Choosing a niche and customer

Private label works when it serves a specific customer in a specific field, not when it shows everything to everyone.

How to choose a field

• Something you understand or care about, so you know what the market lacks.
• A customer you can reach: where they gather and what they read.
• A recurring problem: sizes not available, fabric unsuited to the climate, a style they cannot find.
• A margin that allows profit after costs.

Test the idea before spending

• Look at who sells in this field and how they describe their products.
• Talk to ten potential customers about the last piece they bought and why.
• Show the idea with photos and estimated prices and watch for interest: sign ups or messages.

Score it with numbers

Use the niche scorecard: demand, competition, margin, fit with you and ability to differentiate. Compare three ideas by score, not by enthusiasm.

Exercise

Log three niche ideas in the scorecard and hold three conversations with potential customers for the highest scoring one.