Brainstorms

How Scanning Kickstarter Could Help Your Business

The crowdfunding site is not all anti-Zombie soaps and inflatable Lionel Richie heads.

Published

4 years ago

April 21, 2020

INSTORE Staff Instore May 2020 Issue

Do some product research occasionally on Kickstarter.com. Not only will you be exposed to fun, experimental ideas — like steampunk jewelry, wearable greeting cards, and samurai rings — you may get a chance to get in early on a product with viable commercial prospects. The owners of Urban Pooch Canine Life Center, an independently owned pet store in Chicago, IL, told INSTORE’s sister magazine Pets+ that they were among the first stores in the country to start stocking a hot-selling pet toy called Tearribles (with velcro limbs that can be torn off and reattached) after spotting it on the crowdfunding site. “We were able to get our hands on a large stock order (160 pieces) several months before they were made available for purchase anywhere else in the world. And we nearly sold out of them in just a couple of weeks,” store owner Ed Kaczmarek said.

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”