Perhaps the best way to establish what you are going to add to your line is to start with your present client base and ask them questions of what they would like to see that you don’t offer now.
Just how do you locate new products that will sell within your marketplace? Trade publications are an excellent source for locating the new products available first. Then, of course, attending trade shows in and out of our industry are an excellent way to locate new products.
One of the most important factors is the time it takes to locate and research new products. Then, once we come up with a new product, it has to fit within the format of the wants and needs of our clientele. In other words, our clients must be able to afford what we offer and see a use for the product. The product must be appealing and different, yet able to fit within the budget of the buyer.
—A-1 Awards