Supplements you can't buy cheap online

[maldorf]

A small lounge?

Maybe have a small lounge where health conscious people can meet and talk about fitness/nutrition. You could help them out in discussions. Have Wifi internet service, some snacks, etc. Maybe even have a free seminar once a week in there and you could give them just enough info to wet their appetite so that they come to you for more advice and help. Weight loss help would be huge I think.

 

[goal245]

Maybe have a small lounge where health conscious people can meet and talk about fitness/nutrition. You could help them out in discussions. Have Wifi internet service, some snacks, etc. Maybe even have a free seminar once a week in there and you could give them just enough info to wet their appetite so that they come to you for more advice and help. Weight loss help would be huge I think.

Most gyms here are doing this, selling supps etc, and even they seem to be struggling selling anything other than ready to drink products

 

[richiec]

How in the world has nobody said to talk to Dante????????
That is the person to talk to on the serious
He'll give you everything you need to know

 

[Size2XXL]

Business is changing and online retailers are winning, look at GNC, almost $500 million in losses last quarter.

I know a few people that own local supp stores and it's gonna be tough. You need something like fresh smoothies/juices to bring the people in but most would rather order on Amazon with a few clicks

Most Grocery stores in my are also have a supp section and have most of the top sellers at lowest possible prices. There is really no reason to go to a stand alone supp store

~ True this, I don't want to say "unequivocally " that Brick n Mortar stores are a "Thing of the Past", however, the Web is/ has definitely changed that up, "and" mind you not, as an example, let's say product's that contains DMAA, are supposed to be removed because "Big Brother " says so, there are a few that are in, and have been in litigation for this very thing, "Mesomorph " for example, now, with the advent, & popularity of the internet, you could still get items like these, or let's say they do away with Sarms , they could still be easily had
and at reasonable prices from the UK, as example.

But, like one of the further up posters said, perseverance, and "Branding " brand name labeling after doing your homework, and associated marketing, you could very well do fine, may take slot of trial. N error to see what moves n what doesn't.

2XXL

 

[concreteguy]

First off, I love seeing people follow their passion and don't want to deter an idea.

Second off, do not open a brick and mortar supplement store. Or a brick and mortar store in general.

I work in digital marketing, eCommerce and SEO and constantly have to keep up on industry news and trends. The moves that Amazon are making alone, will do away with brick and mortar stores alone. Not to mention what Google, Microsoft and Apple are doing either.

If anything can be done most cost effectively online, it'll only be a matter of time before it completely takes over. TV, brick and mortar stores, grocery stores, are all hemorrhaging money.

IF you are set on doing it, you would be better off creating a "boutique" type store, a place that creates an experience that'll make people want to come to you for their business because that cannot be replicated online. Trying to beat prices will not work because no company can compete with online prices.

Spot on post! I will add that Amazon's stock is still under valued and you, your momma and all her friends should be buying it up. Amazon has invested huge , into automation and robotics. They are one of the "bench mark companies that will take on line service to the next level. Other stocks to watch are Adobe, UBX. But that's another thread.........

Take a note: "Brick and mortar are dead"

CG

 

[Pinit]

I'm opening a local nutrition store and want the bulk of my products to not be name brands that Amazon and these big online shops whore out for prices so low the profit is like $5 at the most. I found a good local company but I figure there are tons of out of state company's that only distribute to stores and can't be whored out online. If anyone has any info I'd appreciate a PM. Thanks

Good luck

 

[Pinit]

Most gyms here are doing this, selling supps etc, and even they seem to be struggling selling anything other than ready to drink products

Gotta make your own now a days

 

[Pinit]

~ True this, I don't want to say "unequivocally " that Brick n Mortar stores are a "Thing of the Past", however, the Web is/ has definitely changed that up, "and" mind you not, as an example, let's say product's that contains DMAA, are supposed to be removed because "Big Brother " says so, there are a few that are in, and have been in litigation for this very thing, "Mesomorph " for example, now, with the advent, & popularity of the internet, you could still get items like these, or let's say they do away with Sarms , they could still be easily had
and at reasonable prices from the UK, as example.

But, like one of the further up posters said, perseverance, and "Branding " brand name labeling after doing your homework, and associated marketing, you could very well do fine, may take slot of trial. N error to see what moves n what doesn't.

2XXL

Online is killing retails for sure

 

[Pinit]

Maybe have a small lounge where health conscious people can meet and talk about fitness/nutrition. You could help them out in discussions. Have Wifi internet service, some snacks, etc. Maybe even have a free seminar once a week in there and you could give them just enough info to wet their appetite so that they come to you for more advice and help. Weight loss help would be huge I think.

Need a gimmic now a days

 

[Thebigone]

How in the world has nobody said to talk to Dante????????
That is the person to talk to on the serious
He'll give you everything you need to know

I messaged him but I'm sure he's swamped. I only live about an hour from him but his company doesn't offer resale services.

 

[Thebigone]

My area is small with a lot of money. Brick and mortar brands are good for me as customers will buy what I recommend them and can't buy the product from googling it so I have to mainly carry those brands. From what I've seen anyone who already knows what they want will get it online or from a shop that can match online prices. My shop caters to people who don't know what to buy. Stay at home moms who only know of weight watchers,...they will have no idea if X protein is better than Y protein,etc... but anyone can google so that's why the main brand(s) I'll carry can't be googled or will only have the website of the brand with their high retail prices.

My wife is big with the running community and all the small town stay at home moms,etc.. so that will be a big market. Probably offer the paint and sip classes after hours which is around here,etc...

 

[philmcgroin]

It's disgusting out these places like Walmart and Amazon make it impossible for mom-and-pop shops to make it. There are a few companies I'm working with that only distribute to stores and they actually do pretty well so I don't see how they could go out of business. What I'm trying to do is find more companies like that so I don't have to just carry two brands in my store. The store is going to be like your every day basic nutrition store but I'm going to do customized diets which most stores don't. It's not going to be geared towards bodybuilding at all since that is such a low percentage but I'm going to carry all the necessary products as well as all the gluten-free and organic shit. Going to do things like customized plans for overweight children, autistic kids, etc. so it's going to be different than your average store and I'm located in an area where there is a lot of money with a lot of stay at home moms who will be a big part of the base. Plus it's a small town so I don't need to do a ton of marketing everybody knows when something new pops up. I'm glad I did not buy a franchise.

I truly wish you no Ill will,but cut your losses now before you invest all your time energy and money that business is just a loosing proposition.at best you'll eek out a living working 80 hrs a week.its not too late.

 

[richiec]

I messaged him but I'm sure he's swamped. I only live about an hour from him but his company doesn't offer resale services.

Don't message him here.

Find him on Facebook, he's active there. He's responded to my posts there frequently so that'd be the best place to talk to him initially.

Not necessarily resale what I'm saying, but you can have your own stuff too

 

[Blitz-Test]

It's nearly suicide to open a brick and mortar store in a niche market when you're simply reselling.

Even if you find a brand that isn't online I'm not paying $30 more for your creatine when I can get another on Amazon for less. It's not like you're going to find a revolutionary ingredient that only a local knows.

Also typically the reason Amazon or bodybuilding.com doesn't sell it is because there isn't any brand recognition behind it.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

 

[Blitz-Test]

They probably will for certain things, like product demonstration, or perishable goods.

You can't pay rent or stock inventory with the profits of demos.. Also not really sure I've seen perishable goods at GNC or any big competitor. If there was Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or any grocer with an organic section will cannibalize the market.

 

[IsaacHaze1]

Brick and Mortar is tough. Especially being brand new. What retail is missing these days is the customer experience. I will walk into a lot of brick and mortar accounts, and it is some meathead kid sitting behind the counter asking "can I help you?". They generally wont even get up to greet you. Just sitting behind the counter the entire time. The owners sit back and just expect to open their doors and business will flood in. These days, you really have to set yourself apart and give people a reason to walk into your store. There will always be a market for the individual who wants advice. The experience is what you need to create for the "touch and feel" customer.

Smoothies are a good idea to bring in customers. Margins are fairly high on smoothies, and you cant buy a smoothie on Amazon. These customers will eventually grab supplements while they are at your store. Also, prepackaged meals (Icon meals etc), and functional foods are also a great way to create foot traffic. Research has shown people generally stay loyal to a store or brand. But, they will do whatever is most convenient. If they are already buying something online, they might buy the supplements online. While they are out shopping, they will stop by the store. Having a dual platform for you supplement sales would be an edge. With social media being what it is, having a direct link in you Instagram/Facebook profile directing you to be able to purchase a product on the spot is key. Someone can either have it delivered, or pick it up in store. If you just focus solely on price, you will never beat the likes of Amazon and Jet.com.

 

[Deansreturned]

Anyone know if it's legal to purchase products from companies like bulk supplements and just re-label them with custom labels?

Absolutely not.

There are substantial FDA regulations surrounded the health supplement industry (including labeling.)

Without spending the time citing the specific laws, I'd suggest anyone whose considering opening a health supplement store, health supplement company, etc. to read the resources available through the FDA website and consult with an competent attorney. Since none are sponsors here I will avoid making recommendations.

 

[goal245]

Absolutely not.

There are substantial FDA regulations surrounded the health supplement industry (including labeling.)

Without spending the time citing the specific laws, I'd suggest anyone whose considering opening a health supplement store, health supplement company, etc. to read the resources available through the FDA website and consult with an competent attorney. Since none are sponsors here I will avoid making recommendations.

No there isn't, labeling has to have common sense info (manufacturer, amount of product etc.) and can't make any health claims. Also don't lie about the ingredients, just common sense stuff

 

[Blitz-Test]

Absolutely not.

There are substantial FDA regulations surrounded the health supplement industry (including labeling.)

Without spending the time citing the specific laws, I'd suggest anyone whose considering opening a health supplement store, health supplement company, etc. to read the resources available through the FDA website and consult with an competent attorney. Since none are sponsors here I will avoid making recommendations.

Not sure where you got this information, literally every supplement company buys bulk powder, mixes it and throws a fancy label on.

Supplements are not regulated. Literally all you have to do to protect yourself is put a disclaimer saying your claims have not been validated by the FDA.

 

[whitmania]

Meal prep services might be a nice option for your store. Either partner up with a local company to sell their meals, or think about creating your own service to sell in store and distribute locally. Office buildings and construction sites are always looking for healthy options IMO.