Shopify
  • What is Shopify?
  • How does Shopify work?
  • Why consider dropshipping on Shopify?
  • Is Shopify dropshipping legal?
  • Where to find a Shopify dropshipping business for sale
  • 7 Steps to Start Dropshipping on Shopify
    • 1. Choose a store name
    • 2. Create a Shopify account
    • 3. Optimize your settings
    • 4. Launch your Shopify dropshipping store
    • 5. Work on your store’s design
    • 6. Dropship on Shopify with DSers
    • 7. Make your first sale
  • 10 Low-Key Things Retailers Can Do To Get Ready for the Year Ahead
    • 1. Schedule Your Social Media Posts (~30-45 minutes)
    • 2. Improve Your Site’s SEO (~1-2 hours each)
    • 3. Catch Up on Industry Reading (~20-30 minutes)
    • 4. Tune into Retail Podcasts (30+ minutes)
    • 5. Browse Pinterest for Interior Design Inspiration (~15-20 minutes)
    • 6. Check Out Some Retail Case Studies (~20-30 minutes)
    • 7. Create a Plan to Go Paperless (1-2 hours)
    • 8. Set up Google Places for Business For Your Store (~10 minutes)
    • 9. Browse Google Trends for Product Ideas (~20 minutes)
    • 10. Flip Through a Retailer Read (Varies)
  • 18 tips for opening a successful online store
    • 1. Find a gap in the market
    • 2. Validate your products
      • 8 Ways To Validate Your Product Idea
        • 1. Define what people need
        • 2. Learn who your audience is
        • 3. Run a market analysis
          • What Is a Market Analysis? 3 Steps Every Business Should Follow
            • 1. Research the industry
            • 2. Understand your audience
            • 3. Know how you stack up against competitors
        • 4. Figure out if people want the product
        • 1. Make some sales
        • 2. Conduct a competitor analysis
          • Competitive Analysis: What It Is and How To Conduct One (+ Template)
            • How to do a competitor analysis
              • 1. Select 7–10 competitors
              • 2. Create a spreadsheet
              • 3. Determine competitor types
              • 4. Identify your competitors’ positioning
              • 5. Determine competitive advantage and offerings
              • 6. Understand how your competitors market their products
              • 7. Conduct a SWOT analysis
              • Collect data with these competitor analysis tools
        • 3. Research existing demand
        • 4. Create a survey for feedback
        • 5. Start a crowdfunding campaign
        • 6. Gauge interest on social media
        • 7. Create a landing page
          • How To Create a Coming Soon Landing Page (+Examples, 2023)
            • What is a coming soon page, and do you need one?
              • 1. Explain what is “coming soon” and when
              • 2. Build your pre-launch email list
              • 3. Give prospective customers a way to get in touch
              • 4. Encourage visitors to spread the word
            • How to create a coming soon page on Shopify
              • 1. Use your Shopify password page as your coming soon page
              • 2. Publish a “coming soon” version of your theme
            • How to remove a coming soon page
        • 8. Meet customers in person
    • 3. Use a free ecommerce website builder
    • 4. Know who your ideal customer is
    • 5. Invest in great website design
    • 6. Optimize your product pages
    • 7. Create a solid marketing plan
    • 8. Take amazing product photos
    • 9. Create an About Us page
    • 10. Set up your email marketing
    • 11. Market your business on social media
    • 12. Invest in search engine optimization (SEO)
    • 13. Make a return policy
      • How To Write a Return Policy (+ Free Template) (2023)
    • 14. Set up a blog
    • 15. Set up business tools
      • The 20+ Best Free Shopify Apps for Your Shopify Store (2023)
        • Apps
    • 16. Offer excellent customer support
    • 17. Partner with other brands
    • 18. Offer free shipping
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  1. 18 tips for opening a successful online store
  2. 2. Validate your products
  3. 8 Ways To Validate Your Product Idea

8. Meet customers in person

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Last updated 2 years ago

A craft show or local market is another option Kular recommends with confidence. “This was so helpful for us when we started Jaswant’s Kitchen. It provided a convenient way to gather quick, first-hand feedback from potential customers,” she says.

You’ll get to talk to potential customers, see their initial reactions to your product, and learn if they're willing to spend money on it once you meet in person.

Selling in person at a craft show or local pop-up is a great way to share your story, get feedback, and explain the benefits of your product to potential customers. (Photo credit: )

Find markets and craft shows that fit your brand and product in your area. Prepare a list of questions to ask customers, such as their color preferences and what competing products they are using. In the early stages, test different price points to see what works best for your product.

Consistently launch successful products with a validation process

One final point all entrepreneurs should keep in mind is to not let validation turn into procrastination. Doing the initial legwork to validate your product is undeniably useful: it will give you the confidence necessary to put yourself out there, and it can help you avoid costly mistakes, saving you time and money.

The truth is every business owner has to learn as they go, and trying to perfectly predict how everything will play out just delays you from shipping and selling the right product. Dipping your toes in the water can teach you a lot, but all of your research and analysis is ultimately just a lead up to that pivotal moment when you finally dive in.

Read more:

26 Best Small Business Ideas to Start in 2022
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jaswants kitchen products