Start up costs...

[J Dunham]

OK, I’ll start it off -- let's talk money. Can you break into the energy shot market for $15,000.00 or less? Forgive me if this is a naive question, but I honestly don't know. I understand that many factors are involved, but I am looking for more of a rough estimate or ball park figures - or to at least get some dialogue going. Thanks in advance!
J

[Craig Buske]

J Dunham, to break into the market with $15,000 or less is really a difficult task. I was in the same situation about a year ago and I have researched everywhere looking for the best deals I can make. For about $15,000 all you can really do is get a formulation and a website. You need a really good marketing plan if you are going to survive and really all the money that you spend will be in the marketing segment of the business. We are talking thousands of dollars. Your best shot is going to investors with a solid plan of how you will distribute and market your product to consumers. I have truely a different formula than the mainstream. If you haven't noticed they all have copied off of 5 hour energy. It took me months of research and trials to develop a product different and more effective. If you want to talk about it let me know, possibly you would be interested in my energy shot.

[J Dunham]

Cyclone -
Thanks for the informative response. Your product truly does look interesting and unique. Yes, through my personal observations I agree that most other shots are simply placing a different label on the bottle but essentially have the same product inside. I knew this was a marketing game - if you dont mind me asking, how did you get going? In what order? Did you pitch to investors first w/ a prototype of some sort or basically on a business plan? I do have a rough marketing plan (in my head) and know my target market including specific types of events etc.. to reach these customers. I am about a year out to pursuing this endeavor full time; I want to make the best out of this time before launch. Thanks for any further input you may have.

[Wilson]

I see startups everyday. Some we say no to because they are simply not ready for our involvement in their projects. $15,000 is not a lot of money to start a business, BUT it is a start. If you have an alternate income and still have time to work on your business, don't give up your dream just yet. I suggest you contact the SBA (Small Business Administration) and/or a university such as Rutgers or Oregon State to help you with your business plan. Don't plan on making a lot of money right out of the gate. I repeat. Do not plan on making a lot of money right out of the gate. The guys at Liquid Brands can help you with marketing and perhaps even raising capital.

Many of the shots currently on the market are very much the same on the inside. So are other products.

Stay True To Yourself and get professional advice on how to structure your business's start up, production, growth and distribution.

Good Luck!

[The Enduro Design Group]

If you need a quote on bottle design and graphic campains going forward to show investors let me know i can quote you out. I done design for Red Bull, Monster Energy, Vitamin Water, Rockstar, Fusion energy shots and more...

let me know
caleb
endurodesign.com

[J Dunham]

Enduro -
Thanks for the reply - love your work! As far as bottle design - do you only do graphics/labeling or can you also custom design the shape of the bottle? Please advise.

J