Help with niche problem?

Question

I have started my own business and have found what i think is a niche in the market, something that no one else in the uk offers. How can i offer it or advertise it without other people using the idea and getting there first?

Answer 1

Are you talking about distributing a product?  You may be able to strike an exclusive deal with your supplier for a year, say, before they allow others to distribute it.

Work out who your ideal market is for the product you're offering and contact them to let them know that you have something that solves a particular problem for them.  For instance, if you had access to a supply of gluten-free baked beans, you'd contact B&B's around the country to let them know that you had a product they could use for guests with dietary problems.

As soon as you start publicising a product, others will want to copy it or get in on the action somehow.  It's something we all face in business.  In one of our businesses we are one of about 4 distributors in the UK of a niche product.  We know that we're not always the cheapest seller of it but we provide a service to our customers that far exceeds what our competitors do.

In your case, you'll be the first to do it, even if others copy you.  Use that fact in your marketing, when you have the inevitable competitors.  And, to begin with, major on the fact that you're the only one in the UK providing it and how it will help solve your clients' problems.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Depending up on what it is you are offering - trademarks, copyrights or patents will protect you.

Do an internet search on the terms above and there is plenty of online advice.

e.g. http://forums.teneric.co.uk/

Answer 3

you go and register it first so if someone uses it they will have trouble and from there on it is easy

Answer 4

Wow thats the problem most of us have regarding product marketing especially information products.I'm still conducting research on that myself,althought i've got some help from http://www.clicknproducts.blogspot.com

Answer 5

TJ, it's  the problem every business owner faces. First, make the name of your company match the niche, then make sure you trade mark it, or copyright it, not sure how that works in the UK, in the US we have a trademark ofice. Then make sure you already have a client or two before you roll out your advertising campaign.