Selling Fishing Rods to Retailers

I am starting a new rod line with components sourced in Japan and assembled in China. Besides selling through e-commerce, I would like to sell at local tackle shops. Without a middleman, I am able to sell to shops with a cheaper price. What type of rods would shop owners be most interested in, price range, what is the price mark up percentage for spinning/baitcaster fishing rods? Would they be interested in a new rod brand that has not been established in the market yet?

You should maybe ask them.

Welcome to IDO

Curious if you’ve been to ICAST? I ask because it’s mind-boggling to see how many rod builders are out there . Even at that, those are just the ones that made it to the next level

Pricing – complicated. Are you going to stay small and turn a few hundred rods or are you looking to go big time? At a simple look, you’ll have your costs and O&P, cost of sales, holding costs, allocation for warranty, dealer price, buy group pricing, Large Quantity , and Distributor pricing. Additionally, you really need to understand terms many will want.

Understanding buyers (wholesale) Byers don’t take chances, they want a guaranteed win. Understand in most cases if they list 10 if your SKUs, 10 other rod skus go away. So, how will the know that your rods will out sell what they had? If they know they will sell 100 of SKU X, they have to know they will sell 125 of your equivalent sku. So what’s your advertising plan? Market awareness?? Name recognition???

I have the most respect for anyone that gets into Spring/Fall goods and makes it. I’m not trying to be discouraging because it can be done. It’s about the most competitive market you can imagine. Thousands of start ups try and fail. I’ve seen amazing products never get a look from a buyer. Sad because some of the best products ever made are never seen by the public to have a chance.

Continue ti do your homework and learn everything you can. Tough business!!!!

Welcome to I-Depth.

As far as advice I’ll defer to Randy.