First steps

This post is a brief basic step by step of all points I took so far to built up my business. Each week, each step will be explained in much more detail in a specific blog post (they are going to be published on weekly bases). 🙌🏾💯

This article is a general summary. I want to keep this straight forward in this category "the process" and that's why let's go straight to the point! 😎

So I decided I want to sell my own spices. I mix different spices together and create a masterspice. Below you find the table of contents with all major points followed by a short description of all the things I did to realize the particular task / project and make it happen.

Table of Contents:

1. Research about everything (packaging, label infos, general idea brainstorm)
2. Branding (find logo, color, slogan)
3. Order the packaging
4. Design and print the drafts (make adjustments)
5. Research (legal things)
6. Order packages for delivery (make adjustments, find the right size)
7. Taking product pictures
8. Create a webshop (get a domain, setup the website)
9. Thinking about a strategic marketing plan (how my ads will look like)
10. Check all the finances
11. Make a test order

STEP 1: First I thought about in which container I can sell my spices. I just went to the supermarket and looked out for inspiration. I decided to go for the glass version with a lid. Next thing is how I am gonna label this: I went for an easy and very approachable way: I'm just gonna print some stickers with all informations and logo to put on.

STEP 2: I came up with a logo and a slogan. I created everything on canva by myself (a personal proud moment) 😁. I just tested a couple different fonts, colors and slogans and after couple days I knew which draft is going to be my favorite. Additionally I created the labels for each spice mix. It was lot easier since I had the color and the font.

STEP 3: I ordered the glasses and the lids (only one of each just to be sure if they are the right ones). Took me 2 times till I found the right ones. Size of the glasses were too small in the first order and second one was not the right shape. So the third order was hundred percent right and after that I ordered a hundred glasses for starting.

STEP 4: I went to a print shop and I asked them to print out my logo and my labels. Important to note: Again I first just told them to make one copy, so I can test the readability and quality. Turned out all formats were wrong and it took us around 4 times till we had the right format and size (readability, font size, colors).

STEP 5: In Germany you need to have a business registration before you can start selling your product. This was done online and I just had to fill out a form and describe what my business is about. The department charges around 30 Euros and after a month I received the permission.

STEP 6: I decided to deliver the spices in classic cartons filled with some filling material so the glass does not break. It took me 3 orders before I found the right carton. Some were way too big and some were way too small.

STEp 7: I took some simple product pictures of my spices and edited them in lightroom. Btw I just used my phone camera and a softbox light for better lighting.

STEP 8: I decided to go for shopify as an online webshop platform. I created an account and started setting up the whole website. I improved day by day and managed with the help of their own blog posts.

STEP 9: Realized real quick: Before I can have a marketing strategy I should be aware of my business and goals in a whole --> wrote a business plan. Made a first draft as detailed and serious as possible and always ready to be updated and adjusted.

STEP 10: It is part of the business plan but for me an extra important factor which has to be separated. Basically a table with all expenses in terms of investments and then the classic single production cost and calculations for setting a price for the product.

STEP 11: COMING SOON! I'm very excited. While I write this blog entry (19.03.2022) I sit in bed with corona and the whole setup process kinda got stopped. The very last checks have to be done on shopify and then we are ready for our first test order.

I hope this short summary could give you some insights on how to start a shop and launch a product and what steps you must take. In the upcoming weeks each step will have its own entry with much valuable and detailed information. If you have questions hit me up (s.nayar@live.de).

Aiight, stay tuned for this series. It is going to be a movie! 😎

Enjoy life and bless up!

Sahil :)