No secrets, it's service, selection and value. Been in customer service businesses for 35+ years so I hope I've made all the mistakes already!



Those items are available on the wholesale market, so hopefully yes.


Not sure I want to compete with Doug but I do think I could compliment his kits by allowing folks to add those items that he doesn't include or replacements for consummables.

After nearly 40 years of being with my DW I ain't going to risk screwing it up now. The answer to all questions is "yes, dear."



As stated above my principles of doing business have always been to provide service and value. Shipping is a cost of doing business but I don't believe in making it its own profit center. I'll be very cognizant of everyone's sensitivty to that issue.

Thanks for everyone's input, what a great place this forum is!

I don't think you would be competing with Doug. Hardly any hikers are going to buy his aviation double kit. It's for two people and too much to carry if you are backpacking.
This way he gets a cut of sales he wouldn't have made otherwise.
Nothing to lose by asking him.
simon

Maybe put together package deals, combinations of items that add up to an amount worth shipping.

To be honest, I really do not see this as being very profitable. Selling a handful of items where you are making a few dollars at the most seems to be more of a hobby then a business. Without larger priced items to offset the cost of doing business and allow you to make a decent profit coupled with the relatively small market base does not seem (to me) to be profitable.

Redflare (and others) already offer individual first aid products (and other individual items), so I would think you would already be entering the market place with some pretty stiff competition.

I know a few years ago, there was a similar home-based business (his name escapes me right now) where forum members would purchase small quantities of items. I believe that due to family obligations, he was unable to continue the operation. I am not sure of the profitability of his operation, but would think that if it were decent, he would have continued/resumed.

I must also admit, I feel some obligation to Redflare, he has been very responsive to the needs of the forum and as a sponsor, I feel supporting his enterprise, in part supports the continuance of the forums.

Just my 2 cents-
Pete

Pete,

Thanks for the feedback! I haven't completed the economic model as yet but I do understand, having worked in distribution, wholesale and retail markets, the need for rational thought and market research. That's why I genuinely appreciate the feedback from you and others.

Brand loyality is great but there's always room for competition and innovation. If this ever gets off the ground I hope you'll stop by for a look see.

Andy