|
Post by katanasupply on Nov 27, 2023 16:39:08 GMT
My family runs a small factory in China, we used to partner with yomikuni swords to develop and supply them, but now they seem to have some internal issues and won't be open for a long time. We spent some time learning how to use ebay and Amazon, but we still didn't know anything about it. This is my first time to register a forum account overseas, about the future of our small foundry, I would like to listen to the idea of the end user (perhaps can find some OEM orders?)should we make a brand of our own?
|
|
|
Post by Lord Newport on Nov 27, 2023 17:07:40 GMT
My family runs a small factory in China, we used to partner with yomikuni swords to develop and supply them, but now they seem to have some internal issues and won't be open for a long time. We spent some time learning how to use ebay and Amazon, but we still didn't know anything about it. This is my first time to register a forum account overseas, about the future of our small foundry, I would like to listen to the idea of the end user (perhaps can find some OEM orders?)should we make a brand of our own? Buyer beware...lots to question here.
|
|
tera
Moderator
Posts: 1,662
|
Post by tera on Nov 27, 2023 17:27:49 GMT
Assuming this is legit, I think establishing Ebay and Amazon stores are the safest, most effective way for the OP to move remaining product. Seeking an end-customer to buy them out would have a lot of risk on both sides.
Establishing their own brand would seem to be a necessary precursor to using ebay or Amazon, so I figure that has (or should have) already happened?
|
|
|
Post by Drunk Merchant on Nov 27, 2023 19:47:25 GMT
My family runs a small factory in China, we used to partner with yomikuni swords to develop and supply them, but now they seem to have some internal issues and won't be open for a long time. We spent some time learning how to use ebay and Amazon, but we still didn't know anything about it. This is my first time to register a forum account overseas, about the future of our small foundry, I would like to listen to the idea of the end user (perhaps can find some OEM orders?)should we make a brand of our own? eBay is genuinely the easiest since it’s easy to list, get noticed and sell. They also have strong buyer and seller protections so people feel safer in buying there. It’s also much less effort than your own website but if you play it right (a watermark on a corner) it can lead tragic to your website. Take good photos showing multiple angles of your swords under outdoors lighting. Maybe take a demonstration video which ebay now lets you post. Also write a good description. I used to buy and sell nihonto before moving on to collecting antique guns so if you want to talk I’m open. Could easily help with writing, demonstrating, and how to make your eBay page and promotional YouTube videos appealing. I’d say make something solid and well made but no frills so costs are down and promote it as following old war blades (sengoku swords and late war Gunto) that did the same. Simple tough fittings.
|
|
|
Post by metinemre on Nov 28, 2023 2:40:30 GMT
A brand of your own with a web site would help. There is still very good market for sub $500 katana. $200-500 If you can provide blades that are well heat treated, tsuka solid and not cracked, well made tsukamaki and non rattling saya for the blades and keep consistent timely deliveries you`ll excell and make a good name in no time. Best way to handle everything is probably team up with someone here in USA whom can reach out to you and won`t have language barrier. Send few sample swords of yours to be tested and reviewed at youtube and you`ll sell a lot of swords. Maybe reach out to site/forum owner Paul in case if he is looking for a new supplier or connection. Too much costumization and too many chocices is always an issue. Stay basic with maybe few blade styles, few furniture options and colors but do it right, tight and solid.
|
|
|
Post by blairbob on Nov 28, 2023 9:21:59 GMT
Hit up John of rva-katana.com since he can speak Chinese and he is used to dealing with forges/sellers in China.
Can you set up an Instagram and Youtube (TikTok) account? I have no idea how you would do this if you are based in China (maybe need to use a proxy VPN).
Since Yomikuni seems to be done for (dead/gone/finished), it sounds like you might as well branch out on your own.
I do think Amazon's storefront looks a bit more professional than Ebay's if you can't figure out how to make a basic website of your own, especially with the e-shopify that's necessary for your own website. My guess is that Amazon (or Ebay) embeds that so you don't have to do it at all.
#1 thing about your swords should be having tight wraps that don't fall apart and next would be chipping or bending too much/easily.
Loose or tight saya can be dealt with, needing to be honed up can be dealt with.
But if your wraps are not tight, you can't get pass that. Even if they are not as pretty as they could be but tight, it's better.
|
|
|
Post by jckang on Dec 1, 2023 13:11:30 GMT
Hi, contact me on WeChat, id is kangzhuang804
|
|
|
Post by Robert in California on Dec 2, 2023 4:51:04 GMT
I go Ebay for swords from small Chinese sellers. To me, Amazon is more like bigger commercial outfits, so I never look for swords on Amazon if I want a custom Longquan sword.
|
|