Music Stands
Everyone loves music, sure our tastes vary but we all like something. Those of us that can play an instrument know the value of a good solid music stand, and those of us that can't often either take lessons, or encourage our loved ones to do so. The potential for accessories such as music stands, and metronomes is huge.
Marketing music stands is less straight forward than many of the other products that we show you. Many people will buy their music stand from the same store that they purchase their instrument, or accessories. This means that you need to market to groups or associations more than individuals.
Some ideas include: -
Sell to schools/education authorities
Sell direct to independent music shops
Sell on EBAY
Build a website and link to instrument related websites
Work with furniture retailers
Create a catalogue to show your range
Sell to amateur dramatic groups, bands, Theatres etc.
Attend conferences, and seminars
As you start to understand this business you will come up with more ideas of
your own. You can start by finding the music teacher at your local high school.
Explain that you believe that locally available music stands are overpriced
and that you have started to import from overseas to make them more affordable.
Ask him/her where they would market them and whether your prices look reasonable.
You will usually get some business through word of mouth using this approach.
The music teacher may well put you on to other music teachers in other schools,
and or other music related groups.
Whilst many businesses are becoming chain store dominated there are still numerous independent music stores selling instruments, sheet music and other accessories. They are probably getting all of their stock from one supplier, but the right approach from a like minded small business owner, with a range of sensibly priced stock may well be favourable received. You can start by working with one or two stores in your home town and then, if things go well get out and expand into a broader market.
If you can get your stock at a competitive price you will find buyers in EBAY. Note that a quick search found 1700 items for sale, and many were under $10. This gives you a clue as to how competitive you will need to be if you are selling to individuals or other retailers.
Building a website on its own may not make sense, I suspect that few people will go looking for music stands as a standalone purchase, however there is still a strategy or tow that can push traffic through you site. Work with other retailers by linking your site to other music instrument related sites. Build a blog and include links to your site, and make sure that the website is on your business cards and other promotional materials. Sometimes people will browse your site and find an item that is precisely what they want. Remember that the site is a tool to help with sales, and not your primary strategy and you should see the benefits.
Non musical stores may also be willing to stock your music stands. Examples include furniture, or antique stores who may want small home related items to give a more homely feel to their other stock or displays.
Creating a catalogue is similar to building a website. In itself the amount of business that will be generated may be small, but having a catalogue that people can pass around and discuss various items of your stock is useful in building your presence and will generate some orders. Make sure you include your telephone number and web address somewhere visible.
Amateur dramatic groups, bands, theatres etc. may well be the lifeblood of your business. You will find many online in your area, and others through word of mouth. Once you make contact having a website, or catalogue will help immensely. You may also want to turn up on practise nights so that you can show group members some of your stock, explain features and pricing etc.
Conferences and Seminars are great in many industries; they give you a chance to show off your stock, and to take orders. They may also give you a shot at some larger orders than you would normally get to fill. The stand may be expensive but you should make plenty of good contacts and hand out a fair few business cards or catalogues.
www.alibaba.com has hundreds of listings for music stands and instrument stands. You should have no trouble finding a suitable selection for your business.
Make sure that you find the right supplier for you. If time is not an issue then you should be able to find someone who will accept and ship orders as required which will save you from holding stock. They should be able to give you a rough timing for shipping. You can find more details about finding and dealing with suppliers in our "Finding Suppliers" pages on the web site.
Musicians tend to be a sociable set, if you can get "in" with some of them you will soon be introduced to more.
You will need to provide value and the market is competitive. Even with suppliers who are prepared to deliver one off orders for you, it may be worth carrying some stock for the discounts that you will receive.