iphone/ipad accessories startup questions, anyone in the biz?

[eddievddr10]

this is not

I'm thinking of starting a business that will provide accessories to iphone/ipad etc. I would like to start off with cases and move on from there. Anyone here have any experiance in the field? any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[justinsmnz]

Apple is already satisfying half of your potential customers before you've even started:

It seems like an awfully saturated market to try to get into.

 

[sinnedk]

Originally Posted by justinsmnz

Apple is already satisfying half of your potential customers before you've even started:

It seems like an awfully saturated market to try to get into.

+1

 

[bananananana]

If Apple itself has taught people anything, it's that it's not about the hardware, but always the software.

Cases and accessories will become commoditized and ruled by the cheapest manufacturers in China unless you can get something really innovative. Maybe do a solar powered charger/case. Even if it doesn't do ****, maybe a bunch of environmental hippies will buy it to feel better about themselves.

 

[eddievddr10]

Originally Posted by bananananana

If Apple itself has taught people anything, it's that it's not about the hardware, but always the software.

Cases and accessories will become commoditized and ruled by the cheapest manufacturers in China unless you can get something really innovative. Maybe do a solar powered charger/case. Even if it doesn't do ****, maybe a bunch of environmental hippies will buy it to feel better about themselves.

ys im obviously working something innovative, not just run of the mill china stuff. I was wondering if anyone had manufacturing experiance on customizing etc. also if anyone has any insight on how incase, griffin and belkin etc are successful and in what magnitude.

 

[amstokesdb9]

Those brands probably owe a lot of there success to being real established brands. Considering how many off brand mall vendors push Apple accessories, I would expect getting into the Apple Store/Best Buy is half of the battle.

 

[ImaPro]

Unless you have something REALLY innovative I wouldnt bother, most people use Apple for accesories (keyboard/etc) and a cheap china made cover. I would spend my time/money somewere else.

 

[Saturdays]

I had an idea of basically a Case that Opens up like a cupboard, and the inside of the case had some built in speakers that amplified the sound output of the iPad.
A little hard to do, and most likely going to need battery power, but that's something I would make/buy.

 

[Blackhood]

Originally Posted by Saturdays

I had an idea of basically a Case that Opens up like a cupboard, and the inside of the case had some built in speakers that amplified the sound output of the iPad.
A little hard to do, and most likely going to need battery power, but that's something I would make/buy.

That is the kind of product that would sink a start-up company.

 

[rach2jlc]

Everybody from Valextra to Chanel to Prada are doing upscale ipad cases... and then of course there are ipad cases at all price points.

Agree with others... it's a tough market to get into.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by rach2jlc

Everybody from Valextra to Chanel to Prada are doing upscale ipad cases... and then of course there are ipad cases at all price points.

Agree with others... it's a tough market to get into.

You forgot LV cases that cost more than the iPads themselves.

 

[HRoi]

I'd like to see someone come up with an artisan case for an iPad with no luxury label but all the finest materials, workmanship, all the types of stuff that we cream ourselves over when it comes to clothes. Then sell the stuff on the apple version of SF and on SF itself. Kind of like the Panta or TOJ concept except with apple stuff

 

[eddievddr10]

im working on a totally different angle here, i think it has some potential i just need to figure out manufacturing and manufacturing costs

 

[countdemoney]

Originally Posted by eddievddr10

im working on a totally different angle here, i think it has some potential i just need to figure out manufacturing and manufacturing costs

Do you have the sales side figured out? Manufacturing is actually super easy.

 

[eddievddr10]

Originally Posted by countdemoney

Do you have the sales side figured out? Manufacturing is actually super easy.

Well the sales will be determined by the costs, ive already made some good contacts just not in the industrial side, i might have to start out with a small limited-run batch made locally even if it costs more,just to see if there is a market before i enter into the China foray. I also might do it locally to get to the "T" the exact specs for my products then have it duplicated in Asia, and i would like to get some foothold before the case market explodes probably later this month. If anyone has any local (tristate area) manufacturing contacts for silicone, hard plastic cases etc. please feel free to PM me.
I hope to have an SF approved case as well, further on down the road

and i would sell it in a way that benefits the site.