Advice Needed

[LOU]

Hi Guys,

I have been in and out the last couple of months but things have been seriously busy.

I have a question I would like to ask you guys, if it considered marketing or misuse of the forum please remove my post.

I have an opportunity to purchase machines that can manufacture soft plastic lures. I am seriously considering this offer but I would like to know what the going rates are for these machines in the US, have any of you ever done an enquiry on the matter? Who supplies these machines in the states?
Are the commonly available?

And then my second part of my question, do you guys believe that there is room for another supplier of soft plastic lures? Locally the machines can justify a small amount of production time, but to really go all out I would need to export to the US. This could mean that my prices would be a little lower but would any of you have a problem purchasing a imported product or are your current loyalties to the famous brands so strong that you would not consider purchasing another brand of soft plastic lure.

I would greatly value anyone’s honest feedback on this matter.

Thanks in advance.

[lizardsrule]

Howdy LOU, glad to see ya around. I can't give any input for the machines, I have no idea. As for buying plastics from you, I have NO PROBLEM with that. I always enjoy working with new stuff. The one and only problem is they better work just as well if not better than my current stuff. I have noticed my plastics seem to switch as to what I use. Currently Flukes, and Paca Craw's are my mostly used, but of course Lizards have been, as well as Zipper worms. I really could care less who makes it, but it had better work. I love to give folks from this forum business, as I do anyone who is trying to start up. But once you send them and they don't work as well, then you wouldn't get a repeat order. DID I MENTION THEY MUST WORK. I beleive there are 10's of thousands of plastic makers, so you would be in a BIG crowd, with everyone trying to outdo the other for business. If you can make it locally, then it will take some time to go International even with a good product. It's called Name Brand Recognition, which you are gonna have to start from scratch. Good luck with whatever you decide. If you do buy it, I want in on the first order.

Lizards

[ROBZILLA]

Lou although we have not met or had a conversation before, I will give you this advice. Go to tackle underground and go to the soft baits forum and ask this question. I know 100% these guys will give you the right info you'll need to make a good decision. I go there all the time and no one has turned any of my questions away!

Robby.

[Rebbasser]

Howdy Lou! Glad to see you again. Like Lizards, I don't have a clue as far as the machines go, but if a member of this forum is starting up a business like that I'll sure give them a try. Robzilla gives some good advice-the guys at Tackle Underground won't steer you wrong.

I would imagine there are not a whole lot of local suppliers in South Africa, so you might have a great market there to begin with.

[striker23]

even if it doesnt work out commercially, i think it would still be great to be able to custom make your own soft plastics. sounds good

[Marty]

And then my second part of my question, do you guys believe that there is room for another supplier of soft plastic lures? Locally the machines can justify a small amount of production time, but to really go all out I would need to export to the US. This could mean that my prices would be a little lower but would any of you have a problem purchasing a imported product or are your current loyalties to the famous brands so strong that you would not consider purchasing another brand of soft plastic lure.

I would greatly value anyone’s honest feedback on this matter.

Probably most of us purchase imported products, except they have been imported en masse and sold by retailers here.

To be brutally honest, and this is not personal, but I wouldn't buy your stuff and I don't buy stuff from the other luremakers who post on various forums. It's not that I have such an undying loyalty to famous brands, it's just that I feel that the sporting goods stores and Bass Pro Shops have everything that I could possibly want or need for my fishing.

But I do wish you the best if you proceed with the venture.