I’m a former college/pro baseball player and recently started a small batting glove company. Right now I’m at the stage where I’ve gone through a couple small prototype/sample orders (received very good feedback), tested different materials/designs, created the LLC/business accounts, and I’m preparing for my first larger inventory order.
The gloves are focused on durability and feel, and I’ve been trying to learn everything as I go. Manufacturing, shipping, margins, branding, website setup, social media, etc.
I’m mainly just looking for advice from people who have started product-based businesses before.
A few things I’m trying to figure out:
- How did you know when it was time to finally place the “real” inventory order?
- What mistakes did you make early on that you wish you avoided?
- How much inventory did you start with?
- At what point did you build a Shopify/storefront website? Before inventory arrived or after proving some demand?
- Any advice on building trust when your brand is brand new?
Would appreciate any honest advice or things you wish you knew starting out.