Anyone have experience starting a business to sell baby products?

[LKM]

I have a 3 wheel buggy which I purchased in NZ and brought back to the UK by a company called the Adventure Buggy Company. At least once a week someone seems to stop me and ask where I got the buggy from. I have contacted the NZ manufacturer and they say they would be interested in finding a UK distributor - but I have not much idea how I might go about importing and selling this product. Any ideas / advice would be appreciated! BTW what seems to attract people is the swivel wheel at the front, the adjustable height handle-bar and/or the large zip-up shopping basket underneath. Do any of you think this is an idea worth pursueing?

Business Link are great for giving advice to new businesses and its all free, even if you are still only thinking about it. You can get in touch with them on line or look them up in your telephone directory, they have offices all over the UK.

Surely the company should offer advice? My advice is don't spend your own money whatever you do! Don't secure a loan on your home. R

You'll be able to get info, startup advice and support from your local Business Link.

I think your idea sounds great, but you need to plan exactly how you intend to be involved...good luck x

LKM

I might be wrong, but I thought they were already being sold here as Easylife buggies? They do look very similar, but then I guess they all do!! Either way, I think there is room for competition as the UK price on this buggy is £300+, whereas in NZ I think an ABC buggy is less than $NZ500, which is about £170. Or even the Pedigree buggy which is cheaper still. The mark-up on such buggies here seems to be enormous, and demand is pretty high, so it seems like a good idea to me.

Thanks for the advice and support! I am in contact with the NZ company and will see where that takes me. Business Link looks good if this gets serious. I think you're right Rhiannon - the company should not expect a free ride into the UK market. Has anyone else tried to start up a business from home while on maternity leave?!

Hi there,I just searched archives and read your q's about the ABC buggy. I'm thinking about buying one, I have a 20 month old son and am expecting a new baby in 4months. I wonder if you could give me a breakdown of pro's and con's w this buggy and if you know wether it attaches a buggy board, cuz it doesn't look like it on the webpage. i appreciate your response, cheers