Reptiles & Hermit Crabs
Adam Reed is a man who wears many hats, including nonprofit organizer, wholesaler, reptile rescuer and dad, and also a man with much to be thankful for. In 2006, Reed’s son, Timmy, was born blind and diagnosed with several life-threatening conditions, including cerebral palsy, tuberous sclerosis, and brain damage. Doctors did not think he would live beyond his third year. “We committed Timmy to prayer and fasting. Yes, fasting,” writes Reed, on his company website. “I personally knocked on every church door I could find, as well as sent out hundreds of emails and phone calls. Maybe even thousands.” Then a miracle happened, and a doctor at UCLA had good news, proclaiming that Timmy’s brain had started functioning normally. Such a trial of endurance inspired the Reeds to start a nonprofit, called The Refuge Road, devoted to helping other children and families grappling with disease. The organization, a small miracle in disguise, brings animals, entertainment, childcare and other services to sick children and their families, during their time of need. “We want to bring a little laughter and hope where it is so hard to find,” Reed adds.
To help fund their nonprofit, Reed started two for-profit businesses. Critter Cabin has been around for three years, acting as a reptile rescue and critter museum, as well as supplying The Refuge Road with plenty of critter friends to visit children with special needs, in hospitals or at home. Then last spring, Reed purchased a wholesale pet business, Reptile and Hermit Crab Vendor, selling to pet stores as well as finding ways for non-traditional pet stores to increase their customer base. Simply, “Our mission is to provide quality homes for quality pets,” emphasizes Reed. “We love the critters and we love what we are doing. We want our pet stores and other independent retailers looking for a new market to have a reliable source for healthy, quality critters.”
Reptile and Hermit Crab Vendor supplies pet accessories, as well as live reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The hermit crabs, however, are the highlighted product. “The reason is that they are easy to take care of, grab attention and sell well at flea markets and stores, even non-pet related stores,” notes Reed. There are numerous displays that provide anything from a natural setting, to Texas Rangers helmets (or other sports team) to showcase the crabs. Wholesaling for $2.25, retailers can expect to make keystone and more, depending on the crab’s size. Retailers can also expect to profit from additional accessory purchases, as customers will need to setup for their new pet. Tanks wholesale from $1.50 and up, and provide a 100 percent markup. “There are literally hundreds of different products we sell, and these various other items have similar markups,” says Reed.
For those retailers who do not wish to sell pets or pet products, Reptile and Hermit Crab Vendor has another profitable option. An interactive hermit crab display is a creative way to draw in customers, grabbing the attention of everyone walking by. Customers will spend a few minutes looking and learning about the hermit crabs, and then continue shopping throughout the store. “Displays like this can also be set up so kids can build sand castles or watch the crabs have a race,” says Reed, “and these displays are custom built.” The cost is usually around $200. “Whatever option a retailer chooses, I would love for them to call me and we can work out an individual product line to fit in with their store,” Reed explains.
Natural Flowers Jewelry
Flower bouquets often are given as a token of affection for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, or perhaps as a way to make amends. Yet the average life span of cut flowers is only about a week, with longevity varying depending on the type of flower. Now there is a better way to enjoy the floral beauty of the outdoors, with a gift that will last as long as the sentiment: Natural Flowers Jewelry. Fiora Jewelry offers several jewelry collections straight from the greenhouse. Natural Flowers Jewelry is a 100 percent handmade product, featuring real miniature flowers grown using a Bonsai technique. The natural miniature flowers are then preserved in Acrylic resin within a beautiful sterling silver (.925) setting.
All 24 varieties of miniature flowers are grown in company owned greenhouses, and tended by dedicated gardeners. After about two months of cultivation, “Our master silversmith directs a team of talented artisans in producing each piece of jewelry by hand, which is then sent to our artisans who create the miniature floral compositions,” says Miguel Viniegra, product manager for Fiora Jewelry. “We are capable of creating and producing any design or specification, for any specialized market that our customers may desire. We have a large experience of encapsulating different types of materials with Resin, like logos, pictures, paintings, seeds, bugs, and shells, and we are open to developing a new line with requested materials and designs.” Currently, the wholesaler supplies to a broad category of independent retailers, including gift shops, garden stores, and jewelry storefronts.
Along with an accessory type for any style (i.e., ring, necklace, bracelet), Fiora Jewelry also showcases numerous collections for any greenhouse preference. The Multiflower Collections is a mixture of miniature flowers in beautiful compositions, and is the most colorful among the collections. The Roses Collection features a miniature rose that takes about three months to grow. There is also the Four Leaf Clover Collection, one of the top sellers. “We grow these tiny clovers with a Bonsai technique to ensure the right size, quality and beauty,” says Viniegra. Wholesaling between $15 and $35, retailers can expect a 150 to 200 percent markup.
Other special features offered by Fiora Jewelry include a POP display, holding an assorted variety of 48 pieces. While no minimum order is required, this offer works best for new customers looking to test the market. The 48 pieces supplied will be among Fiora Jewelry’s best sellers. “Whatever the retailers don’t sell, they can send back and receive a credit,” notes Viniegra.
Natural Crystal Potpourri
Crystal potpourri by Planet Naturals is the newest trend in home fragrance, and a natural hypoallergenic, flameless and aesthetically pleasing solution for a better smelling environment. First invented in 1998 and sold in “Dollywood,” Tennessee’s well known country music inspired theme park, Planet Naturals’ crystal potpourri quickly became a national and international sensation, with marketability in both the high-end and discount merchandise markets. Co-founder, Joel Patterson, notes, “Planet Naturals has become strictly wholesale. We just released a new line of crystals for boutiques, gift shops and other independent retailers carrying home fragrances. The line includes six of our best selling crystals, with distinct fragrances for every preference.”
The product packaging functions as a gift box, displaying a crystal filled PET jar which holds 18 ounces of the chunky sea salt, already pre-oiled with fragrance. Attached to the jar is another half ounce of the fragrance oil. “This is a package deal that offers a nine month fragrance lifetime,” says Patterson. “However, retailers can expect repeat customers and multiple purchases, as customers frequently return to purchase more bottles of fragrance oil for refills or to test new scents.” Among some of the most popular are the Earth, Wind and Fire collection. The first is a patchouli mixture with earthy undertones. “Green Tea is another popular fragrance at this time. The crystals have a greenish brown hue, and the scent is crisp and lemony,” adds Patterson.
A 100 percent markup can be expected on all products. “The boxed sets wholesale around $10 apiece, and should be retailing for $19.95 to $24.95. The oils sold separately are $3 and retail for $6.99,” says Patterson. A minimum order of all six gift sets is around $360. And although still a relatively new category in the home fragrance market, retailers need not fear slow turnover because crystal potpourri has quickly become an ideal substitute for scented candles, diffusers and botanical potpourris. “The concentration of oil in a candle is three to four percent, while our crystals have 20 to 30 percent,” notes Patterson. These crystals also provide longer lasting fragrance, from 30 to 60 days longer than the competition. “This is possible by our proprietary aging process, distinguished coloring methods, and our commitment to using only the finest quality, all natural raw materials available,” Patterson adds. For these reasons, kids, men and women have all become avid users of Planet Naturals’ crystal potpourri products.
LED Electronic Sales Badge
Digital signage has become commonplace, filling our line of sight with digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising at the gas pump, in the mall, and even among independent retail shops. Although familiar, digital signage proves effective with a high return on investment, especially when implemented at the point of sale (POS). As revealed by the Quarterly Business Barometer Survey for Q4 2010, an impressive 97 percent of all survey participants in North America remain positive about the future of the DOOH industry. Sir Markadoo, owner and founder of Heavenly Body Products, says, “People are familiar with the bigger LED scrolling boards. They are at gas stations and in Time Square. One of my partners started working on an idea for a smaller, wearable LED scrolling board, or as we call it, the Electronic Sales Badge. I knew this was the future, a way to get your message out there and get the upper hand on the competition.”
While the majority of Heavenly Body Products’ wholesale merchandise is health and beauty products, the company is true to its mission, “We help God’s people prosper.” Testaments to its dedication are the wholesaler’s bulk buy deals, $100 starter kits, and products like the Electronic Sales Badge. Digital signage provides incremental revenue, in which retailers find measurable increase in incremental revenue associated with digitally displayed products and services not generally known by the customer. It also ensures message management, in which, “messages can be modified at any time to keep customers up to date on the latest products, sales, and specials offered,” notes Markadoo. The Electronic Sales Badge has eight lines to input sales data. Retailers just have to toggle through the eight different lines of data to select which sales line they wish to use for any and every situation. “Retailers literally become a walking billboard for the product and for other in-store products,” says Markadoo. “This LED badge is ready to change the way they do business.”
By loading computer software associated with the badge, messages can be entered, scroll speeds changed and more. The Electronic Sales Badge itself connects to the computer via USB to obtain the information entered. “Users also need the USB connection to recharge. After a full day’s use, the badge should be recharged every night,” explains Markadoo. While retailers are currently presented with message and scroll speed options, the LED is only offered in one color choice, red. “However, we are looking to add other colors down the line,” Markadoo says.
For the low cost of $50, retailers can purchase a single Electronic Sales Badge to add a little flare and advertising at their POS. “This is a relatively low price. Some go for $70 to $100,” notes Markadoo. For those retailers looking to distribute the product, a deal of $35 for a dozen is available at the company website, www.heavenlybodyproducts.com. Retailers are welcome to call, but can also find all information at Heavenly Body’s website.
Shamballa Bracelets
Inspired by meditation and Buddhist history, Shamballa bracelets are more than favorable fashion items. In fact, today’s hip-hop celebrities, who have driven their fans to the accessory trend, wear their Shamballa bracelets for purposes beyond fashion, as they are believed to support peace, tranquility and happiness. While the accessory has kept its spiritual meaning, its traditional design has somewhat changed. Originally sporting a nylon or waxed linen string embellished by hematite and metal beads, current styles favored by celebrities and their fans now include gemstones, disco bead balls and diamonds. RC Jewels, a hip-hop jewelry wholesaler in business for over 10 years, realized the increasing popularity of these accessories and their role in converging ancient and pop culture, and began carrying its own Shamballa product line in January.
An owner of RC Jewels notes, “The bracelets have taken off, and we sell more and more each month.” The widespread appeal of the Shamballa line is its classic yet sleek design. The beads (plastic, metal and stone) are hand woven together, with each bracelet featuring the traditional macramé manual toggle locking mechanism. “Most people like the look of the stone beads and prefer at least one or even seven in the design. The toggle allows for one size fits all, in which wearers can adjust the bracelet between seven and nine inches,” the owner says. The available cool and neutral colors such as gray, silver, black and brown make RC Jewels’ Shamballa bracelets an accessory for both female and male customers.
Retailers like the bracelets because they are available for as low as $3, but retail for a profit of three to four times the initial cost. With the addition of RC Jewels’ other 3,000 products to select from, including rings, dog tags, earrings and more, a $200 minimum is easily met. With an order of $500, buyers can save five percent on their order (code: SAVE5), and with a $1,000 purchase, 10 percent is saved (code: SAVE10). All orders placed in the U.S. can expect free shipping.
Stylish Nail Polish Strips
Don McLane, president of The Man Can, LLC, has more than 20 years in the fashion accessories industry, and believes that, “The Man Can” and will succeed, even in a volatile market and unpredictable economy. Establishing a factory in China and immersing himself in the business of manufacturing, importing and wholesaling, McLane has come to understand the trends and necessary price points of many fashion accessory markets. “We have the hottest fashion accessories at wholesale prices,” says McLane. “Our goal is to provide the best quality products for incredibly low prices. We have our competitors beat in every category.”
All retailers have to do is visit The Panty Man, The Jewelry Man, and The Handbag Man, among the company’s other growing categories, to find top selling merchandise for their stores. “We supply to specialty stores, boutiques, dollar stores, mom and pop shops, and are looking into flea markets and swap meets as well. “There is no limit to what The Man Can can do,” emphasizes McLane.
One of this year’s hot items is Style Nail Polish Strips. Once a wholesaler of press on nails, The Man Can has turned its focus to these easy to apply, no dry time nail strips. “The problem with press on nails is the ability to print designs on them is limited,” explains McLane. “With these Style Nail Polish Strips, we’ve been able to experiment with metallics, Houndstooth and animal prints.” In today’s economy, manicures are a luxury, and as everyone continues to rush through their busy lives, there is little time for a second coat or drying. Each set of strips is packaged with a nail file and cuticle stick, for a quick and easy three step manicure. Once applied, the strips will last for two to three weeks, “and almost double that with a clear coat,” adds McLane. “The strips fit almost anyone’s nail bed and can even be used on the toes.”
Retailers can purchase a six piece quantity of each design for $9.60 wholesale, or $1.60 apiece, and retail each set for $4.99 per unit. While there is no minimum, a $100 order is necessary for free shipping. Retailers are also offered a choice of displays, and the most popular is a counter display that comes free with the purchase of 144 pieces. “It is a spinning wire rack display, holding 12 sets of 12 styles,” adds McLane.
Immortals Weaponry Replicas
California based, Pacific Solution Marketing, has been supplying cutlery retailers and their customers since the mid 1990s. The company has become a well recognized wholesale supplier to an expanding number of independent retailers who own and operate specialty knife shops, gift stores, smoke shops and more. Manufacturing its own blades in China, Pacific Solution has direct control over quality and design. Among the exported products are knives, swords, daggers, armor, and even letter openers. Some of the most popular items sold on a regular basis are high quality samurai hand forged swords. “Pocket knives are always very strong, reliable sellers as well,” adds Peter Lee, business development manager.
Pacific Solution takes pride in the edged products its sells to resellers and niche collectors, but is careful to mandate an appropriate age limit for handling. “All retailers are instructed that they cannot sell to customers under 18, a warning explicitly stated on the invoice,” says Lee. And while sure to draw attention from all ages, the new line of weaponry, the Immortals licensed collection, is to be handled with care and only available for purchase to adult collectors. As Immortals hit theaters on Nov. 11, 2011, Pacific Solution’s Heraklion Shield, a legitimate shield replica used by the movie’s villain army, and two limited sword offers, featured and used by the main character Theseus, also hit the shelves. “Created by the same producer of the movie “300,” and featuring Henry Cavill, a growing star with a future role as Superman, we knew Immortals would be a favorite among crowds and the weaponry would receive high customer interest,” says Lee. “It was a great experience working with Relativity Media on the Immortal project.”
The regular production Grecian inspired pieces wholesale from $59.95 to $79.95. For the Limited Edition Hoplite Soldier and Theseus Swords (only 100 units available of each) pricing can be obtained by calling the company and speaking to a representative. “Those customers who typically purchase 10 or more items have the first chance to order from the Limited Edition lines. All buyers, however, are limited to five units of these lines,” notes Lee. Pacific Solution’s minimum order starts at $200, and retailers can sign up online with their contact information and tax ID to see the company’s full line and wholesale pricing. POP posters for the handmade samurai sword series are available, along with several lighted turntable displays. The Samurai Umbrellas are displayed individually in their own box. “With our weekly specials and email blasts to customers, it’s worth getting to know us,” says Lee.
Personal Oxygen Bar
In recent years, there has been increased awareness of green products and natural healing. People are taking action to save the planet, exploring its natural elements, and understanding their associated benefits. Assisting in the attainment of a more organic lifestyle, O2 Innovations, through its personal oxygen bars, is committed to promoting the power of oxygen and its ability to revitalize and rejuvenate. The life-giving component, oxygen, is something we take for granted on a daily basis. Today, we inhale roughly 78 percent nitrogen, 21 percent oxygen, and .9 percent argon, with the remaining balance being other gases and a growing number of pollutants. The O2-B Personal Oxygen Bar helps in purifying this air, separating oxygen by using Pressure Swing Absorption Technology. The process centers around a molecular sieve. As air is introduced, it passes through the sieve and nitrogen is absorbed. The remaining oxygen (41 percent) is piped to a buffer or surge tank, and oxygen is released.
A perfect product fit for spa boutiques, salons, alternative healing shops and many other independent businesses, the O2-B Personal Oxygen Bar was created to bring affordable, non-prescription oxygen to a customer base looking to improve health and well-being. The O2-B, uses a regular electrical outlet, weighs 15 pounds, and uses no tanks, water or refilling, promising no hassle and easy transportation. “There is a state of the art headset accessory that provides an aromatherapy journey, in tandem with the oxygen bar experience. And for those seeking an oxygen only experience, there is the option to use the electric blue nasal cannulas,” notes Maryrose Snopkowski, marketing representative for O2 Innovations. “By using our O2-B Personal Oxygen Bar on a regular basis, you will find that oxygen is beautiful.”
For the price of beauty, retailers can expect to pay $389 wholesale per unit, with a requirement to meet a three unit minimum. Retailing for $629 a unit, a profit of keystone can be expected. And for an additional discounted purchase, O2 Innovations provides store owners with a variety of marketing materials which include, brochures, sellsheets, posters and more. “The O2-B unit is state of the art, and we are excited to bring it to the public at an extremely affordable price. Oxygen bars charge $1 per minute. Now, the benefits of oxygen can be experienced at less than $0.30 per day, using the O2-B Personal Oxygen Bar,” emphasizes Snopkowski. O2 Innovation not only provides the unit for personal use, but by offering a variety of relaxation CDs and a comfortable, easy to use headset with soothing aromatherapy, the company has brought a truly personal and spa-like experience to the retail market. The entire O2-B Kit includes the unit, headset, five nose hoses, a set of relaxation CDs, one aromatherapy oil, cover and extra filters.
Eye Candy Decals
EyeCandy Decals, based in South Carolina, has been producing die-cut decals for several years and selling wholesale for the past three. The most popular items have been stick figure representations of families, which buyers place on the back window of their automobiles. “We have hundreds of designs,” says Rob Langs, owner of EyeCandy Decals. “We have our original family, which is what you usually see on cars, but we also have pirate and vacationing families, as well as athletes like football and basketball players, and all kinds of occupations. People really like to buy different decals representing each family member and put them on the car.”
While the wholesaler has primarily sold in the Southern U.S., this year the company has expanded its efforts around the country, focusing on new areas such as California and the Northeast. The three initial designs (the original family, vacationing family, and pirate family decals) continue to sell extremely well, but EyeCandy consistently adds new designs to their line of decals, making sure everybody and their families are represented. If customers request a particular design, the decal can be produced to meet demand. New products range from snowboarders to martial artists, guitarists to dental hygienists, as well as regular updates to the original lines.
Eye Candy decals are perfect for gift shops, boutiques, card shops, souvenir shops and car washes, and are all made in the U.S. The decals usually wholesale for an average of $1.55, and EyeCandy suggests a retail price of $3.99 to $4.99, for a markup of around 200 percent. “Since customers are buying to represent their entire family, they usually purchase five to seven at a time,” notes Langs. The minimum opening order is $100, while subsequent minimum orders are $50. The products sell well because of word of mouth, and EyeCandy continues to grow the business. “It’s a great product and everybody has loved them,” Langs says. “When one person sees them on the car, they ask other people where they got them and track down where they are sold.”
For More Information:
Critter Cabin
101 Candy St.
Farmersville, TX 75442
Toll Free: 855-400-3305
Email: reptilevendor@gmail.com or use form online
Website: www.crittercabin.com
Fiora Jewelry
Tel.: 281-764-1940
Fax: 817-668-4133
Email: Use form online
Website: www.fiorajewelry.com, www.flowersjewelry.com
Planet Naturals
Tel.: 972-216-5817
Toll Free: 800-675-0074
Email: sales@planetnaturals.com
Website: www.planetnaturals.com
Heavenly Body Products
2571 Park Central Boulevard
Decatur, GA 30035
Tel.: 404-286-6700
Email: sales@heavenlybodyproducts.com
Website: www.heavenlybodyproducts.com
RC Jewels
Tel.: 443-416-0208
Email: cs@hiphopjewelrywholesale.com
Website: www.hiphopjewelrywholesale.com
The Man Can LLC
12636 Sunset Ave., Unit H-4
Ocean City, MD 21842
Tel.: 866-408-6694
Email: Use form online
Website: www.themancanllc.com
Pacific Solution Marketing Inc.
1220 E. Belmont St.
Ontario, CA 91761
Tel.: 909-930-5845
Fax: 909-930-5843
Email: sales@pacificsolution.com
Website: www.pacificsolution.com
O2 Innovations
600 Luzerne Ave.
West Pittston, PA 18643
Tel.: 866-432-0202
Int’l. Tel.: 570-655-3700
Email: contact@o2innovations.com
Website: www.o2innovations.com
EyeCandy Decals
1115 NE Main St., Suite D
Simpsonville, SC 29681
Tel: 864-228-1888
Website: www.eyecandydecals.com