An Eyewear Solution for Security, Fashion and Functionality

Hopper details the durability and strength of the product, explaining, “It’s a lightweight product, but it’s super powerful, working on sweatshirts, fleece, denim, and just about every type of clothing except for a thick motorcycle leather jacket.” In fact, it is the product’s robust design that has led Hopper to rebrand. “ReadeRest served a purpose and was a cool sounding name in the market, but SpecSecure has a better impact, is easier to remember, and speaks to the product more truthfully. Glasses don’t just rest on my invention, but are secured,” notes Hopper. Customers no longer stick their glasses in their shirt and worry about bending over to pick something up, causing the glasses to fall out and get scratched on the ground. “No more scratched lenses! No more missing glasses!,” he adds.

The ReadeRest illustrates flexibility in its usage, as Hopper has known some customers to hang their Bluetooth earpiece, golfing tees, as well as fishing hooks and lures on the product, in order to keep them secure and at their side. The latest trends in use, however, are as a name badge holder among the hospitality and medical industries, as well as a secure holder for crafter’s scissors and ballpoint pens.

ReadeRest’s simple design and extensive uses has created a stir that allows it to be successfully marketed to hospital gift stores, salons, wineries, hardware stores and more. The product has also gained quite a bit of international attention. Hopper explains, however, “The ReadeRest is made available to many countries strictly through a web presence. It is in the U.S. that we are focusing growth and partnerships with retailers.” Although the website lists retail prices, ReadeRest is also available at wholesale prices. While previously advertised at three different order levels of $250, $1,000 and $5,000, retailers can now supply the ReadeRest in their store for one low-risk investment of $160. For this cost-efficient purchase, retailers will receive Hopper’s “starter kit,” which includes a free counter top display and free shipping.

Independent retailers are invited to visit the ReadeRest website to take a look at the growing fashion designs. Designs range from stainless steel to those adorned with Swarovsky crystals in a variety of colors. Hopper also mentions that he is currently looking into expanding the line by adding a heart and ribbon shaped ReadeRest, in support of Heart Disease Awareness, Breast Cancer Awareness and to Support the Troops. “Hopefully once these new designs are underway, we can do our part by contributing a percentage of the profits to the associated organizations,” he notes. Hopper encourages feedback from users and buyers. “We like when people contact us with improvements, ideas for different products, or simply with a thank you. It makes it all worthwhile,” he says.

For more information:
ReadeRest
1800 Sandalwood Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92835
Tel.: 866-776-7787
Fax: 562-690-8600
Website: www.readerest.com

Electronic Cigarettes Benefitting in More Ways Than One

And while Gray only asks for 10 minutes of your time to explain the benefits of her stainless steel, rechargeable e-cig kits, she and her team promise a lifetime of customer service. “The objective is to provide customers with a unit that is going to last them a long time and be cost effective,” she explains. “We take care of our customers with a 60 day warranty, while most e-cig distributors only offer a 28 to 30 day manufacturer’s warranty.” In fact, Gray explains that it is a job requirement within her company that reps pick up their phone and provide one-on-one attention if necessary. “I’ve driven to meet a customer at 11 p.m., in the middle of nowhere with my PJs on, to deliver vaping juice in a time of need,” Gray adds.

To Gray, no electronic cigarette is a bad electronic cigarette, as long as it is meeting the smoker’s expectations and assisting in the smoker’s ultimate goal. However, there are quite a few features offered by SmokersVapor and its electronic cigarettes that set it apart from other smoking alternatives on the market. Unlike many other e-cig solutions, SmokersVapor provides stainless steel rechargeable battery units. “Say your ceramic battery unit got dropped. This could easily cause the unit to break, or the memory chip inside to get dislodged,” Gray explains. “I’m looking to promote longevity.” Customers will also find a top choice in vaping juices offered by SmokersVapor. These juices, containing propylene glycol or the alternative, vegetable glycerin, are available in traditional tobacco flavors or the wildly popular fruits, drinks and spices categories. And while traditional smokers can visibly see their remaining ration in a carton, vaping liquid is a bit different. “We provide a red line on the bottle, almost like an empty tank indicator. Just as you would fill up at a quarter of a tank of gas, the red line is telling you it is time for another order of vaping liquid,” says Gray.

Battery lifespan varies between brands, and is determined by the number of full mouth puffs. These can range between 150 to 400 puffs, or drags. Each product typically identifies its capacities in the product description area. Best advice is to keep one battery on charge while you are using another one. A battery can be re-charged up to 300 times before you will need to replace the battery. And while some smokers may be interested in a disposable e-cig to avoid the hassle of recharging, Gray reminds them that they are still spending money two to three times a week for a replacement. “After two weeks, they could have purchased a kit from us and still be using it,” she adds.

Gray’s mission, however, isn’t solely to provide the best quality electronic cigarette on the market, but to offer blue collar pricing, for smokers spending a fortune on cigarettes in a down economy. “Our most expensive unit is $65 retail, while many on the market average around $85,” Gray notes. And retailers don’t have to worry about profits, as they can at least expect a 50 percent markup on SmokersVapor’s products, and sometimes even as high as 200 percent markup. “Our best selling 510 Starter Kit is available for $32 wholesale, with a suggested retail of $45,” says Gray. “While this might not seem like a large markup, I remind retailers that most of their profit will come from selling our accessories, like cartridges and vaping juices, which will need to be replaced often by e-cig smokers.”

For more information:
SmokersVapor Lounge
6741 102nd Avenue North, Ste. 1
Pinellas Park, FL 33782
Tel.: 727-474-2529
Email: smokersvapor@aol.com
Website: www.smokersvapor.com

Product Program for Independent Gift, Convenience and Tobacco Stores

While Green Smoke will be finding its way into major drug and retail stores in 2012, the company’s loyal customer base is made up of independent retailers such as gift stores, convenience stores and tobacco shops, as well as kiosks that have been buying and reselling the brand for the past few years. The company is offering two product programs; one for mass market retailers, and the other a Premium line that offers a full selection of e-cig starter kits, cartomizers in six flavors, and accessories, including travel chargers, cases and USB cigarettes. The lucrative market for e-cigs allows a healthy profit margin for any retailer, especially with low priced starter kits from $21.99 to $99.99 wholesale, $9.99 disposables, and replacement cartomizer packs for $9.99 to $16.99, offered through Green Smoke’s programs.

Green Smoke also offers attractive POP displays in both open and pilfer proof formats, as well as attractive in-store signage such as posters, wobblers and door signs. “Green Smoke is acclaimed for its customer service, and ships all orders within 24 hours,” notes Soibelman. “The company has a special program to support new kiosks and Green Smoke exclusive stores. Each dedicated retail location is eligible to earn up to 10 percent of free goods in their first six months of operation.” Commenting on a new sales year, Soibelman adds, Green Smoke will continue to improve its e-cig technology in 2012, including longer shelf life for cartomizers, quick chargers, and increased smoke volume.

For more information:
Green Smoke, Inc.
20533 Biscayne Blvd., Ste 784
Miami, FL 33180
Tel.: 305-851-5795
Toll Free: 888-224-1345
Fax: 866-214-3154
Email: service@greensmoke.com
Website: www.greensmoke.com

More Company News articles from Independent Retailer.

Categorized into four tiered collections, Kachina’s line of products have something for every look and every personality. The Iron Collection offers style and affordability. The Silver Collection carries those trendy seasonal looks. Then there is the Gold Collection for a more bold and refined choice, and the Diamond Collection is specifically made for the fashion driven buyer. And while style may be at the top of a wearer’s list of priorities when purchasing sunglasses, protection is still the purpose. “We let our customers know that behind the fashion there is still that UV 400 Protection that will keep their eyes protected,” explains Weizmann.

Kachina’s fashion forward line may drive sales, but it is the company’s customer service that keeps customers. “We specialize in tailoring our products and ideals to match our customers’ needs in the present, and develop programs that have led to long relationships,” says Weizmann. With a minimum order of ten dozen, retailers are able to display more than ten options. “Our minimum orders offer maximum options in variety, because our sunglasses come in sorted dozens with the most popular colors and designs of the season,” he adds. “Many times one style can have from two to six variations.” Sunglasses selection is not the only variety Kachina offers, as displays for product placement are also numerous. From the D-120 that holds up to 120 pairs of sunglasses to the smallest display that holds 12, Kachina can accommodate any size space.

As 2012 begins and sunglass season is about to arrive, Weizmann remembers that while sunglasses are a necessity, they are a large part of everyone’s spring and summer wardrobe. Just like a handbag, consumers want what is in season. “This year, we feel people are looking for something fun, with great function,” he says. “Bright colors are going to be trendy, while a throwback to traditional shapes will make a strong comeback.” For retailers looking to revitalize their inventory with this year’s fashion forward designs at the ASD show in March, Kachina will be offering a 30 day money back guarantee, price match guarantee, free shipping for orders over $1,000, and a free gift.

Like Kachina, Pacific Link is forecasting a similar fun and functional fashion season for sunglasses in 2012. In fact, its spring fashion line will be featuring bright and neon colors, as well as animal prints. Updating its previous 900 plus skus, the company plans to continue with 600 of its best selling styles, and add 200 plus new styles to this year’s line. “Our goal is to update our inventory so that our customers can do the same, and offer the most up to date trends in the sunglass market,” says Ron Bryan, sales and marketing director.

Pacific Link, however, does plan on continuing its own sports sunglass line, Element 8. Updating offers every month, the company still finds that sport glasses continue to be a big part of the business. No matter the style, “the wholesale price averages about $24 a dozen, with discounts offered for quantities,” Bryan says. Even with an update in inventory, the pricing structure will remain roughly the same. “We will continue to offer discounts to first time customers, and as always, pricing will be customized for every retailer purchasing from us,” Bryan adds. Pacific Link’s business model is simple. “We sell to anybody who buys wholesale sunglasses. It could be jobbers, convenience stores, department stores, or kiosks in the mall,” notes Bryan.

Pacific Link knows that customers need information about the variety it offers, especially regarding new products. To that end, Pacific Link’s website, www.sunglassespacificlink.com, launched a new redesign in January, serving as an invaluable news and buying aid. “Customers can go there and look at every product we have,” Bryan says. There is also an option to see upcoming styles. 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 current trends.”

In business since 1998, Pacific Link has expanded into an international operation. “David Chin, a Chinese born American, started the business in the back of his parents’ restaurant. Beginning when sunglasses were just becoming hot in the accessories industry, Chin has grown his business and contacts, and now has a 40,000 square foot warehouse in Georgia,” notes Bryan. Actively seeking new business, Pacific Link is willing to cater to customer needs. “We do specials from time to time when we appear at tradeshows, but we’re willing to work with anyone, whether they are looking to order one dozen sunglasses or 1,000 dozens.” A call to the company allows for quick qualification, and a product and pricing list is sent out to start the process.

Also a veteran in the industry, witnessing the rise of sunglasses as a hot accessory item, is CTS Wholesale. Kirk Bachelder, president, boasts an impressive 29 years experience in the sunglass business, but it is his familiarity with the retail and wholesale industries that makes him such a successful supplier. “Our main mission at CTS Wholesale is to help new entrepreneurs or business owners succeed in the sunglass business,” he says, and that means more than supplying today’s hottest styles and fashion trends. “We have everything it takes, from displays to accessories and much more,” he adds.

For 2012 CTS plans on continuing with its best practices, focusing on fashion, functionality and top of the line customer service. Finding a niche in sports sunglasses, CTS foresees a good market for its Xsportz line in the new selling season. And at a wholesale price of $1.33 per pair, retailers also foresee a good selling season, expecting to make a hefty profit retailing these sunglasses for $8 to $12 per pair.

Over the years, sunglass suppliers have experienced increasing difficulty in providing popular styles and designer products, as well as competitive pricing. However, CTS offers a Designer line that gives retailers the ability to stock designer styles such as aviator and wayfarer sunglasses at affordable prices. “Bachelder notes, “Carrying the CTS Designer line means providing your customers with fashion-forward attitude, without the price tag. Keeping these great shades in stock means having the most desirable merchandise on hand, and available for immediate sales.” With no minimum order, retailers also have the opportunity to verify the quality of CTS’ sunglasses before placing a larger order. “We know that our products are top quality, and once our customers and their customers have the opportunity to see them, they will know too,” says Bachelder.

For CTS, it’s about satisfying the customer. “Customers of CTS Wholesale can be assured that our staff has first hand knowledge of not only the product, but the venues in which they sell. It is with this understanding of the industry from both sides that lends itself to our dedication to customer service, prompt shipping and low pricing,” Bachelder notes. He takes pride in selling and shipping to many different types of retailers, including gift shops, convenience stores, mall kiosks, and more, believing his products are marketable in any venue. “We are noticing many distributors coming into the marketplace are drop shippers,” Bachelder says. “It makes it easy for us to set ourselves apart, being a direct importer with a large selection, and being able to work directly with our customers.”

Also successful in its deliverance of top of the line customer service is PR Sunglasses, a sunglass distributor for over 25 years that has learned to focus on service in a fickle, fashion-forward industry. “It is not easy to predict what will be the new hot product. We are constantly watching the fashion media to follow up on new trends,” says Janice Chien, sales manager. “Our mission is to provide the most current fashion trends in the sunglass industry, with good quality, competitive pricing, and most importantly, customer service. The customer always comes first with us, which is why they keep coming back.”

PR Sunglasses carries thousands of sunglass styles, including its best selling Sports Wraps, Lady Fashion Frames and Reading Glass lines. Last year, the Aviator and Wayfarer lines were popular, a trend Chien believes will continue into the spring of 2012. “However, while everyone was looking for “retro” styles last year, in 2012 more colorful frames will be popular,” she adds. And for low wholesale prices ranging from $13 to $36 per dozen, retailers can offer these new neon styles and make a decent profit margin at $5.99 to $24.99 retail per pair. In addition to numerous styles, colors and varieties of eyewear, PR Sunglasses also carries cords, cases, and countertop and floor displays to better showcase its lines. Minimum orders start at $100, and most orders ship on the day they are placed. “We do provide volume discounts for customers who buy in bulk,” adds Chien. Pricing is available on request, and new registrants to the site only need to provide a Tax ID number to begin ordering.

After 20 plus years, Screamin Dealz’ claim to fame in the sunglass industry is its name brand PUGS Sunglasses. “Since their introduction in 2005, over 32 million PUGS name brand sunglasses have been purchased,” says Brent Bartholio, wholesale manager. “They are available in many styles; aviator PUGs, casual women’s PUGS and especially activeware/sports PUGS are among the most popular.” Like many sunglass wholesalers, Screamin Dealz claims to stay up on the latest trends, many times getting ahead of trends, allowing the company to be a trendsetter in the industry. But unlike many sunglass wholesalers, Screamin Dealz boasts another level of quality not typically found in the market it serves.

The quality of the PUGS line has been compared to luxury brands retailing at $60 to $70. However, Bartholio assures independent retailers that Screamin Dealz works closely with conveniences stores, boutiques and other independents selling unique products at bargain prices. “On average, we easily sell sunglasses for $1.50 to $2.50, with a suggested retail of $14.99 to $19.99,” he adds. Currently there are two programs in place. Retailers can either inquire about clearance or liquidated styles, offered with a plastic rack that holds 44 pairs; or, a slightly more expensive program in which a retailer purchases the newest lines a little over average wholesale cost, receiving a free wooden display that holds 36, 72 or 108 pairs. The minimum order is a 144 pair case pack, which includes shipping.

While many of the sunglass distributors we spoke with made mention of bold and bright colors for 2012, Bartholio pointed out some other up and coming trends. “Wider lenses will continue to grow in popularity,” he notes. “And as always, those streamline sports sunglasses will sell well.” It was no surprise that like many of the other sunglass wholesalers forecasted, Screamin Dealz couldn’t deny that Aviator Styles were still a hot trend for the 2012 season.

Wholesale Sunglasses Palace began a little over a year ago in December 2010, with the idea to be a one stop shop for any retailer looking for trendsetting wholesale sunglasses. And while still working on marketing items such as POP displays and starter kits, owner, Todd Kolb, has already made Wholesale Sunglasses Palace a unique and rewarding place for retailers to stay up on the latest trends, and purchase some great deals. Kolb boasts a current product line of 750 skus, with another 200 skus to be added when the sunglass season hits. And while many retailers are familiar with the casualwear, activewear, aviator style categories, Wholesale Sunglasses Palace has well over 30 style categories, and many with unique designs. “Among some of our most popular categories are the Fit Over sunglasses that are to be worn with a person’s regular glasses, as well as our Sheek Urban, Original Gangsta and Tattoo sunglass products,” says Kolb. Looking to present a playful and practical line, Kolb admits to staying up on trends through multiple resources, whether it be tradeshows, magazines, Internet sites, or quite often through talking with manufacturers and sunglass wearers on the street.

Too often, trends are generalized, maybe because it is about what’s hot in Hollywood. As a result, Kolb has also turned his focus to targeting different regions. “What’s hot in New England may not be a top seller in the South,” he adds. His website offers retailers Hot Seller Packages, targeted for markets in specific regions. And with no minimum order requirement, buyers are free to test market with the company’s products before committing to any larger orders. “At Wholesale Sunglasses Palace, we understand that your investment in wholesale sunglasses must provide consumers with high-end choices, without paying the price. That’s why we offer uncompromising quality and style conscious products at such affordable and competitive pricing.” With most styles wholesaling under $4 a pair, customers easily enjoy consistent profit margins of 500 to 700 percent.

As the new season approaches, Kolb is aware of some of the more unique trends that will soon hit the market. “Cat eye sunglasses will be in, as will white plastic frames and other bright colors such as blue, yellow and red,” he says. “It’s all about making a statement.” Gradients and round lenses were also among some of his predictions for the 2012 sunglass selling season.

Now is the time to start stocking up on high profit sunglasses, whether your customers are looking for fashion, sport or simply everyday styles. The season is calling for bright, bold, fun and functional, and those wholesalers with a fashion forward eye will help in updating your spring line, and do so at highly competitive prices.

For more information:

Kachina LLC

1640 East Edinger Avenue # L

Santa Ana, CA 92705

Toll Free: 800-550-1231

Tel.: 714-550-0209

Fax: 714-550-0210

Email: info@kachinallc.com

Website: www.kachinallc.com

Pacific Link

1223 Coronet Drive, Ste 3

Dalton, GA 30720

Toll Free: 866-824-0079

Fax: 706-272-7979

Email: infopacificlink@windstream.net

Website: www.sunglassespacificlink.com

CTS Wholesale, LLC

3525 Brady CT. N.E.

Salem, OR 97301

Tel.: 503-364-3486

Toll Free: 800-796-3486

Fax: 503-589-4121

Email: info@ctswholesalesunglasses.com

Website: www.ctswholesalesunglasses.com

PR Sunglasses

7596 Harwin Drive

Houston, TX 77036

Tel.: 713-975-8252

Toll Free: 800-777-7656

Fax: 713-975-8257

Email: info@prsunglasses.com

Website: www.prsunglasses.com

Screamin Dealz

215 N 1800 W

Lindon, UT 84042

Tel.: 720-325-8533

Fax: 801-785-8830

Email: brentbartholio@pugsgear.com

Website: www.screamindealz.com

Wholesale Sunglasses Palace

Tel.: 855-786-8500

Email: support@wholesalesunglassespalace.com

Website: www.wholesalesunglassespalace.com

SmokersVapor Promises Customer Service and Vaping Juice Selection

And while Gray only asks for 10 minutes of your time to explain the benefits of her stainless steel, rechargeable e-cig kits, she and her team promise a lifetime of customer service. “The objective is to provide customers with a unit that is going to last them a long time and be cost effective,” she explains. “We take care of our customers with a 60 day warranty, while most e-cig distributors only offer a 28 to 30 day manufacturer’s warranty.” In fact, Gray explains that it is a job requirement within her company that reps pick up their phone and provide one-on-one attention if necessary.

To Gray, no electronic cigarette is a bad electronic cigarette, as long as it is meeting the smoker’s expectations and assisting in the smoker’s ultimate goal. However, there are quite a few features offered by SmokersVapor and its electronic cigarettes that set it apart from other smoking alternatives on the market. First, unlike many other e-cig solutions, SmokersVapor provides stainless steel rechargeable battery units. “Say your ceramic battery unit got dropped. This could easily allow the unit to break or the memory chip inside to get dislodged,” Gray explains. “I’m looking to promote longevity.” Customers will also find a top choice in vaping juices offered by SmokersVapor. These juices, containing propylene glycol or the alternative vegetable glycerin, are available in traditional tobacco flavors, or the wildly popular fruits, drinks and spices categories. And while traditional smokers can visibly see their remaining ration in a carton, vaping liquid is a bit different. “We provide a red line on the bottle, almost like an empty tank indicator. Just as you would fill up at a quarter of a tank of gas, the red line is telling you it is time to make another order,” says Gray.

Battery lifespan varies between brands, and is determined by the number of full mouth puffs. These can range between 150-400 puffs, or drags. Each product typically identifies its capacities in the product description area. The best advice is to keep one battery on charge while you are using another one. A battery can be recharged up to 300 times. And while some smokers may be interested in disposable e-cig so as to leave out the hassle of recharging, Gray reminds them that they are still spending money two to three times a week for a replacement. “After two weeks, they could have afforded a kit from us and still be using it,” she adds.

Gray’s mission, however, wasn’t solely to provide the best quality electronic cigarette on the market, but to offer it at blue collar pricing, fitting for the smokers spending a fortune on cigarettes in a down economy. “Our most expensive unit is $65 retail, while many on the market average around $85,” Gray notes. And retailers don’t have to worry about making a profit, as they can at least expect a 50 percent markup on SmokersVapor’s products and sometimes even as high as a 200 percent markup. “Our best selling 510 Starter Kit is available for $32 wholesale with a suggest retail of $45,” says Gray. “While this might not seem like a large markup, I remind retailers that they will make most of their profit from selling our accessories like cartridges and vaping juices, which will need to be replaced often by e-cig smokers.”

For more information:
SmokersVapor Lounge
6741 102nd Avenue North, Ste. 1
Pinellas Park, FL 33782
Tel.: 727-474-2529
Email: smokersvapor@aol.com
Website: www.smokersvapor.com

Big box retailers will have no problem meeting mobility demand, as they are well prepared with large marketing budgets and personnel. Independent retailers, however, who have their money tied up in inventory usually find themselves with a much smaller marketing budget and more often than not, do-it-yourself (DIY) campaign projects that take up time and resources. However, as these retailers finish out the fourth quarter and prepare their 2012 business and marketing plans, m-commerce is being discussed as an indispensable necessity to successfully communicate and connect with consumers. And while not everyone is digitally savvy and well versed in mobile technology, it’s mobile content creation solutions such as Magmito that help those entrepreneurial, DIY retailers think beyond their brick and mortar storefront to consider a world of mobile possibilities.

Magmito Makes Mobility Real for Independent Retailers

As the content creation site boasts, “Magmito is a mobile application generator that is easy-to-use and helps its users produce rich and engaging eco-apps that can be viewed on any mobile phone, from Android to iPhone and everything in between.” Targeting the DIY community and small to mid-sized business (SMB) users, Magmito enables anyone to create rich and engaging apps to promote products, services, events, etc. For free app development, your Magmito app will be required to feature unobtrusive advertising relevant to the target audience. However, for the low cost of $99, Magmito offers an interactive app free of ads, and affordable for those tight marketing budgets.

To Download Click HERE

Magmito’s coined “eco-apps” are economical (to produce), ecological (saves trees) and are an integral part of the mobile ecosystem. Apps can be created and published in just a few hours, and updated with new specials as often as needed. They can also easily be distributed through auto-generated QR Codes, popular app stores, Facebook, Twitter, SMS, email-to-mobile and more, depending on a retailer’s marketing plan. Magmito delivers apps both as a native app or Web app for all J2ME, Android, Windows Mobile and Blackberry devices. IPhone users automatically get an enhanced Web App version, avoiding the Apple approval process.

For more information:
DIDMO USA
Naples, FL
Tel.: 239-963-9396
Fax: 203-286-1961
Email: angelo@didmo.com
Website: www.didmo.com, www.magmito.com

Collegiate Licensing Makes Its Way into the Jewelry Industry

But instead of offering a broad category list of beads like other customizable jewelry lines, Hinderliter wanted to invest in a growing and marketable theme. That is when he came up with the idea for college licensed beads. “College licensed merchandise grows at double digits, even through a recession. The retail marketplace for college licensed merchandise in 2010 was estimated at $4.3 billion. Much of the success behind licensed merchandise has to do with college athletic teams,” says Hinderliter. Universities are selective in who they choose to design and sell their licensed merchandise. However, there are limited products like Teagan Collection Jewelry, and, “many colleges are happy to participate,” notes Hinderliter. Teagan Collection acquired three schools the first year, and after all royalties were paid and no mistakes found, the company received three more licenses the following year. From there, Teagan Collection has been increasing its sales force and licenses from the Southeast and the Midwest.

The company’s product lines have also expanded into a few custom beads for church groups, corporations and exclusive high school designs. “Say a local jeweler decides they want to do something special for the local high school. They might come to us to design a bead or a line of beads with school letters, colors, etc. Carrying such an exclusive line makes them a destination place,” notes Hinderliter. And while sterling silver and enamel have been the traditional components for Teagan Collection’s beads, the company is also investing in popular Swarovski designs and possibly a new pearl line, adding a little glam and sophistication to its generally casual design.

Currently, the Teagan Collection supplies 500 retailers, 35 percent of which are jewelers, 20 percent gift shops, and some boutiques. “I urge buyers to carry our entire line. We offer key rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. People come in to buy one item, but will come back for the whole collection, or so I’ve heard from some retailers,” says Hinderliter. Retailers are required to fulfill an opening order of $500, and from there every reorder has to meet a $100 minimum. All merchandise wholesales between $6 to $20, with beads averaging around $17 wholesale. “The expected profit margin is two to two and a quarter times the wholesale cost,” Hinderliter notes. Other retailer benefits include POP display options such as a white necklace bust, which holds a collection of products including a necklace, bracelet and earrings, or a one square foot tray with 50 compartments to hold beads at the checkout counter. “My products are satisfaction guaranteed. Retailers can return beads for any reason for a complete refund, credit or replacement, but few, if any, ever do,” says Hinderliter.

For more information:
Teagan Co
1312 Green Cove Rd.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Tel.: 407-740-6314
Email: sales@teaganco.com
Website: www.teaganco.com

80′s Fashion Trend with a Silicone Twist

While some retailers are successfully selling silicone slap watches for $20 apiece, Nielsen suggests that true competitive pricing lies around $9.50 to $10 retail. “Even at $10 apiece, retailers will be making close to 500 percent profit. I offer specific pricing levels, and some with significant pricing breaks,” says Nielsen. For instance, an assorted order of 1,000 slap watches wholesales for $2.60 apiece, while an order for 10,000 units costs $2.10 apiece. The items do well in department stores and independent boutiques, as well as part of marketing promotions. “We are really looking to make bulk sales to retailers, but also continue to receive custom printing orders from different marketing companies, and even some Christian Rock bands,” notes Nielsen. Custom jobs require a 500 unit minimum, while non-customized watches can be sold in singles, groups of ten, by all colors, or in bulk.

Like the ever popular Lance Armstrong silicone bracelets and other message silicone accessories, Slap on Gear’s slap watches can be considered a collectible fashion accessory fit for every style. Each is constructed with a metal band, much like traditional slap bracelets, with a silicone covering that is colored. The interchangeable quartz watch is powered by a lithium battery and can be combined with any silicone wrist piece to create a unique look. While all watches are unisex, they do come in small (22 cm long), medium (24 cm) and large (28 cm) sizes. “The low cost, bright colors, functionality and novelty nature of the product make it an impulse buy fit for any checkout counter,” says Nielsen. “And to help our retailers better market the product, we’ve provided a slap watch stand that sits on the counter. It is clear acrylic and free with a purchase of 500 or more watches. Otherwise, it is available for $29.95.” For Nielsen and Slap on Gear, slap on accessories are a blast from the past with a profitable and promising future.

For more information:
Slap On Gear
Minneapolis, MN 55411
Tel.: 866-599-7510
Email: customersupport@slapongear.com
Website: www.slapongear.com

Last Minute Holiday Buys and Early Spring Shopping

With most of Amglo’s catalog items retailing for $1 to $3, customers can meet their decorating and gifting needs and still have enough money leftover for other expenses. Retailers will also benefit from a profit of keystone or more after purchasing at a wholesale cost between $0.55 and $1.50 per item. Many people were enjoying the fleeting days of summer and crisp, new days of fall, when wholesalers and retailers began adding holiday themed kitchenware, ornaments and giftware to their inventories. And while the holiday season is now well underway, Schecter has a solution for those retailers still looking to fill shelves with holiday merchandise, noting, “Amglo is a one stop shop for decorations, stocking stuffers, and wrapping, allowing for easy and fast shopping for those retailers who may need to restock, or looking last minute to add to their inventory.” The $1,500 minimum is easily met with the purchase of gift tags, angels, bows, bulbs and more, and seasonal shoppers will be happy to see that all of their seasonal merchandise needs have been met.

While Black Friday and beyond into the new year is undoubtedly prime retailing time, the spring season and all its associated and celebrated holidays aren’t far behind. “Retailers should keep in mind that seasonal merchandise is in a constant cycle. Those looking for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Fourth of July merchandise should think to prebook their orders,” Schecter says. Again, Amglo offers an assortment of decorations, giftware and more in these seasonal categories, whether in an Easter basket, a heart shaped balloon, or green leprechaun beads. “To help in meeting the minimum order, we offer spring and summer seasonal items simultaneously, and ship them at the same time,” notes Schecter “We pride ourselves on the quality of our products, excellent customer service, and quick response time.” With merchandise from Amglo, retailers will help their customers mark and celebrate multiple seasons and holidays.

For more information:
Amglo Inc.
P.O. Box 12722
Philadelphia, PA 19134
Tel.: 215-423-8060
Toll Free: 800-692-6456
Fax: 215-423-8007
Website: www.amgloinc.net

Beer Pong Products for Pros and Retailers

The market appeal of GetPong’s beer pong lines, however, is the growing numbers of beer pong enthusiasts. “The Get Bombed line is more of an “in your face” beer pong product line, while the BP Pro line is for the more conservative mindset. In fact, BP Pro offers up no reference to a drinking game, and includes a disclaimer that the products are not intended to be used with alcoholic beverages,” says Student. Both lines have seen success in the market. The Ulitmate Bombed Kit is one of the top selling skus in the Get Bombed line, and includes 22 cups, three balls, two racks, and the official rules. From the BP Pro line, the Pong Reload 22, which supplies 20 cups, two balls and a self display case, seems to be popular on merchants’ shelves. “All items wholesale for about 50 percent of their suggested retail prices. Take for instance the Bombed Pro Pack, which retails for $9.99 per unit. Retailers can purchase a case of four units for $20, making each unit worth $5 wholesale. The price also includes shipping,” says Student.

The company launched its first beer pong product six years ago, to be sold in Spencer gift stores, and over the past couple years has targeted the convenience store market. Now, GetPong is looking to supply to independent shops such as smoke shops, party stores, specialty gift shops and more. “Retailers can expect to make keystone. There are no real minimums, as we sell by the case and our largest case includes six units. Also, with a purchase of $100 or more, retailers can expect free shipping,” Student explains. Simply stated, it is easy to become a retailer for the growing beer pong market, joining a community of thousands. As Barnes blogs, “Once you get hooked, there’s no turning back. While the trophies, prizes and bragging rights are what attract us, at the end of the day it’s the community and friends we make that keep us coming back,” and picking up more beer pong supplies at your store.

For more information:
GetPong.com
Tel.: 203-244-3222
Fax: 203-332-4455
Email: sales@getpong.com
Website: www.getpong.com