This thread has been closed and Stuck. (Hopefully)
 

I thought that by sharing where we each are in the process of getting a Toll Position going, we could be of a help to each other.

So let me start.

At this time I have signed exclusive distribution agreements for 4 products that can be seen on my website under the products link and I hope to be able to add 3 more in the next two weeks.

I have signed agreements with some reps for two of my products and I am looking for more reps everyday.

One of my reps has made a small sale for my product called the HAND-LR and another is going to be presenting it to a drug store chain that has 31 stores.

The same rep is going to be presenting the product to Wal-Mart in the next month or so.

So that is where I am so far.

I really want to hear everyone else's experiences.

I can't be the only one! Can I?
 

I know I can't be the only one trying to get their own Toll Position. Can I?

Since no one else wants to talk about where they are, I will give you a short up date on my adventurers.

I just added a new item to my website and I am working on obtaining exclusive rights to 4 other products.

I am now going to put most of my time and energy into making sure I have all my ducks in a row.

Over the short time I have been doing this, I have found out that there is a lot to learn and I keep learning new things everyday.

I would love to hear from others, either with questions that maybe I can answer or advice that can be of a help to me.

Re: I can't be the only one! Can I?
 

Thanks Bob. I have some questions.

How long have you been doing this?

How did you go about finding your products and getting exclusive rights to them?

How much capital (in general if you don't want to be specific) was required to get your exclusive rights?

Were you one of the people who worked with Gordon?

Have you read any good books on the subject that helped you take action?

Thanks,
Bill

Bill. Here are your answers.
 

How long have you been doing this?

Approx 8-10 months

How did you go about finding your products and getting exclusive rights to them?

Contacting manufacturers.

How much capital (in general if you don't want to be specific) was required to get your exclusive rights?

ZERO

Were you one of the people who worked with Gordon?

I was not one of the original people Gordon worked with, but Gordon did answer numerous questions I asked of him.

Have you read any good books on the subject that helped you take action?

I recommend reading everything by Harvey Brody, E. Joseph Cossman, and Harvey Reese. They will give you a lot of good information, but I found that all these books were missing things that I had to find out on my own.

I hope this helps.

Re: Bill. Here are your answers.
 

Thanks Bob. I've got more.

What criteria did you use to choose which products to go after?

How were you able to get manufacturers to grant you an exclusive rights when you had little to no experience in this?

Bill

Here are some ideas about TOLL positions you may find useful.
 

To all interested in TOLL Positions.

TOLLS, toll booth marketing, TOLL Gates...all concepts you'll hear a lot about this coming year from a wide variety of sources...most of whom know little to nothing about real TOLL Positions, but, hey, a good marketer cashes in on the latest buzz.

There are people who are not as willing as Bob to share their TOLL adventures but I've told them all, if they do 10, they will get to a winner.

Some have had more "help" and guidance than others, but in the end, it comes down to what you are doing. There are PLENTY of products.

Use the many patent searches and patents for sale sites...look in old magazines for products that were introduced but faded away. Look locally to see if someone OWNS a product in your area.

No ONE I've conferred with has had a problem locating PRODUCTS.

The PROCESS is or can be tricky, you have to set the tables from the get go, say the wrong thing and the owner will be gone and done with you.

The ONE thing all these product owners want is DISTRIBUTION. That is the secret. BUT, even good and great products, and we've handled a few of these...may have built in disadvantages. For example a product may be bulky, and storage and shipping and handling become an issue.

It could be a very useful product, but it is too costly for eithe shelf space or for shipping and still maintain a high enough profit margin.

NOW, low cost products, like Bob has, need to have either RETAIL distribution and preferably PRIVATE LABEL ability for a market that is big enough to warrant the costs of private labeling.

What is the IDEAL product to find to try to get a TOLL POSITION on? Actually, we've encountered a few of them, but then we run into problems, and that is part and parcel of the game.

The IDEAL products are:

1) Consumables that have a market. Chemicals and formulas are great. These can be anything from Cosmetics, Household Supplies, Industrial Use products. These get used up and reordered again, again and again.

Think PROCTOR & GAMBLE...and you have the idea of a perfect consumable product. (Billy Mays has done pretty well pitching OXICLEAN, for example).

The good thing is that a small one man band can compete against P&G with a new product Directly Marketed to the Consumer. A few examples:

Supplements, skin care, weight loss foods, home cleaning products, pain relief (Blue Relief), etc.

2) High Value Specialty Products. Here you have the 2, 3 and up to 500 dollar products such as the high cost vacuum cleaners. This is a household item the consumer is going to buy ONE time, although, if it has a continuity to it (like vacuum bags, filters, disposables) then you have something to sell to people who buy the high priced specialty products. Some of the HOT ones are heaters, air conditioners, air filters, water purifiers, kitchen appliances (like SET IT AND FORGET IT). If the product has a high demonstration factor, all the better. NuWave oven as example.

There are thousands of products that have been brought to market and have been UNDER marketed. This is one of the last things the "inventor" thinks of after pumping thousand of dollars into their creative ventures, then they get the BUZZARDS and the hypsters coming in promising to distribute their products for 10 to 25,000 dollars and many inventors have been burned by these guys...making your job harder, but not impossible.

There are products that have only been sold for a short while and then are abandon. Like Bob, and others, no ONE that I know of has put any money out of their pocket for these potential TOLL Positions.

What I look for first, is a product I can write a promotion on, a direct response promotion. IF the product has the necessary mark up (think 5 times and you'll be within most of the ball parks) so if you can get it for 1 dollar and it sells for 5 dollars then you stand a chance.

The smaller items that will go into Lowes and Home Depot will be handled by manufacturer's reps or distributors, so you'll want to start looking and learning about these guys too.

There are many ways to go with a TOLL Position, but the objective is the same, once you have it set up, it pays you for decades to come. The best bet is a consumable that gets used over and over or a higher priced specialty item where a major marketing company can take it it into the stratosphere in sales and you collect a royalty for each unit sold. There are guys we've worked with that are making over 7 figures a year with their TOLL Positions and once the TOLL Booth is set up...it is beyond a doubt, (In my opinion), the very best business activity to pursue.

I don't know of anyone who has spent hundreds of hours, maybe Bob has...but even with some continuous PART TIME effort looking and beating the bushes for Stored Value, and DOING the deals...screwing up as you go along is OK...there are plenty of them out there...IF you will do 10, you will get ONE winner and be like the man with a TOLL BOOTH on a very busy highway...you'll be set for life.

I don't know of ANYONE that has done one a month this past year. If someone sets a goal to do one deal a month...or at least interact with a potential TOLL position, then there are great rewards available.

You have to talk to people. YOU need to understand AGREEMENTS, you have to look for the right potential...but anything to get started and for your education is going to be of benefit to you...and you'll learn each time you set the thing in motion.

AND, if you have either a high priced specialty product with potential, or a CONSUMABLE product you think has potential...I stand ready to assist you.

Gordon Jay Alexander

PS. I have a nice article ready for next week's SeedZine on this subject, so make sure to keep an eye out for it.

More answers for Bill
 

Thanks Bob. I've got more.

What criteria did you use to choose which products to go after?

When I first started looking for products, I followed what Harvey Brody wrote in his course and that was to buy plastic injection molds. But I found that I couldn't afford to buy the molds as Harvey recommended, so I went in a slightly different direction.

I agree with Gordon that the best products to have are consumable products, as they will always need to be repurchased. Think about products like Proactiv. Once you sign up to buy their product they set you up so you automatically get refills without needing to call in and you get them until you finally tell them to stop.

How were you able to get manufacturers to grant you an exclusive rights when you had little to no experience in this?

Experience is perception. As I always tell people your company is only as big or as small as people perceive it to be.

If you have done your homework before you approach a manufacturer, then they will perceive you as a large experienced company. If you don't do your homework, then they will know you are a new little company. It is up to you.

I hope this helps.

RE:Here are some ideas about TOLL positions you may find useful.
 

Great information Gordon!

Gordon, you mentioned 1) Consumables that have a market. Chemicals and formulas are great. These can be anything from Cosmetics, Household Supplies, Industrial Use products. These get used up and reordered again, again and again.

Chemical companies cover such a broad spectrum of products, can you tell me how to narrow my internet search down.

Are there particular categories of chemical companies I should be looking at more than others?

Also Gordon. I know you are retired, but I was wondering if you have heard any more about the release date of Harvey Brody's new book or the opening of the Suarez Business Institute?

This may be true -- or an urban legend...
 

I heard someone approached duncan yoyos and asked if they had any distribution in Japan. They said no. The guy then asked if they would give him exclusive distribution in japan. Duncan, figuring they had nothing to lose, granted the request. The guy then set up yoyo contests and classes all over japan -- making yoyoing a HUGE (and I mean HUGE) sensation there. The legend goes that he quickly made 80+ million dollars.

Again, I don't know if it's all true or not -- but it sure is a great toll position story!

-- TW

Another story (interesting trivia re: smurfs)...
 

I heard this about how the smurfs were brought to America from Germany...

The smurfs were already a big fad in germany FOR YEARS + YEARS before anyone got the idea to import them to America!

So, don't let, 'why hasn't anyone done this yet?' stop you from proceeding!

Cheers.

-- TW

Re: Here are some ideas about TOLL positions you may find useful.
 

Hi Bob,
I'm kinda new to this although I have a number of businesses. I saw Bob Serling million dollar licensing which attracted me to this type of business model. It looks like a great way to make a fantastic ongoing income if you can find a consumable product that will bring repeats. Is there a standard contract used in this arena or should I get my lawyer to draft one up. I'm also interested in how you approached these companies - mail, email or phone. Did you set up a meeting or do everything remotely?

Mini-lesson on TOLL Position development
 

Bob,

From what I've been told, the book and Business Institute is on "hold" until some things get cleared up. As soon as I know, I'll pass it on.

As for chemicals. What I've told people and what I'm personally looking for fall under the "GREEN" umbrella. Any new GREEN chemical that replaces a "harsh or toxic" product will find favor in the market place. These could be cleaning agents such as Orange Glo or detergents, they can be cosmetics, they can be anything.

As for categories Bob...find what people are already buying. Here's a quick one day mini-lesson in finding products.

Start with these web sites.
http://www.asseenontvguys.com/

http://www.asontv.com/
http://www.asseenontvandmore.com/

http://www.asontvinfomercials.com/

Some of the "chemicals" that are selling now are: Mighty Mendit, Urine Gone, Myo-Med (pain relief), Touch N Bond, Wen Hair Care Products.

Visit the Harriet Carter site, see what is in their catalog for As Seen On TV http://www.harrietcarter.com/

Then take a tour to your local Walgreens or CVS or whatever drug store and find the AS SEEN ON TV section to see the products. While there, ask the cashier what the best selling "make up" or "cosmetic" product is, and spend some time going up and down the isles. Take your notebook and pen and write down some ideas.

In every isle you'll find mundane prouducts that are being sold day in and day out. Products for the home or HOUSEHOLD, for the CAR, for PETS, for PERSONAL CARE for the KITCHEN, for KIDS, for FITNESS and DIET and for ENTERTAINMENT.

There you have the major categories. IF you see a product that interests you, go home, fire up Google and start a search using "Green" in the subject header. For example:

"Green Pet Products". Then spend some time searching for what is already selling.

Then, you can use Google again, use the Google Patent Search for "Green Pet Products".

Then search for "patents for sale". You'll find places like:

http://www.tynax.com/ttx1/default.asp

http://www.freepatentauction.com/ (A GREAT starting point for beginners to see what and how many things are out there)

http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/pubs/pubsservices.htm To see what kind of patents are being issued.

http://www.ideabuyer.com/ Good for research.

http://www.shop4patents.com/

See? There are thousands upon thousands of products that have a TOLL position potential.

In addition to "chemical" or "continuity" (such as supplements or disposables) I'm also seeking high end specialty items.

Kitchen devices are good and have high perceived value. There are thousands of abandoned products ready for some fresh marketing.

And if you are an inventor, then you can create your own products. But ACQUISTION is faster, easier and often more profitable.

Again, a visit to your library magazine section and browsing through old mags of at least 5 years old, looking in those "new product sections", especially in the women's magazines, you'll find tons of products that came out and went NOWHERE mainly because they weren't marketed correctly.

I assure you all, there are scores of marketing companies just waiting for you to deliver a great selling product to them. Use the "what is selling NOW" as a guideline for what to look for.

Think GREEN. Think "consumable". Think of marketing first.

There's your mini-lesson in TOLL Position development.

Gordon Jay Alexander

Re: Mini-lesson on TOLL Position development
 

Nice post Gorden...thanks a lot. :)

Creation is a longer term strategy. However.
 

The FASTEST way to a TOLL POSITION as taught by Harvey Brody is through acquisition...find a stored value product, lock it down, take it to a marketer...get an agreement...let the fun begin.

However. IF you are inventive or creative and you have a product, you must consider a longer term approach. I have been working for the past couple of years on a "kitchen appliance", one which will make life easier for millions of people within certain niches.

Now I have a background in cooking and in demonstration (well documented on this forum) so I like to tinker in the kitchen.

The "appliance" I've created is modified from several other kitchen appliances, but with unique twists. It will be a specialty item that will probably retail in the 129 dollar range or lower...could be well under 100 dollars. There is profit in selling the appliance...but...the REAL profit will be made with the "supplies" that a person would purchase on a monthly basis.

This part of my program will take about 3 years to fully actualize and I'm about half way through it. So the planning has been a long time in the making, the markets have been identified and creating the "back-end" product is requiring a lot of hoops and requirements. Why bother?

Once in place, I'll have a profit from the device itself, but more importantly I'll have a TOLL POSITION on the back-end that will pay my estate long after I'm gone. It isn't easy, in fact, it has been very hard...mostly dealing with suppliers and locking in prices and getting things the way I want them. But, I like the creative aspect of it too, so there has been some rewards in seeing your "invention" being born.

An inventor probably needs a few years to get things ramped up, unless a market exists and the marketer can get a good deal on something that won't be knocked off right away.

So, finding existing products that have been under marketed is the fast track to getting a TOLL Positon set up. CREATION is a slower route, but one that allows for a stronger TOLL positon that pays far more in the long haul.

IF I were just starting out, the first investment would be in STATIONERY, and have some nice stationery printed to send to inventors, manufacturerers and potential TOLL position partners.

I've referred everyone I've worked with to hardtofindseminars.com and told them to listen to the audio on Buying Molds that Michael has on his site. He sent out a letter and this is his follow up call.

I'd use that audio as a "template" to create a SCRIPT, to be used when you call people. Why a script? You need to sound like you know what you're doing. A script that is practiced and rehearsed is going to give you the confidence. A script will have the ready answers to questions you may be asked and along with your stationery it gives you the right impression.

So now you know where to look for products. You have an idea of what to say to people (if you listen to the audio at hardtofindseminars.com). You can get started for next to nothing and either create or acquire a product.

It might be good to start in a field in which you have some experience. For Bob it was HVAC and for me, it is in the kitchen. Starting with some expertise helps you look for potential TOLL Positions because you are a "user" of products in that field.

Gordon Jay Alexander

Re: Where are you on your journey to getting your Toll Position
 

Thanks Gordon - great posts.

Would it work to find an under marketed chemical or cosmetic product and have it private labeled (if you couldn't get exclusive rights to it) and then connect with a marketing company to sell your private labeled product?

Yes, PL works as long as you secure the source.
 

Bill,

Yes. We've explored such a possibility with one of the products that was located. The "tricky" part is to insure your supply IF and when you start selling in large batches. Make sure your mfgr has the capacity to grow.

The good thing about "chemicals", it doesn't take too much to ramp up production, that is, sometimes an extra shift will work as opposed to adding a mfgr plant or facility. Any "line" has X amount of capacity, but most small fries have room in the schedule...that is, they can work more hours per day before their line has to be maintained.

PRIVATE LABEL is an excellent way to get started. Look at the infomercials I pointed to...and I use these because of their relative QUICKNESS into the marketplace. Today, As Seen On TV is an intro to as available in RETAIL. It has gotten shelf space that not that long ago was reserved for those that "pay to play".

By having a product that sells, the retailer is more interested.

Before you consider a product to PL, create a promotion, either an ad for newspapers/magazines (print ad) or a radio spot or a TV spot or an Internet ad. You don't have to be professional, you can always buy marketing help...but the point of the TOLL POSITION as taught by Harvey Brody is to get others to do the marketing for you.

I just know that if you take a NEW product to a marketing company along with a Marketing Campaign, even a rough one, you stand a better chance of getting it into the system.

Look for WHOLESALERS who might only sell in large drum capacity, or a local "cleaning company" who may have proprietary products that they use but have no desire to screw around with RETAIL. YOU could set up a small shop (abiding by local codes when it comes to handling chemicals) and fill bottles from a 55 gal drum into a nice 24.95 spray bottle. Now of course, YOU don't want to do this, all of this can be subcontracted.

You can get 500 bottles of supplements private labeled for about 3 bux a bottle to start out...and have a decent product...again, it is going to be in the marketing.

Any patents or trademarks could come in handy...but a Copyrighted AD that works and gets customers may be a TOLL POSITION in and of itself.

I always refer people to 7 Steps to Freedom II to learn the NPGS Formula which has the following FOUR components to it.

1-Market
2-Media
3-Product
4-Promotion

And if you are trying to locate a TOLL POSITION, it would behoove you to run your find through the NPGS formula to see how the product weighs in.

Take shipping and handling into account too. And many of the catalog companies have you DROP SHIP your product to their customers.

Good idea. Private Label an already selling product.

Gordon

Journey with Toll Positions... Who found 325 ways to enjoy a peanut? ... :)
 

When it comes to Toll Position type relationships....

Keep a very Open mind on the Unlimited possibilities regarding Toll Postions and a variety of other “twists” on things...

Including the Tens of thousands of misc. Specialty products that few even heard of throughout internet land... Simply found by using a Mouse and a few relevant & related Keywords...

Specialty products that are just being Poorly Marketed or Lack Focus in particular Niche marketplaces where their products May contain Huge missed opportunity Potential... ;)

Of course... You can Never have too Many Brainstorming tools...

And Don't forget about the Endless industries that we might sometimes Not Think about...
http://www.tradepub.com/
http://www.freshpatents.com/

Who found 325 ways to enjoy a peanut? ... :)
http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/30.html
http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/1...ll_of_fame.asp
http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/1_1_search.asp

Each year a new class of inventors is inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of their patented inventions that make human, social, and economic ...
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayRe...5010936&EDATE=

Phil

richt71 Here are your answers.
 

Is there a standard contract used in this arena or should I get my lawyer to draft one up.

There are contracts out there, but I always recommend using a lawyer in order to make sure you are protected.

I'm also interested in how you approached these companies - mail, email or phone.

I have contacted companies by all three. It is just what you feel most comfortable with and what gives you the best results.

Did you set up a meeting or do everything remotely?

It depends on what the companies want. If they are close to me it is nice to meet the people you will be working with.

If they are far away, I have done everything by a combination of e-mail and the phone.

I hope that helps.

Re: richt71 Here are your answers.
 

Thanks Bob. Much appreciated. :)

My turn with a question.
 

I was listening to Michael Senoff's interview about obtaining old molds. In it he talks about the letter he used.

So I sent him an e-mail and asked if he had it available. He told me he did if I wanted to purchase it. I asked Michael how much and he told me $500.00.

Before I even think about spending $500.00, I was wondering if anyone has his letter and did it work for them?

I have my own letter that has worked well for me but I am always looking to improve my response.

So if anyone has ever purchased a copy of Michael Senoff's letter, please let me know how it has worked for you.

Bob. Your letter is working. Right?
 

So just tweak it. Try a variation. I assure you that Michael's letter isn't that different from what you are using.

Gordon

Thank You!!! for the advice Gordon.
 

Yes my letter is working. But I am always looking to make it better.

I will follow your advice and tweak it.

Again. Thank You!!! Gordon.

Maybe I should sell my letter. lol

Has anyone hit a home run with their 1st Toll Position?
 

I am interested in hearing from everyone as to where they are in the process of getting their Toll Position up and going.

I hope everyone will share their experiences so far, as that information can be of a lot of help to everyone.

So don't be shy, share where you are in the process.

As for myself, I currently have 5 products and know I will be adding a 6th very soon (just waiting for the agreemnet to come back) as well as two to three more in the next few weeks or so.

I am also working on putting a sales rep team together in order to better bring my products to the attention of retailers all over the US.

If things aren't moving as fast as you would like, don't give up.

I have found out that each part of the process takes a lot more time then I first thought it would.

Remember keep plugging away.

A lot of times I feel like giving up but then I get a little encouragement from someone and it makes me keep pushing.

So if anyone ever just needs someone to talk to feel free to e-mail or call me.

Re: Where are you on your journey to getting your Toll Position
 

I don't have a clue as to whether this is true or not but the story sounds very good.

Thanks,

hector

Is my website helping me or hurting me in the race to get Toll Positions?
 

Do you feel that the layout and wording of my RW Blagg website is helping me or hurting me, in the race to get a Toll Position.

If people have a chance I would like them to look over all of my website and give me their feedback via e-mail.

It would be greatly appreciated.

I am still waiting.
 

I don't know about everyone else, but I am still waiting to hear from the people who have created successful Toll Positions for themselves.

If they are out there I wish they would step forward and give all of us some pointers.

I could sure use a few myself.

Re: I am still waiting.
 

Hmm... are there even anybody that has made any decent money with toll positions?

Re: Where are you on your journey to getting your Toll Position
 

Hello...
I have also heard about story but not that much about it. but i don't believe in such story.
As far as i remember i read that one in facebook...

And you will be waiting, and waiting...BECAUSE
 

Bob (and others interested in TOLL Positions),

First let me answer 'BROTHER's' question.

There is a guy in the Mid-West who has been paid over 6 million dollars the last couple of years for his TOLL POSITION. He does not sell anything, he gets a royalty on stuff sold by other people. I don't know about you, but that is a SUCCESS story.

And here is the REASON Bob is going to keep waiting for "help". There is NO motivation on people with TOLL Positions to share...why would they?

This is UNcharted territory for the masses...you won't find one business in 100,000 that is "Toll" based and there isn't a lot of information available about it. Now one problem you "Internet Marketers" have is this:

You are too used to the Guru's "SPILLING THEIR GUTS". Brother brings up a good point in a post, if you are doing well with something, why stop?

Likewise, IF you are making significant amounts of money, WHY would you involve yourself with other people wanting to know what you know? It doesn't make sense, but the Internet Marketing CROWD has you all convinced it is a benevolent, happy to share, wanting to help you group of magnificent benefactors...but the TRUTH is...

They (ALL) want your money. PERIOD.

If they were truly wanting to be helpful, wouldn't they give their infomation away for FREE? And they don't.

So, Bob, why would you expect people who are successful, who have a toll position, who are quietly doing great guns off the radar screen...why do you EXPECT them to share their secrets with you? What do they get out of the deal, good feelings for helping?

Sure, there are some guys like Harvey Brody who gives his time to those that are serious and want to achieve a lifestyle that most only dream about...but Harvey, like almost every single successful person I know isn't going to waste his time giving away a lifetime of trade secrets to the masses...it makes no sense.

Bob, you may get lucky (in my opinion you already have) and find someone who has established a TOLL POSITION who will share their journey with you...but I highly doubt it. If you are waiting for that to happen, you are going to be waiting and waiting and waiting...and the fact is, you are further along than 99% of any noobies starting out, you are much closer than the person who has done nothing.

More than likely you'll find GURUS who will be glad to sell you their discounted courses for 1,497.00 with a NO RETURN policy...and if you want to go that route, then there is information available.

But to find someone who is NOT a guru trying to sell you something, and expect to get HELP (especially for FREE) and to have them give you guidance and/or advice, is, in my opinion, a foolish expectation.

The TRUTH about the world off the Interent, MOST successful people DO guard their "trade secrets" and have absolutely NO desire to share, teach, sell or distribute their in-the-trenches HOW I did it information.

But, I could be wrong.

Gordon Jay Alexander

I agree with you Gordon.
 

I agree totally with Gordon.

I have been a fool thinking someone will come along and just fill in the last blank for me. Why should they. What do they owe me. Nothing!!!

I must fill it in for myself.

In Ben Suarez's book 7 Steps to Freedom II: How to Escape the American Rat Race, there is a guy that has a rock in his path and keeps hitting it with his head until he finally is able to break through it, that is going to be me.

What I mean by that is I will not give up on the one barrier that is keeping me from reaching my goal of getting my 1st profitable Toll Position and many more after that, but I will try my best to think through the problem and figure out the best route to my goal.

I will do as Thomas Edison said in two of his famous quotes.

"Be courageous! Have faith! Go Forward!"

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."

Re: I agree with you Gordon.
 

What is the one barrier in your way?

The one barrier in my way is
 

Hi Bill,

The one barrier in my way is a good way to get my products to the end consumer.

As Gordon has said, I can't use direct mail because of the inexpensive nature of my current products.

So I need to get my products into retailers and that has not been easy.

I have been trying to lineup sales reps, but I have not had much luck in getting the quantity of them I need, because most reps don't really want to pioneer new products from an unknown company especially where the products don't have a high commission profit.

Take my CORDGRIP, if I could find someone who was already selling through reps, that call on wholesale distributors who service the trades (heating, electrical, plumbing etc) I feel I would be pretty much all set.

Or at least I would have a shot at getting my product(s) looked at by the people in charge of making the buying decisions.

Re: Where are you on your journey to getting your Toll Position
 

Take em down to fayetteville (wal-mart)

Or (I think) Penn. (QVC)

Worth a shot, no?

How/where does Target field incoming items? K-Mart?

etc.

-- TW

Re: The one barrier in my way is
 

Here's are some interesting articles that may give you some ideas:
http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine...une/70988.html

http://smallbusiness.aol.com/start/s...13184109990005

http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/mar...gboxretail.htm

http://www.lulu.com/content/437697

Re: The one barrier in my way is
 

Getting your product in stores today is not as easy as it was say in the 60s and 70s.

There were more independently owned stores back then. So you could go into almost any store and talk to the owner.

Today with the large chains owning most of the market, you need to present you idea to a buyer at the main office of each chain.

I know that sounds easy, just fly to Wal-Mart's office and present your product but that won't happen.

You need to find someone such as a rep agency that already has a relationship with the buyer for department that your particular item fits into.

I know someone will say that is not totally true. I agree if you have the next greatest item such as a chemical that will turn lead into gold, they will roll out the red carpet.

I know that is an exaggeration, but I hope you get the idea.

Not impossible + worth a try -- no?
 

I think wal-mart DOES have special dates where they DO throw open the doors and take new product pitches. I know QVC does (too?). Maybe others too. I would seem they must strike a balance between being a fortress + fielding incoming products. It's either grow or die -- even for the big guys, no?

Re: The one barrier in my way is
 

Here is an idea for you Bob... from the files of Joe Cossman: reposition your product as the bonus.

Don't pitch the companies to showcase your product from their stores.

Pitch the companies to buy your product and give it away. With their ads on it.

Make cents per unit. But do volume deals.

Oh - and you should rename your products too. Hand-LR and CordGrip doesn't let me know what it is. You can do much better with naming and packaging. Fish Hook Remover - Ball Organizer - now those are good names for low cost products.

Re: Where are you on your journey to getting your Toll Position
 

TW:

I don't know if Wal-Mart has open hours but people can submit a product to QVC via e-mail.

I have submitted two of my products, the CORDGRIP and the Ball Tender.

But it will take 6 weeks to hear anything.

Ankesh:

I agree with you on the giveaway idea.

I am a student of E Joseph Cossman. I own everything he has ever produced including his course in a briefcase which I bought only about 6 months ago even though it has been off the market for years.

I have learned so much from Mr. Cossman, I which he were still with us so I could thank him.

Even though I am by no means a master, just a guy trying to finally make it after years of struggle and hard work,if anyone needs any help or advice I am willing to talk to people who are REALLY trying to get their own Toll Positions going.

Re: Where are you on your journey to getting your Toll Position
 

Hey Bob....back in the early 70's I lived in Chgo and was a member of an "Inventor's Forum". We met once a month. There were about 50 members.

I started to go thru the process of getting a patent on 2 products I created. After attending a few meetings with people who were starting the process (like me) and others who had actually gotten patents and were trying to get them sold....and after listening to their experiences on how the "Big Boys" had ripped them off....I decided to just go ahead and see if I could "Sell the things".

One was a plastic baby bib (I named it "The Pelican Bib") I had a mold made and produced 5,000 units and proceeded to "work my buns off" trying to get "Baby" stores to carry them.

I sold a few hundred to small independents and couldn't get any of the "Big Buyers) to carry them

Boy! The "Buyers" for the biggies were somethin' else. Talk about "nasty" and "Underhanded" and "greedy" and "Rude"....these guys took the cake.

I'm sure they are the same today.

Ron Popeil (His first product was the Pocket-Fisherman) had a way of marketing that got results;

He made up a 30 & 60sec commercial for the product....showed the buyer at the Chain, the commercial and if they bought X units, he'd put their name at the TAG. I knew the buyer at Walgreen Drugs and he told me how Popeil was getting IN the stores.

Popeil came up with a bunch of products he marketed this way. I met Ron in Aspen and he showed me his magnificent home....which he lost a couple of years later in a bankruptcy (The one thing I've noticed about many successful Marketing people...they have a bankruptcy in their background)

Ron is now back doing InfoMercials for various products and probably has his millions back.

So....the "Product" game is one of the roughest areas you can get into. Only a few make it. The majority get chewed up and spit out.

Referring to Joe Cossman; I had the GREAT experience of meeting him at 2 of the seminars he did in Chgo in the early 70's.

After the seminar...he asked that anyone who had a product they'd like "evaluated", could go into a side room where he'd offer his suggestions as to HOW to market it.

It was AWESOME! Here was a room with about 50 people who all had some kind of product....either the actual product or photos of it.

Joe would go to each one...have the creator tell him about it....Joe would ask a few questions and say what HE thought of it and how HE would market it.

The way Joe got some of his products launched and known was to convince the "Mail Order Catalog" companies (there were 3 or 4 in those days. Vivian somebody, was one)...to include his product/s. Then, when the results were in and Joe could show actual Sales Facts...he could then get his products into the Big Retailers.

The ANT-FARM and SHRUNKEN HEAD and the SPUD GUN were some of his best.

I had a Terrific expeience in those days.

Don Alm

Re: Where are you on your journey to getting your Toll Position
 

Bob,

My wife gets piles of mailorder catalogs that are full of gadgets like you are offering. Maybe you could get your stuff into some of them.

Here's a few of them:

QCI Direct
Picket Fence Operations Center
P.O. Box 20403
Rochester, NY 14602-0403
www.ShopPicketFence.com

The Home Marketplace
1 Marketplace Lane
Oshkosh, WI 54903-3670
www.thehomemarketplace.com

Miles Kimball
250 City Center
Oshkosh, WI 54906
mileskimball.com

Heartland America
8085 Century Boulevard
Chaska, MN 55318
www.heartlandamerica.com

Nature's Touch
2521 Busse Road
P.O. Box 7985
Elk Grove, IL 60009-7985
www.NaturesTouchCatalog.com

Bud