A brand new product, created to help people who need a lift, is now making its debut at flea markets and swap meets. Tom Warmus was inspired to make an inspirational product after a relative sent him an uplifting card when he was going through a rough patch in his personal life. “I thought, I could make something to help other people as well,” Warmus recalls. “I realized that there are a lot of people out there who could use a focal point to help them get through the things they are experiencing.” The product he created is “Attitude Rocks™,” a name he has officially trademarked because he feels that it is completely unique. Each smooth stone is carved with two inscriptions, front and back. For example, one side, it reads “Attitude of Gratitude,” and on the other, “-it lifts you up!™” The company offers five variations, with different inspiring aphorisms.
From there the concept evolved and took on its current shape. Warmus started a company, called Gratitude Rocks, LLC, to make his product, which has now expanded into three product lines: loose rocks, key chains, and necklaces. Warmus says his product testing at flea markets has really been encouraging. “Someone walking by a booth in a flea market can touch the stone, feel it, and read the message. It’s an emotional impulse-buy item.” And, with the concentrated foot traffic and dedicated attention of a vendor at a booth, it is predicted to sell well. “The flea retailer marketplace offers an opportunity for higher volume sales than the brick and mortar stores,” he explains. Another selling point is that the item attracts both gift shoppers and self-help shoppers. “Many people I know want to give gifts from the heart. The appeal to the product is that it is a thoughtful thank you gift. However, it is also a self improvement item.” He mentions that it works for those who already have everything. “Giving this to a person who probably already has a keychain is fine, because there’s a meaning behind this.”
Vendors have a choice to package Gratitude Rocks in a box, a pouch, or just on their own. At flea markets, where shoppers are bargain conscious, Warmus says that vendors should expect keystone profits. The basic rock sells at wholesale for $3.25, and the suggested retail is $6.50. The key chain sells for $4.75 wholesale and retails for $9.50. The necklace has more retail price flexibility, but wholesales at $5.25, allowing vendors to sell it at a higher price point than the keystone $10.50, which could be considered a minimum. The company has a minimum order size of $100. For more information, check out the Attitude Rocks wholesale page on the Internet, email info@attitude-rocks.com, or call 888-841-8599.