have the full line back then; just the Levitation Kit and the Black Box, which is a complete starter kit for magicians.”

Flash forward to the present, and BlackBox Wholesale describes itself as “Redefining the Impossible.” That’s not far from the truth. The company started out as a group of six entrepreneurs, “Who passionately dedicated themselves to bring customers nothing but perfect quality products,” Gross says. Working hand in hand with their own production team, BlackBox strives to put what is described as, “breathtaking concepts inside amazing packaging.” And it seems to be working.

“When someone buys one of our products, they get everything they need to be successful,” Gross says. Each package comes with its own professionally produced DVD showing how to do the routine, a booklet explaining the steps, and the product itself. Best of all is the profit potential. “Retailers are seeing anywhere from a 700 to 1,500 percent markup,” Gross says. For example, the Levitation Kit, which retails for $49.95, is available at a wholesale price of $5 to $6 each. “Whether it’s money, cards, IDs, credit cards, rings, or coins, you can take any object and instantly make it float in mid air. No one can pass by and ignore it,” according to promotional copy for the Levitation Kit on the website, BlackBoxWholesale.com.

The “Déjà Vu” routine, which wholesales for less than $5, retails for $40. And the complete Black Box kit wholesales for between $13 and $15, depending on quantity, and retails for $149. The company also offers discounts for quantity orders, which usually ship the same day if received before noon. First time orders ship within 48 hours, and pricing is available on request.
More and more retailers are signing up to carry the BlackBox line, in part due to the easy to follow instructional DVDs included. Produced and filmed in a multi-continent environment (Japan, U.S. and Europe), each guide in the series includes a collection of eye catching illusions. BlackBox also offers strong support for retailers right out of the gate. The company offers point of display signs and materials, as well as illustrative videos that show the illusions, accompanied by the screams of a delighted audience.

In addition, the company offers experienced trainers who will come to the retailer’s location and teach employees how to demonstrate and sell the product. These are independent contractors who work on a percentage of sales. “People appreciate them, and our retailers ask for them when they expand their locations,” Gross says. He adds that numerous gift, novelty, book and magic stores are currently carrying BlackBox’s line, and these numbers are growing due to popular demand and word of mouth marketing from satisfied customers.

“It’s a perfect setup for retailers,” Gross says. “Our product gives you the opportunity to expand.” Gross explains that the kiosk operator draws traffic by displaying the line, and trained salespeople demonstrate the various ‘routines.’ Once a sale is made, friends who see the magic for themselves want to know more, and come looking for it. Those who already purchased it come back, wanting to buy more. The company even includes a coupon with each product, good for a discount on a future purchase.

There are a number of reasons for the phenomenal success of BlackBox, and the company lists ten of them online as to why kiosk operators may want to start their own BlackBox location.
Among them:

• It’s a New Concept. In a market where too many retailers are carrying the, “same old, same old,” the BlackBox line is a unique offering that draws crowds wherever it’s shown.
• Holiday Favorite. For the person who has everything, an illusion from BlackBox that they can master in a short time is the ideal gift.
• Customers are Drawn In. The company provides distinctive “The Black Box” signage, and sales agents wear t-shirts that read, “Can You Keep a Secret?” Add in screams of amazement coming from your TV screens playing the illusions over and over again, and customers will be entranced.
• Easy Training. The BlackBox is about to launch an online training seminar, so your employees can get up to speed fast on how to demonstrate the various illusions.

It goes without saying that these kits sometimes need a demonstration to facilitate a sale, and BlackBox Wholesale has that covered as well. The company offers retailers online video tutorials to show how the illusion works, and the best way to demonstrate it to potential customers and secure a sale. Retailers merely need to open an account and enter a user name and password to access any of a number of the custom made tutorials.

Not content to sit on its laurels, BlackBox is also coming out with some new options shortly to keep the market fresh and interesting for the holiday season. In the next few weeks, the company is launching stainless steel mazes (also known as puzzles), and new magic kits titled “Twilight,” “Chrome,” “BlackBox Pro,” and a few other surprises. Asked why he thinks the BlackBox line is so successful, Yaniv Gross has a ready answer, “People like to get something they know they can do.”

For more information:
Future Lines Inc.
1057 Mazzone Drive
San Jose, CA 95120
Tel.: 866-866-7275
Email: office@blackboxwholesale.com
Website: blackboxwholesale.com

Since then, he has put a lot of sweat equity into his career. “It was just a lot of hard work, a lot of phone calls, and a lot of late nights,” he says. “And over the years we’ve grown into a multimillion dollar business.”

And his business model is simple. “We sell to anybody who buys wholesale sunglasses. It could be a convenience store, department store, or a cart kiosk in a mall. We sell to anybody and everybody who sells sunglasses,” Bryan says. “We wholesale. We do special orders. Whether it is by the pair or by the dozen, we sell lots of sunglasses.” And just as the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so the proof of the vending is in the variety.

“We have 900 plus skus,” says Bryan. “We carry a full line of sunglasses and sunglass accessories, displays, racks, that sort of thing.” He is eager to brag on Pacific Link’s own house brand. “Our sports line speaks for itself. Our brand, Element 8, is, for the money, the best sunglass product out there.”

Pacific Link knows that customers need information about the variety it offers, especially regarding new products. To that end, the Pacific Link website, www.sunglassespacificlink.com, serves as an invaluable news and buying aid. “They can go on there and look at every product we have, Bryan says. “The biggest tool is that once a customer becomes a customer, they can find out about the latest and greatest new styles out are. We get new styles in weekly and there’s a new arrivals category on the website. You can look at that and see what we just got in. We typically update that within 24 hours of receiving the product.”

There is also an option for customers to see upcoming styles, “If we have an image and the product is coming, maybe a couple weeks out, depending on customs clearance.” Keeping up with constant change is a part of the company’s success. “We keep up with the current trends, which seem to change every two or three months,” says Bryan. “Whether it be an Aviator or a Colored Wayfarer, we just try to stay on top of the current trends, which are important to buyers in mall locations.”

Sales at mall carts and kiosks make an important contribution to the company’s bottom line. “We do have many kiosk customers. And we sell a lot to wholesalers,” he adds, who in turn distribute to kiosks. “There might be a wholesaler who owns and operates 25 or 50 carts and kiosks, and we’ll sell to that wholesaler, and he’ll turn around and redistribute that product to the individual store locations.”

That longstanding experience with cart based retailing in malls gives Pacific Link the ability to offer advice, which is part of the service that sets the company apart. “Typically, when kiosk owners are new, they tend to buy what they like, not necessarily what sells. We don’t claim to be experts on everything, but we do claim to be experts on sunglasses. So we prefer that customers allow us to do some of the picking for them, or at least let us help with their selection.” That’s a service that makes use of Bryan’s deep product knowledge. “We just provide what we feel will be the proper styles for that particular market. I typically pick 80 to 90 percent of the styles for them.”

The company offers starter kits, but the small quantities involved make them a better fit for a general store, not a specialized kiosk. “We do have starter packages, but not necessarily for carts and kiosks,” says Bryan.

“If a kiosk is set up strictly for sunglasses, it can typically carry anywhere from 100 to 150 styles. You are still able to get a full dozen glasses per style out there. The starter kit is more of an option for someone who owns a small shop, new to the business. maybe a salon, and they may buy ten different styles in a little countertop display.”

The kiosk customers are buying greater quantities than that from the get go, because they have to stock a full kiosk. “Whether they are buying from one company or multiple companies, they typically need 100 styles to fill up a cart,” according to Bryan. The company has no minimum order, but customers have to buy a dozen glasses per style. At larger quantities, they “absolutely” offer volume discounts. “Sunglasses start in the $20 to $24 a dozen range. And we discount from there, depending on the volume,” he says.

Wholesale prices are available on the website to customers who register as wholesalers, but Bryan cautions against focusing on those numbers. Although people who are first time shoppers can logon to use the website as wholesalers, “that’s for new customers who pay full price online. It is designed for people who have never ordered before and who want to go in and register online and order online and never want to speak to a person. You always get a better price if you call and talk to a person. If you are a return account, you certainly don’t want to do that, because you’re going to pay full price.”

That tells you how much the company values the personal touch, selling good size orders to repeat customers they know. “The biggest thing is, we cater to our customers,” says Bryan. “We are designed to sell in large caseloads to corporate accounts. That’s 60 to 70 percent of our overall business.”

For more information:
Pacific Link
1223 Coronet Drive, Suite 3
Dalton, GA 30720
Toll Free: 866-824-0079
Tel.: 706-275-0079
Fax: 706-272-7979
Email: infopacificlink@windstream.net
Website: sunglassespacificlink.com