5 Struggles of Having a Product Business | Is it worth it?!

[@mirasmith8637]

Work while others are wishing... Persist while others are quitting... To become successful takes time ✨💯

[@kimhyuwong2164]

God got the best plan for our financial growth and freedom It will take time for things to return to normal, people's jobs were really lost

[@scottbrown7256]

@@kimhyuwong2164 God is really intervening on this present issue of unemployment and various jobs lost. I make cool money from Bitcoin trades

[@kelvinfriend9887]

@@scottbrown7256 I've heard different news about Bitcoin and how tricky it is but people still say it's safe

[@scottbrown7256]

@@kelvinfriend9887 Bitcoin and forex trading is 100% safe with an expert to avoid losses and risk

[@scottbrown7256]

People venture into Bitcoin wrongly and that's why they always complain of losses

[@jillkelli]

I’m about a month out from launch, depending on when inventory arrives😅 scared af but so excited, too. Thanks for sharing your insight. So helpful!

[@FashionFixAndCocktails]

What are you planning on launching? Let us know so that we can check it out and support you

[@dmavin03]

What’s your business? Drop your page! I’ll support ♥️

[@raysofsunshine5639]

Congratulations!!!

[@aliciastewart3037]

I'm so proud of you!! Wishing you nothing but the best of luck!!

[@JessicaLaShawn]

Congrats do a pre-order and offer a digital optionif possible

[@Jojodone]

Now Imagine if live in the Caribbean trying to ship to the US competing with international shipping prices or not living in the US to inspect product or being able to package them. The Caribbean is constantly left of most industries, even tho we have so many talented people here but because we don't get the same privileges as other countries its hard to become a an entrepreneur if you don't have the proper support

[@shannonjohnson4314]

I could only imagine the struggle is real.

[@JD-zw5os]

Yep. It’s unbelievably tough.

[@Jojodone]

@@JD-zw5os trust me it is unless you already come from money with contacts. If not your just closed of to operating only in the Caribbean.

[@Jojodone]

@@shannonjohnson4314 very real my friend.

[@leandra5248]

Omg sis I agree. Caribbean people have it harder.

[@QBWigCollections]

I've hit and missed a few times when it comes to buying too little or too much inventory. plus it sucks when shipping times and accuracy are out of your control. But as a business owner all that is acceptable. The only discouraging part running a business are the scammers... They will use stolen credit cars, file chargebacks, or try whatever to get over on you. But no matter what I never give up!

[@NaturallyGlo]

Thank you for this!! Business owners need to talk about this more. These hiccups sometimes have had me consider changing to a service based business 😭 but small goals are the key!!! So excited for you 🤗💚

[@yanikeonpurpose]

I have a product based business & I am product all. the. way!!! 💯 I love the placing of orders, waiting for them to sell, shipping them out, ordering more from China, sourcing new products. A service business requires waaaay too much emotional energy- It’s just me constantly selling selling & selling myself. I’m an introvert. I’m not about that life 🤣

[@RobynAnnL]

I’m moving into products this year also, because I was over the constant selling of myself. Just want to go behind the scenes until I want to say hi.. if ever. 😅

[@juellagumbs]

Service is waaay more taxing! I've done both product and service, and product is what I'm reverting to for the foreseeable future. 😅

[@ErinOnDemand]

Top 3 Notebooks are BACK IN STOCK! They're going fast. *Link to buy:* erinondemand.com/shop

[@destineeknox]

Patiently waiting!!! ☺️☺️☺️☺️ & im on the waitlist!! ☺️

[@katrinafasho]

you should also sell a beautiful top 3 whiteboard !

[@justsophonie]

Love the transparency in this video. People think it's simple but chile it can be something else. I started a product business last year during the pandemic and granted it was a fun experience at times, it was not what I expected. I had to shut it down so I can reevaluate how to make it work better if I decide to open one again.

[@StaciLatrice]

I had such an attitude about shipping times when I launched my business. 2 and half MONTHS later and some items are randomly arriving here and there, I ended up wiping my website clean. But you’re extremely inspiring so this was def motivation to keep moving 😊

[@ladykingsrey3977]

@7:51 my heart went pitter-patter with joy on how much hands-on help that you have --> CONGRATULATIONS!

[@ladykingsrey3977]

I hardly make comments on people's YT account, yet I seemed to have received a response from you and it was a phone number, am I misinformed?

[@blackscriptstudio565]

This is so real Erin thank you for being transparent! Everyone wants to sell out, but most people don't think about the physical labor of packaging all those orders and being able to keep up with demand. Especially if you are a one-man-band. Same with wanting to hit a monthly sales goal. Let's say you want to make $10,000 in your business in 1 month? How many products do you need in stock to support that? How much will marketing cost be to acquire that many customers new and old. What is the expected shipping time frame? There is so much work done on the back end. You're doing so great! Growing pains are awesome and give us entrepreneurs the opportunity to expand.

[@ErinOnDemand]

Totally agree!! Every struggle is a learning experience! Business should be sustainable, not draining. xo

[@bellakellzzz]

I own a cosmetic brand, and approaching my 2nd year in business. My brand is doing good, but I can’t wait to get to this level of being able to have a warehouse and employees. I’m still at the home based business phase and I literally wear all the hats (literally do everything). I look forward to continued growth and prosperity. Keep going! Your story is inspiring.

[@MsCarlecia]

Congrats on being in business for 2 years Bella!! That's a big accomplishment. You will get there where you will have a warehouse. I wish you continued success!

[@bellakellzzz]

@@MsCarlecia thank you so much! Really appreciate that.

[@Shajarazade]

This video was right on time. I launch in 2 months, the fulfillment center was on my top list for expenses because honeyyyy I hate waiting for orders and i would hate for my clients to. Great video

[@latashaepps1060]

Erin my husband is a contractor. He owns his own flooring business and YES his flooring has gotten stuck at customs. There is nothing we can do due to Covid and the extra precautions. One thing he did was get in good with with one of the managers at one of his stores so they told him when the products would get in before anyone else. Much 💖 sis keep it up. GOD BLESS and thanks for the videos.

[@nickagrinzone]

I'm a filmmaker, but I still do plan on selling physical products sometime in my career. I've always wanted to create something to bring into this life. Keeping this for when the time comes!

[@magicandriches]

Erin, your Makeup is so beautiful here! I can tell you've definitely levelled up your look a bit lately, and I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you look! Also, thanks for this video - right on time for me!! Wondering if you considered Amazon KDP? And any thoughts you can share around your decision.

[@alexisdavis7578]

It’s usually best to manufacture in the US where you can! To each their own, but it helps put money back into our economy and the shipping costs are lower and shipping times are faster. Hope this helps!

[@ShakiraKGardner]

This is very helpful! I self published and released my first devotional in June! And all this was considered in why I choose to self publish on my first book instead of publishing a company. Cost and the all the logistics. I enjoy at this level seeing my orders come in, putting a name to the support and fulfilling the orders. But I know as I continue to grow, this won’t be feasible. Truly enjoyed this video!

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

Covid affecting shipping times has frustrated people all around the world but gotta do what we gotta do!

[@nursebondemcanada]

I love how your family members are involved in the process

[@WhitneyStylez]

I like your question of “is selling out a good thing?” I see it both ways… Yay 😁🥂 to the profit and getting rid of inventory. It also encourages people to sign up for mailing list and stay engaged with your socials and communications so they are the first to know when you restock or new products drop. BUT it’s also a missed opportunity… you lose money because like you said people will shop elsewhere depending on how urgent they need it. Another benefit to “not selling out” is an improved customer experience. I have a small clothing business and I like having inventory on hand. Nobody wants to go to a store or website and find out they have either no products available or limited sizes for example if a person sells clothes.

[@MkcLaura]

Thanks for sharing. I have never considered creating a product based business and this is exactly why. Service based is easier to manage and maintain. Like you said, it's a labor of love and very much appreciated 😊 💕

[@ErinOnDemand]

It's not for everybody! lol xo

[@TheLisaTorres]

Tightening up the expenses is huge when you have your first product since it's your baby and you want it to be perfect but you've got t be realistic and keep the costs down so you may not use the packaging etc, that's your first choice. Thanks for the journey!

[@daniellemayber6509]

Thank you for sharing the behind-the-scenes! This was super interesting and helpful. Congrats on the product launch! 🚀 🙌

[@cryptociara]

Oh my god I am also about to launch a product....almost 1 year after I decided to do this 🙄 it's been waaaay more work than I thought but have learnt loads along the way!

[@LamarSchoell]

Thanks for sharing sometimes we think that we're the only ones that have problems. It's nice when you can share the problems in the solution because this is actually how every entrepreneur thanks. Great video keep them coming.

[@aliciastewart3037]

Giiirrrllll!! U r such a God send!!! I'm in the process of launching my business. God led me here and I'm thankful for you and your business 🙏 mind!!

[@ErinOnDemand]

Won't He do it?! So glad we collided xo

[@Ifetayoyoga]

Wow that’s love that you had so much family support ❤️

[@ericaf.3066]

Thank you for sharing…not being attached to packaging really hit home!

[@ShantelChambers]

Thanks for being so transparent about the growing pains of entrepreneurship. It was so insightful.

[@constancerahming6272]

Good luck finding a manufacturer in the USA! I’ve been looking for months and from all those I’ve contacted.. THEY outsource overseas 😓 it’s been a headache, but we’ve got this! Keep climbing!!! 🙌🏽💪🏽

[@dmavin03]

Yes this was so helpful!! I’m trying to get all of my ducks in the row before my launch! A year of preparation😭 but I’m determined to make this happen

[@flowersfam3462]

Same here!🤯 I'm preparing my information on the final outline draft for setting up my separate Instagram account for my handmade handbags to launch soon! I cannot wait! The pandemic caused so much financial hardship and having to revamp myself is not easy, but so worth it for my two children and myself so I can get us another home one day!🙏🏼 There's nothing like your own!🥰🌻🦋 Much love and blessings to all of us in our journey to financial independence/security!🙏🏼🤎

[@fuelthedream]

You are doing so well Erin. So proud if you and your journey. I'm inspired

[@cookinmeanjean]

Thank You for the true and very real informative look at entrepreneurship. Most people only talk of money made not the full honest process.

[@just_toko]

I really love that you are talking about this and I wish more entrepreneurs did so too. These are real struggles that I faced too when I decided to make product. It was just all so confusing and I could find any useful resources to help me. I'm def saving this video and now have renewed energy to go on with my product. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@AyeshaNoelle]

Never looked at selling out like this. Thank you for these great insights Erin🙏🏾💜

[@CharisMaggieTV]

This was insight indeed. The price of the product will also come down to how much work was put into the creation of it as well which is why some productivity books would be more expensive than others. If it’s a simple book, then it shouldn’t be a crazy amount

[@autumemonet]

This was such helpful information! A lot of things I never though I might have to consider. I created my own product (a planner) last year and have had some people testing out the prototype throughout this year. There were only 10 prototypes, but even that took a long time for shipping during covid so i'm gonna have to be careful when I place the real big order in November. Thanks for sharing this girl!

[@robinrazzi]

Great info Erin! Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait for the notebooks to go on sale. I check your site DAILY. We appreciate your transparency. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you. Much success!!!

[@ErinOnDemand]

Haha awww Robin you're too sweet! Make sure you're ready on Monday!

[@rob.gerald]

Great business decision to tighten up the backend first!

[@MarkRay84]

Love the video, and you never lose something you never had in regard to selling out.

[@whylaterstartnow8175]

My daughter and I are stuck in the research phase of starting our own individual company and launching our product. I am very happy I found your channel and the transparency has been so inspiring for us. I am so ready to stop working for others it is a struggle to get online everyday when I want to spend the time working on my business. I found the series of how you started your product and I will be structurally watching it over the next few days. Thank you am for sharing and supporting other small business owners. I might have missed it but I didn’t hear why you went oversee to build the product or is the answer in the series - I will look for the answer over there. The biggest question for us is creating the product in USA or go overseas.

[@AyandaBailey]

I believe it’s because of product cost is less oversees.

[@whylaterstartnow8175]

@@AyandaBailey I can see that but then I weigh in the availability of the product during the pandemic. I hear a lot of people struggling with the borders delays and how they are losing money by having to discount their products over time. I just want to be able to provide a great product to buyers in a timely matter. Thanks you for the feedback.

[@ErinOnDemand]

Totally feel you! It's worth the struggles to have your own freedom to build the legacy you desire. We chose an overseas manufacturer because it was more economical and the quality was great.

[@whylaterstartnow8175]

@@ErinOnDemand Good Morning, Thank you for responding back to us.

[@ItsPriscillaB]

This has a throwback vibe from vintage informative Erin videos and I LOVE IT! 🎉🎉 I learned so much.

[@ErinOnDemand]

Haha aww! Thanks Priscilla! xo

[@gfudiaries]

Hi Erin! Thank you for taking the time to share such great tips!! Your content is always so informative and well thought out!! I will be launching a product soon while rebranding my business so this video was right 👏🏾on 👏🏾time!! I’m experiencing a lot of what you mentioned in the video. 😩😂 Blessings to you and your business. You inspire those like me with a dream and drive ♥️

[@alexisdavis7578]

I think selling out actually emphasizes the urgency for the next round! ✨ The people that didn’t get them will still want them, so I think it works.

[@ErinOnDemand]

Yes but not for so long to the point where you’re losing a significant amount of money.

[@alexisdavis7578]

@@ErinOnDemand Yes, you’re right.

[@Innessofficial]

Cardboard box is more ecological than plastic packaging👍many small businesses don't think about it,wanting to cut on costs.way to go!🙂

[@chelseahernandez97]

so appreciate this whole video series! I am a researcher and planner! I don't even have the first steps in place, no blog, only a notebook full of notes! everyone makes it sound sooooo easy to make money easy, but this is so real! thank you thank you! I have one quick question that wasnt really hit on, what would you say was your price per product? i really wish you the very best and am so thankful for the time you have taken to share all these steps with us!

[@niyadanyalle]

This video came at the perfect time. One, because I love your content and two because I have been patiently waiting for you to restock. I am a true supporter and loyal to your brand! Can’t wait until these drop.

[@ErinOnDemand]

Aww thanks Niya!! Can't wait for you to get yourssss xo

[@rayjuvenateco4239]

I just want to say that I’ve always admired you for your business sense, and I appreciate you for sharing your journey and business tips from Day One. One day I’ll be able to say I’m a retired procrastinator as well😁 By the way, you look amazing Sis!

[@rayjuvenateco4239]

@Erín On Demand° Downloading now

[@FulloffJOY]

great to know! it’s a lot to think about before launching a product especially if items are shipping from a different country.

[@lesley5424]

Wow, I'm preparing my launch right now and you touched on so many concerns I have been having too. Great video.. thank you Erin!!

[@rinamaria3045]

Erin this is such an incredible video. I've watched few of your videos and there is just something different in the way you look at things!👏🏼 I love your perspective and your content you cover is so unique! Thank you for this informative video😊

[@chantalemerchant2389]

Erin, thank you for sharing. Very different good info!!!! I took notes

[@HeyyyHR]

Real planners use multiple planner systems! So I’m patiently waiting on mine! All of your hard work is not in vein. I hesitated on ordering the first one & I’m happy I did bc I have a perfect plan for this now that my channel has grown. I like the white boxes better than packaging slips but hey, as long as you keep the keepsake box, I’m happy! Lol

[@ErinOnDemand]

Girl the boxes are staying! And so are the keepsake boxes! Sooo excited for you to get yours! xo E

[@HeyyyHR]

@@ErinOnDemand I prayed for that & the Lord answered!! 🤣🤣😘

[@FD1111Ministries]

I plan to use an overseas manufacturer this time for my Oracle decks

[@THEPEERPATH]

I love that you have so much support! Thank u for this. I just got my sample back from the manufacturer. 🥰 Best of Luck to you

[@ErinOnDemand]

I am so grateful!! Ahhh yay!! Soooo excited for you Amber xo

[@MarcusCq]

What about an electronic version of the top 3 Erin? Would be touching a new part of the market and product fulfillment and supply chain is a lot easier.

[@ErinOnDemand]

Yes we've been thinking about that! Thanks foe the suggestion Marcus!

[@KarinaGlamorous]

Your smile makes me smile! You're so pretty girl!!

[@givethem_chell]

I randomly wondered what happened to the planners. Great update!! Can you guys release a different foil color option, maybe silver binding and foil? Also have you guys considered releasing a mini version of the notebook.. like purse phone book size? Ohhh also maybe just a fill in page option for people who like to use mini binders??

[@ErinOnDemand]

We're keeping it simple with one design for now but def have plans on expanding to a whole line and different designs xo

[@KlaKe09]

I definitely just paid $400 on shipping for something overseas. The MOQ is like 100 so it's just a necessary evil at this point :/ I hope my shipping isn't too messed up so that I can still launch at the end of September.

[@theetravelhippie]

4:55 Depending on the product this is applicable, whereas other product are not “seasonal” per se

[@csfashion101]

Okay intro!!

[@ErinOnDemand]

You liked it?! We were trying something different to add a little spice to the sit-down videos! xo E

[@csfashion101]

@@ErinOnDemand definitely, it's like when your favorite show starts and you sing the theme song. Love it keep exploring.

[@WhitneyStylez]

Your mom had the Detroit vs Everybody shirt on. I’m from Grand Rapids… one ☝🏽 time for the home team 🙌🏽 Michigan

[@utagzmotoring]

We are bringing a new product to market as well. I only ordered 300 units but my product requires in house customization which takes time and effort. Shipping from China just went up like 200% too! Luckily my order left the port before the price jumped too high earlier this month. Hopefully my license plates dont sit at the port forever like your product. We went a cheaper way as far as packaging too. Essentially, my plates are in a black box with customized stickers. Team 1 SKU!

[@ErinOnDemand]

Aww I hope everything arrives soon! Yes shipping did go up - everything is going up!! :( lol

[@iAPRILNICOLE]

Thank you for being so transparent! Good info!

[@sweetcountryhome]

Your video is so inspirational och it's great that you share all the hard work that goes into it!!😊🌸

[@shannonjohnson4314]

Thank you for talking about this! There is so much to be considered.

[@DeeBlaregold]

Yay! Beneficial information.

[@ErinOnDemand]

So glad it was helpful! xo E

[@nickydaley345]

Can we get an updated hair routine please

[@ErinOnDemand]

I haven't updated anything since my video :) I've been doing the same thing for yearssss

[@jakenyajones7268]

Mkaaaaaaaaay. I was about to say SIS IT'S SOLD OUT. OKAY MONDAY.

[@CS-ts4zp]

Such a great video!!! I did have like a month and a half wait to get my product by sea. It took so long it impacted the integrity of it. The manufacturer was great so she sent replacements and I paid for those by air. By air was so nice :) but like you said cost a lot more.

[@ErinOnDemand]

Oh wow! That's so nice that she sent replacements. Having a good manufacturer def makes a big difference.

[@CS-ts4zp]

@@ErinOnDemand Completely!!

[@CS-ts4zp]

@@ErinOnDemand completely!

[@ebonygriffin527]

The support ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@keyannaharper3916]

My 9-5 is dealing with products shipping and receiving. I can tell you all of our vendors are having shipping delays do to Covid. Some over seas company’s shut down for 2-4 weeks every year anyway during the summer. But things that normally take 2-3 weeks to get now takes 5-6 weeks. Smh that made me think of not to use over seas company for some things.

[@TomFord_]

Erin has excellent content as usual. Q: Which supplier did you use for your corrugated boxes? Boxes are insanely expensive in Toronto not viable for small ecomm business trying to start.

[@cheberur]

Thanks for the top three things methods! Imma get me one too 🙏❤️

[@bluepaintnorm]

Hey Erin. I hope you’re well. I always enjoy your videos, they help me to dream big. Best! ~Norm

[@ErinOnDemand]

That makes be so happy! Make those dreams come true. It's possible!

[@foxybluu3357]

I have a new business - I understand - but at least you're making sales

[@foxybluu3357]

@Erín On Demand° not the real one

[@wendyann7432]

I launched my store but everything is on preorder and next month I’m buying inventory and creating better content. I’m incredibly scared to not get any customers 😭 but hoping for the best 🤞🏼

[@ErinOnDemand]

You got this Wendy!

[@flowersfam3462]

I'm doing the same soon Wendy Ann, so the best to you and all of us!🤗🌻🦋

[@ariellemondesir]

Thank you so much for this! I’m a new entrepreneur as well and have had some of the same takeaways. This was so helpful and informative! 💕 How would you balance the timing of promoting a product launch with the production timeline? (would you suggest when you get samples?) This is always a challenge. Would love to hear you thoughts. Thanks again!! 💗

[@CherArchange]

What’s the best way or platform to sell your products faster and grow your business?

[@khidhrapoole6781]

Thank you so much for your wisdom. This has truly blessed me! I so appreciate you for this.

[@micaylaw]

what if you don’t have a following yet (because you are a new business and new to social media promotion)? would doing pre-order be a good place to start?

[@SimplyNaturalCai]

Can’t wait to order my notebook 🎉🎉

[@ErinOnDemand]

I can't wait for you!! xo

[@moircandlecompany]

Love the journal❤️

[@lucianaphillips1802]

Hello have you thought about doing per-ordering so then you can have a number and won't lose money?

[@ErinOnDemand]

The issue with pre-ordering is not knowing when the product will arrive. If people paid me and I told them the products would be here in June and they were delayed by a month and a half at the border, people would be a lot more upset if they'd paid me already. I just didn't want to run the risk of having people's money and dealing with the delays. Hope this makes sense!

[@lucianaphillips1802]

@@ErinOnDemand Yes makes great sense due to how people are so it's understandable.

[@MarkSavant]

Keep up the great work Erin!🙂

[@ChellBell1328]

Thanks for your honesty

[@caroltrimble2738]

Thank you Erin! Good info

[@parkergillian]

i absolutely love your content! ps can we also get some hair care tips? lol

[@ErinOnDemand]

I have a video on my channel! I literally haven't changed my hair routine lol.

[@angelanellie5631]

The only problem with the notebooks is that you don’t ship to 🇰🇪 Kenya. I tried to get them to be shipped to Kenya last time it just didn’t work.

[@ErinOnDemand]

Aww, I'm sorry! :(. We will look into this issues.

[@angelanellie5631]

@@ErinOnDemand That would mean so much to me. Thanks 🙏 appreciate it

[@sarahc47]

What about a white Top3 notebook with rose gold accents? I think that would be very attractive 🤍

[@GigaBuzzStore]

Why not to take backorders when you are out off stock..?

[@brittanilioneljackson6096]

Is there a reason you didn't do pre-orders for the first launch?

[@ErinOnDemand]

Delayed shipping time for the product. Didn't want to have people's money and couldn't get the product to them in time due to delays!

[@brittanilioneljackson6096]

@@ErinOnDemand totally understandable - I'm sure it could have helped you figure out what your true demand but the cost of poor customer service due to shipping delays outweighed the benefit of real time market research on demand

[@rhymefestza5103]

With love from South Africa.

[@sarahc47]

You are glowing!! ✨

[@ItsDricaaa]

I launched a month ago and having to close my website because I notice my planner cover has misspell words it’s so heartbreaking 💔 I ordered 500 planners.

[@lynej2011]

The printers will fix, right?😡

[@ItsDricaaa]

@@lynej2011 yea but I have to pay for them to 😞 and it will take a month just for the new cover to get here

[@lynej2011]

@@ItsDricaaa I'm so sorry. They should pay for the shipping also, but I know it's not that easy. Don't give up!

[@ItsDricaaa]

@@lynej2011 😣thank you, you’re so sweet! 💛

[@ErinOnDemand]

Oh nooo! Did you get a sample? Was it misspelled on your design?!

[@THATS_CHARMING]

Thank you for sharing this process

[@ms.5779]

Which country do you order from?

[@Mindsetolympics]

Oh heyyy you’re in DETROIT like me YAYYYY

[@shundracooper4237]

Who is your manufacturer

[@ErinOnDemand]

That's proprietary information that I do not publicly share. Thanks for understanding!

[@tanyajones354]

I am new to your channel. Top 3 is so awesome , where can I buy?