10 Simple Product Ideas to Get Started on IDEABASH

10 SIMPLE PRODUCT IDEAS

to get Started on IDEABASH

The sky is the limit here. If you have already written a book, or produced albums, or movies etc, then you're ready to go. But if you have never produced a product before and don't know where to start, read on and be inspired!

Digital products receive the best income on IDEABASH, but if you're just starting out, that may not be the easiest answer. If you're new to the idea of entrepreneurship, you might want to consider digital products for the future, but begin with phyiscal products, which are more traditional. Below are very simple ideas to get you started on your entrepreneurial journey.

The key here is to make sure you're engaging with your passion! Take some time to meditate on exactly what you want to offer to the world. Humor? Inspiration? Information? Beauty? Remember, products must be your original creation!

Please take the time to read the IDEABASH Terms of Service before creating your product.

You must price your product appropriately. What do similar items sell for in stores? Don't price your product at $25 if it's only worth $10, that will only give you a bad reputation. The IDEABASH community is working on a conscious, ethical level here and dishonesty will not be tolerated.

Not everyone is going to love your product, and that's okay. Whenever you receive a product that doesn't suit you, pass it on to someone who might appreciate it. It's just another way to pay it forward!

Remember: IDEABASH is a global network, and you may be shipping overseas. The cost of shipping is included in the $25 limit, so make sure your product is small, lightweight, and inexpensive to ship.

If you need design help, go to http://fiverr.com/. If you need images go to http://istockphoto.com.

If you need printing help, there are many outlets to choose from; I have used http://vistaprint.com but they're shipping is expensive. Do your research, find the best possible quality for the best possible price. Shop local whenever possible!

Use this opportunity to create something that makes you happy, and will add value to other people's lives. It's not about the cheapest, fastest, most lucrative – it's about adding value to the world around you.

The idea is to spend as little money as possible at the outset, so produce just 25 or 50 of your product to get started. Then, as you make money, invest it right back in to make more. You have 30 days to fulfill orders.

Keep track of all your expenses, as they are tax-deductible.
 

1. Tee shirts - If you're going to sell tee shirts for $25, then they should be made from high quality organic cotton, bamboo or similar materials, which is what you would get for your money in stores or online outlets. Design an original image or logo or words (nothing offensive) for the front. If your production and shipping costs average out to $10 per unit, your net income will be about $60,000/year for tee shirts.

2. Note cards - whether you're artistically inclined or not, you can make note cards for just about any occasion. Weddings, birthdays, holidays, thank you cards, get better cards, condolence cards - the possibilities are endless.

3. Calendars - Most people these days have either a smartphone or tablet with a high res camera. Go out and take pictures of flowers, or trees, or water, or whatever you like, and make a calendar out of those pictures.

4. Cookbook - Without violating any copyrights, put together a cookbook of your style of cooking (Italian, vegan, kids, 20 minute meals, $5 meals etc etc etc). Make sure to include pictures! This can be distributed digitally or physically.

5. Stories - If you have a knack for storytelling, collect your stories and make a book.

6. How-To Videos - Perhaps you have a particular skill that you'd like to share. Making birdhouses, starting seedlings, playing the drums or spackling the perfect wall…. Create a youtube subscription channel to share your videos with your community.

7. Magnets - Take an original image or phrase and turn it into fridge magnets.

8. Baseball Hats - Everyone needs a hat in the summer! Make it unique by applying an original design or phrase. These are great cuz they're one-size-fits-all.

9. Lesson Plans – Turn your expertise into a one month lesson plan for students or adults, including source materials, experiential learning, video instruction etc.

10. Tote Bags – Everyone needs tote bags for groceries. It's also a great marketing opportunity to get your message out into the world!

Each of us are aiming to build a community of about 4,000 people through our viral network of 5, which means that over the course of a year, you'll need to distribute about 4,000 units of your product.

During your production and distribution process, keep the following entrepreneurial truths in mind:

1. High quality products and service will grow your business; low quality will kill it.
2. Every business is a series of successes & failures; patience & determination are necessary for success.
3. If you have a truly great idea, the built-in IDEABASH community will help you spread the word.
4. Don't go into debt; use what you have to get started and use your IDEABASH income to build your business one step at a time.
5. Engage with your passion and do things that feel good; stop doing things that feel bad!

Meg Montgomery is the founder of the IDEABASH Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. She is also a musician/composer/producer, multimedia artist and environmental activist. IDEABASH is a global community of ethical entrepreneurs supporting each other into success, exchanging ideas in the form of products & services, adding value to the world.