What do you think?

Let me know what you think...

January is the time to close the books, count inventory and plan the new year (which should actually be done the previous year but anyway...).

I thought alot about my sales strategy for 2009 and I've decided to focus my energy on Consumer Shows in Canada and US instead of selling through stores. Don't get me wrong... if a store is interested by my armbags I will be glad to sell my products to them. The issue right now is that by doing my product locally, production costs are high and because stores often request a 50-60% margin, it would be hard to survive - even with an increase in volume. By doing Shows, not only I keep the margin, but I develop a relationship with the end customers (who come back to the same Shows), I hear their needs and comments, I can tests products, etc. The costs associated with these Shows could be high but the revenues usually come accordingly.

I feel I could focus on a few markets (Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Chicago, NY, Baltimore) in 2009 and then sell in stores in 2010 when my volume is high enough that I can get better production costs.

Any other ideas or suggestions?
Please let me know

genevieve
www.jupiterfreedom.com

It's a wrap!

Curtains are closed on the Toronto One of a Kind Show.

What an adventure! It was the second time for Jupiter Freedom to attend this event and I am so touched by the feedback I got.

First of all, I had many returning customers from last March passing by my booth, buying more armbags for gifts or telling me how convenient it is and how they use it all the time when travelling, walking the dog, taking walks and more. Seeing them again and hearing their comments gave me a sense of accomplishment. I know I have a great product but when you hear it from your customers, it is very special. I even had three customers, who specifically came at the Show just to get my armbags!

Again, I was very touched by the reaction of people towards the idea of wearing a bag on your arm or leg to carry accessories. People say the same thing over and over again: clever!

It is very motivating to hear such comment and it encourages me to do more.

I'm now moving along to Ottawa for another Show at Landsdown Park from Dec 16-21. It is my first time in Ottawa so I can't wait to see the reaction.

Here are some pictures from the One of a Kind Show!

Take care

genevieve

http://www.jupiterfreedom.com/

It's a Go...

Today was the first day at the Toronto One of a Kind and it was outstanding!!
I'm selling my new armbag collection and so far, alot of people like the Secret Ocean and Secret Orient bags. (I will put a picture soon).

I'm in a section reserved for new artisans (G-56) and I am fortunate to have a great location - right by two aisles and the restaurant area. I always love going to Shows like these because I get to meet my customers and see which styles they prefer, for which activity, for who they want to buy it for, etc. Now that I've done several shows, I have people stopping by my booth and telling me they saw my product at the Clothing Show, at the Lac Memphrémagog, etc. Very interesting to see that people remember my products ;-)

Talk to you soon and hope to see you at the Show.
gen
www.jupiterfreedom.com

Santa is getting ready

Hi, Alot is happening behind the scene right now...

I'm getting ready to feature my new Jupiter Freedom armbag collection at the Toronto One of a Kind Show from Nov 27-Dec7 (Booth G-56) and at the Original's Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale in Ottawa from Dec 16-21 (Booth 302). Pass by and see me! I will have 6 new styles ranging from chic evening to sportswear. If you haven't been to the One of a Kind Show, you must go. Not just to see my arm bags (!!) but to see all the other artisans and original gift ideas. This is THE show to go if you are looking for unique presents for the Holidays.

My production is running smoothly and the bags are absolutely gorgeous! I'm now making little jewelry charms to attach on your armbag to jazz it up when going out. After conducting a satisfaction survey a few weeks ago, I heard from customers that it was a little hard to get to the pocket inside the bag. That said, you will be glad to know that I've removed the pocket and redesigned the card holder instead to also carry coins and keys. This new card/coin holder is removable and matches the armbag. I will upload picture very soon.

If you have other comments, please let me know.
Look forward to see you at the Shows.
genevieve
www.jupiterfreedom.com

On sale now

Hi,
Just wanted to drop a line to tell you about Jupiter Freedom fall Sale - until Oct 31. You can find armbags for as low as $29.99. As always, shipping is free for orders over $100. Buy one for you and for your girl friend! Great when going on a beach vacation.

Lately, I've been working hard on developing a new collection which I will present at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto and the Original Christmas Craft Sale in December. I'm very excited to see the reaction of people. I will have many different styles on display and I can't wait to see which one will be their favorite...

Talk to you soon
gen

www.jupiterfreedom.com

PiNKiTUDE launch

Hi,

Last week was the launch of PiNKiTUDE - Jupiter Freedom armbags at Xin on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles. Two days before we had a great launch party hosted by Emmy Rossum at Zune - where we also saw Mini-me (Verne Troyer)!

We are very excited to be part of this projet supporting Susan G. Komen for the Cure - a major breast cancer foundation (http://www.susangkomen.com ).

PiNKiTUDE is fashion with compassion and attitude. Buy PiNKiTUDE products, show them off and help educate others that early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. When buying two specially marked Jupiter Freedom armbags (sold at XIN - 8064 Melrose Ave, L.A.), a minimum of 5% of sales with be donated to the foundation.

I'll keep you posted on new stores selling these unique products supporting a great cause.

Cheers

genevieve

www.jupiterfreedom.com

Jupiter Freedom à "Salut Bonjour"

Vous croyez avoir vu mes mini-sacs Jupiter Freedom à "Salut Bonjour" ce matin?
Vous n'avez pas rêvé! J'étais très heureuse lorsque Hélène-Manon (la chroniqueuse) m'a contactée il y a quelques jours. J'ai sauté sur l'occasion et je lui ai tout de suite envoyé mes échantillons que vous avez vu à la télé aujourd'hui. Si les produits vous intéresse, visitez mon site web www.jupiterfreedom.com pour voir toute ma collection et pour effectuer un achat.

Ils sont vraiment super pour transporter votre cellulaire, ipod, cartes, clés et argent lors d'activités comme le vélo, les sorties entre amies, les promenades avec Fido, les voyages...
En plus, ils sont faits au Québec!

Bon magasinage
genevieve

It happened...

It finally happened... I heard my song on the radio...
Actually, it wasn't a song nor a radio but a customer wearing my armbag in a random public place. Here I was, waiting to pay at the grocery store when I saw a lady proudly wearing a Jupiter Freedom Mystery Blossom bag on her arm. It made me so happy! I asked her if she was satisfied by the product and she was so enthousiatic that another lady waiting in line behind her started to be interested by the idea. She eventually bought three armbags!

Can't wait to see more armbags on people!
Talk to you soon,
genevieve

www.jupiterfreedom.com

Jupiter Freedom in Magog

Just a quick note to let you know that I'll be at La Traversee du la Memphremagog in Magog (Quebec) from July 25 to August 3 selling all my Jupiter Freedom armbags including two new styles. Pass by to say hi and to see and try the armbags!
Have a nice week
genevieve
www.jupiterfreedom.com

As seen in... Châtelaine magazine

Hi again,
Long time no talk... but all is well with me.
This month, I was again very happy to see a Jupiter Freedom armbag in this month's Châtelaine (french) and Quebec Scope magazines! It really makes me proud to see this exposure. I feel like a singer that hears her song on the radio for the first time.

On another note (!!), after searching like a mad women for an additional production facility in Quebec to make more Jupiter Freedom armbags, I'm finally on the right path... I have found about 10 places interested in doing my product. I'm expecting my business to really bloom in the next few months and I need to be able to produce in a higher capacity.



Great news! Jupiter Freedom will soon sell "PiNKiTUDE" armbags. "Inspired by MGM's iconic Pink Panther, PiNKiTUDE brand initiative is targeting teen and young adult women and is devised to raise awareness as to the importance of breast self-examination, early detection and treatment of breast cancer while also stressing the importance of a healthy lifestyle." I'm very happy to support this initiative linked to the Susan G Komen foundation. I'll keep you posted ;-)

I can't believe its been a year that I left my job to start this business... already... I'm still learning alot and loving it!

Talk to you soon
genevieve

www.jupiterfreedom.com