Pet Projects

First of all, thank you for helping me break my goal of 4000 Product People this weekend! It's super encouraging to see so many people with diverse backgrounds interesting in building their own products and brands, and better understanding modern supply chain and brand building. Thank you so much for reading, and I'm stoked to keep building interesting content for you.

Let's kick in.

In the early era of Facebook ads, many Shopify millionaires were made. Entrepreneurs who understood how cheap those eyeballs and clicks were versus any other form of advertising developed stores and brands in a legendary period of unprecedented opportunity for small brands.

One of the best categories of that era was pet products, with vehicles like subscription boxes (Barkbox) and Youtubers pouring fuel on the fire.

It's no surprise we're seeing the same boom on TikTok, with?increasingly strange products leading the way.

In this week's Product People, I'm breaking down a product playbook for building pet products.

First off, I am still unsure what this product is (or if I want to know what it is), but it is a 10/10 video thumbnail

Like any industry, I recommend to start by identifying a niche. You want to focus on something where you have a specific audience to speak to– here's some starting ideas of how to break down your potential product audience)

• By breed (just for Yorkies etc)
• By owner niche (for instance, anime plush toys)
• Preference (organic, sustainable etc)
• Experience (durability, comfort, ease)

Whether you're just exploring trying to find a niche, or zoning in on how to make a great product specifically, spend time in a research stage to:

• Read reviews
• Read Reddit vents
• Spend time in that niches TikTok
• Talk to customers
• Buy and unbox competition
• Create content in the space

Track everything that could be done better and bring that into your product development stage.

And if you're not ready to pull the trigger on actually launching your brand, but still want to make steps towards starting... here's what I'd do in the meantime,?covered via TikTok?or via?Twitter thread. This set of tactics applies to any niche!

?? FACTORIES ??

Custom soft frisbees go for as little as .30 at a 500 quantity?Custom hard frisbees?are less than $1 at the same quantity

Custom plush toys at .69 each, with packaging etc all done at 500 quantity.

Vendor:?Shanghai Fantastic Pet Co

They also make pet beds at .50-$3.00 There is no shortage of fun niches and funny ideas for these, not to mention seasonal themes (Halloween/Christmas etc)

Want to get a little more complex? I found over 7 popular brands are all made by the same factory--?Shanghai Pet Science and Technology. They've been doing pet probiotics and health supplements for over 22 years. Packaged product is $2-3. I'd recommend working with them on a custom formula.

Looking for some Made in USA options?

Alphia?is a top dog food formulator in the US if you want to develop your own line.

For something a bit less ambitious but with great margin, here's what bulk high quality Bully Sticks look like from?Bully Bundles.

For joint health chews a good option is?Shenzhen Hemp Bio Tech, who also have some healthy formulations and do quality fish oil and salmon based supplements. When working with any supplement, take the time to really go custom and make something special.

Want to go a little higher end? I love a good fun dog harness.

• This tactical harness option is $12 plus 1k MOQ but absolutely amazing and I could see it crushing
• Luxury materials like velvet for $5/unit:?https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Luxury-Pets-Accessories-Premium-Metal-Buckle_1600405336675.html?
• Fun pattern designs for $2-10/unit:?https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Manufacturers-Adjustable-Dog-Collar-Leash-Harness_160

?? AESTHETICS ??

Vintage Ferrari taglines:

• What can be conceived can be created
• Evolution moves selectively towards perfection
• Only those who dare… truly live

Plus... next level in store merchandising (via @guhlo)

The Beats x Kim collab is going to usher in lots more fleshtone products. Act accordingly.

?? TOOLS ??

Jessie breaks down blowing up on Youtube Shorts.

Link management with content overlays (you can get creative with this):?https://sniply.io/

Customizing point of sale displays (going to dive way more on this in future):?https://www.productworld.xyz/2022/07/15/how-to-customize-a-point-of-sale-display/

?? BUILDERS BUILD ??

In this week's episode, we talk about growing a starter site (small acquisition of a content site for under $2500) into a NYSE listed company. Literally.

Plus

• Building in the golf niche
• Paid PR, and the Forbes conundrum
• Our upcoming merch drop
• The weird world of hemp derived products

Live on all platforms, listen on

Apple

Spotify

I appreciate you reading, and stoked to see what you create!

– Oren

P.S.

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