Marketing Pointers - Page 1

This is to all the breeders on the board, what are some good marketing strategies when it comes to selling your puppies? I know have titled dogs from good bloodlines but what else? What about pricing, how do you know how much to sell a puppy for? Ive read that some people who have dogs from excellent bloodlines might be having trouble selling because they aren't asking enough, whats the logic behind that?

Thanks to everyone

Depends on where you live.  In Michigan (where everyone is moving out quickly except for me it seems) it's a bit harder to get your price for pups without shipping them out.   They seem to be able to get more money in the coastal states, especially CA. 

I've found that when people are spending the really big, ridiculous prices, it makes them feel like they're getting something better than what everyone else has.  Kraftwerk is a case in point.  It's also harder to get the big money if you are just starting out and don't have any proven progeny on the ground.  People will tend to want to go with the better known breeders.  So keep your prices within reason but don't give away the pups either. 

If you don't have a website, make one and keep it simple and easier to read.  I hate websites with tons of pictures and music.  Just slows me down from getting the info that I need with stuff I don't want to see or hear.  If I want to see video and pictures, I'll ask for it!  Join all the webrings and link sites that you can and don't make your dogs sound like something they aren't.  Be honest and customers will come.

I would suggest forming a strong network of friends and associates through clubs, whether SchH, Agility, OB, or any other dog sport.  With all the "I just got screwed" stories floating about, I would expect most folks would want to buy a puppy from someone with positive recommendations from multiple sources. Every business is going to have a handful of unhappy customers, but if you've got good relationships with other dog sport enthusiasts that should help build credibility.

May I also suggest that you equip yourself with thick skin and an iron stomach?  This biz looks pretty cut-thraot at times.  Yikes! 

Good mentors also should help.  If you partner with an experienced breeder who is willing to help you learn the ropes, I would imagine you would perhaps avoid some of the common pitfalls.

Best wishes!

Yvette

BE sure to include a "Happy Owners" page on your site. People LOVE that.

Do NOT attach music. It jams up the browser half the time, kicks the viewer out of the program, never to return.

SS