Bling in the ring!

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Cattle7

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
186
As many of us know, "bling" is becoming very popular for girls of all age in the ring. From belts to boots, jeans to jewelry..it's there! I, myself, am a showman that enjoys wearing my bling in the ring. I have decided it's time for a new show stick & have been looking at the blinged Showsticks & hog whips from Sullivan's. My oh my are they expensive. I quickly realized I could make one myself cheaper than that. Then my mother proposed the idea of selling them. Taking peoples orders, designing them, and selling them for half or less (depending on design) of what Sullivan's does.  So for all you bling wearers: If I were to do this, how many of you would be interested? I can do show sticks, hog whips, exhibitor harnesses, and possibly show halters. Let me know your thoughts! Thanks!
 

coachmac

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Joined
May 18, 2009
Messages
1,006
Location
SW Missouri
Thought about getting a sparkle stick this summer for my kid.  I heard they are temperamental and like to throw se of the shiny stuff.  I decided against when I heard that esp with the askig $.  With that being said, I am interested!  ESP in the show sticks!  Thinking of buying some stuff for our county fair to give away as well!  Liking the sounds of what you are starting up! 
 

okiegirl

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Joined
Nov 20, 2011
Messages
221
Location
Oklahoma
Have you done much "stoning"?  I stone costumes for dance companies and anything else that can be stoned I have a few suggestions.  Use E6000 glue.  I use if for eveything.  It will hold even through the washing machine.  Don't use cheap rhinestones, Crystal AB stones are a great basic choice and size 20 are a good standard.  Dreamtime Creations is a wonderful place to order from.  Their Preciosa stones are beautiful and look as good as Swarovski at a cheaper price.  Good luck, I am for anyone who will try to DIY!!
 

Cattle7

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Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
186
I will post some pictures when I get one completely finished and also a price list after I figure out what my cost is, etc. If you would help spread the word, I'd appreciate it greatly! Thanks!
 

LLBUX

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2010
Messages
697
Location
Chapin, Illinois
Have you considered all aspects of this little venture?  

Raw materials
Shipping of said materials
Storage of raw materials and finished items
Time to get them done and shipped in a timely manner
Your actual labor costs
Advertising/marketing
Patents on items you may copy?
Shipping of finished product
Travel and time to attend shows and events
Lodging
Time on the computer and phone to handle inquiries
Website
Investment in raw materials and inventory (Interest on money invested)
Overhead expenses such as phone, electricity etc
Insurance
Sales and income taxes you must pay
Guarantees
Returns

I teach a class in manufacturing and these are some topics I discuss with my kids.

Figuring a reasonable value on all of these things, maybe Sullivan's isn't too bad.    
As I recall, the ones I saw at the Il Beef Expo were only about $10-20 more than a regular stick.

After posting this, I checked Sullivan's website and found their 'Cajun bling' stick at $96.  It has hundreds of stones on it and would definitely appeal to girls.

It's a good thing I have a son, a daughter would be very disappointed.  :-\

Good luck to you in your venture!    I appreciate and respect a young person who is willing to work and earn their own money.
 

rackranch

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
Messages
1,245
Location
under the X in Texas
I saw a young lady in San Antonio wearing a shirt that looked like a disco ball with a show stick to match.

I couldn't tell you what her steer looked like.................
 

AAOK

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 30, 2007
Messages
5,264
Location
Rogers, Ar
LLBUX said:
Have you considered all aspects of this little venture?  

Raw materials
Shipping of said materials
Storage of raw materials and finished items
Time to get them done and shipped in a timely manner
Your actual labor costs
Advertising/marketing
Patents on items you may copy?
Shipping of finished product
Travel and time to attend shows and events
Lodging
Time on the computer and phone to handle inquiries
Website
Investment in raw materials and inventory (Interest on money invested)
Overhead expenses such as phone, electricity etc
Insurance
Sales and income taxes you must pay
Guarantees
Returns

I teach a class in manufacturing and these are some topics I discuss with my kids.


Good advice to a young entrepreneur.  I am a consultant for Manufactures, and I can tell you that very few, if any, know their Direct Cost.  She will also need her FEIN, State Registration, and State Sales Tax permit.  Or, if determined a manufacturer by the State, she may qualify for a Manufacturer Sales Tax Exempt permit, and get to buy her inventory Sales Tax Free!
 
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