Hey guys. I've been into transformers for life and when I came across a new business innovation I thought it would be perfect for me. They are teddy bears that transform into balls. I can't actually sell transformers toys so I thought this would be the next best thing. I opened up a mall kiosk and I've put about $24,000 into it. I've been in business for a total of about four days so far and I've only sold two of these. They are of very high quality, brand new, innovative, and all the kids that come to my kiosk love it, but the parents won't buy it for them. I've put all of my savings into this and I'm really struggling now. If any of you guys have kids in the family or may be interested in this please let me know if you are willing to buy. I just created an ebay fixed auction for them (8 bears total). If you want less than that please let me know and I can create a new auction. If you can please just look at the product and see how cool it is and how a child might love it, I would appreciate it. If you have any tips for me, I would appreciate that as well. The link to the auction is below. Thanks. Transformer Teddy Bears | eBay
So... Popples? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpHpawc0hlM Sorry to hear it's not going well for you, is there any way you can find another job and sell these bears at trade shows or events or online instead on your offtime?
Sorry to hear about your business trouble. Renting a mall kiosk and making a great living is pretty tough. Had a friend who sunk his life savings tring to sell high end wooden replicas of ships, cars, and planes at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora, IL via a rented kiosk. He unfortunately went belly up after just 3 months. My suggestion would be to sell off your current inventory by having a bundle sale. For example, buy 2 and get the 3rd item for 50% off or, buy 1 get 1 for 25% off. The bears are cute but I think $30 a bear is a little steep for the average parent who is looking to spend between $10 to $15 for a toy at the mall. Good luck!
Yeah, I was just about to say, these are Popples. They worked okay the first time (80s) and barely anything during the revival (I believe late 90s/early '00s) and they're just not going to work this time. I'm sorry you had this happen to you, hulk, but you might be in deep on this one.
Unfortunately at that price point they are WAY too expensive I'm afraid. The idea is cute but they would have to be under US$15 to be a realistic money spinner in my opinion. Plush toys are always going to be a hard market as there are lots of super cheap plush options (especially with teddys) out there already.
Four days in September, and, assuming your timeline is accurate, four non-weekend days at that, isn't much to go on. While I share the opinion that $40 is a little steep, sales should pick up as we head into the Christmas shopping season. I don't recommend keeping the kiosk open past the end of the year though. Toys are a tough sell outside of the 4th quarter; even at conventions, people seem perfectly OK with paying $30+ to get in and then not buy anything.
I think that most people have forgotten Popples. At least these lil guys are actual balls, soccer, footballs...that's kinda different. I'd pay $20ish for one, especially on an impulse. Best of luck to you!
licensing... i could see these being sold at stadiums and arena's. but.. i imagine licensing would be very difficult.
Hi everyone. I started a new business recently and sunk about 24k into it. I thought transforming teddy bears would be a great hit but they are not. I need to sell about 11 of these at my mall cart per day just to break even. I am no where close to that. My parents are so disappointed in me, and so am I. I thought I knew what I was doing but I guess not. If anyone is interested please let me know if you would like to buy. They are very high quality and are very soft. I am posting the eBay link below. I also have auctions for single bears, instead of bulk. Just check the items I have from the link and other items for sale. Thanks! Transformer Teddy Bears | eBay
Have you tried soliciting them to shops like TRU or department stores? If you're just trying to sell these through your own outlet your exposure is absolutely minimal. Even traffic through eBay is slow going if you haven't the extra premium for eBay to promote your page. Have you set up a Facebook page for these?
Well my cost for them are very high. They are very soft high quality items. I didn't get these from alibaba for a dollar each. I wanted to differentiate myself. Now I know it was a mistake.
Are these bears something that you developed and manufactured yourself, or are they someone else product that you're selling?
Well I can't solicit to department stores because I didn't create the items. I bought into it. My Facebook is Facebook.com/teddynmetoys
Right, my wife has told me to look up 'Popples', these are a transforming plush that turn inside out too that came out in the 80's.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popples There's even a sports range that turn into stuff like soccer balls and other sports balls. Playmates tried a revival line in 2007 as well. Looking around there's another line called Reverse-a-pal which does the same thing too. I dunno what to say man, it seems like you're up against it. How much stock did you buy?
