Part 3/8:
To build a sustainable brand—not just a transient venture—I planned to experiment with products that passed certain criteria in terms of demand and profitability. I compiled a list of ten prospective products, knowing that initial failures were likely but that each test would feed into a broader understanding of what could work.
Product Selection: Lip Liners and Low Margins
My first product was a lip liner designed to enhance the appearance of lips. I knew it would be a low-ticket item, sourcing at $4 and planning to retail at $1.97, coupled with a free gift. My margins were razor-thin—this was a risky strategy, yet my approach centered around creating a customer base for possible long-term returns robust enough to warrant this sacrifice.