Starting a business is not easy.
First, the idea for your invention usually hits you at an unexpected moment. For me, it was when I was carrying bags of groceries up several flights of stairs to my condo, after a break-up with a boyfriend. It was incredibly annoying to make several trips up and down the stairs with the groceries and I no longer had my ex to carry the burden. I knew there had to be a better way! Thus, Click & Carry was born.
Creating the Product
I believe the best inventions come from life’s greatest needs. Despite the simple design of the Click & Carry handle, I knew I had a gem on my hands. I initially created Click & Carry to carry groceries, but I quickly realized that Click & Carry is quite a utilitarian gadget! In addition to carrying groceries, the handle may be used to carry sports equipment, dry cleaning, home supplies, and it provides comfort for those suffering from arthritis. It took several years to take the product from concept to fruition, requiring the creation of a prototype, filing for a utility patent, and then bringing the product to market. I also had to work a day job, while continuing to invest time and money into in my business.
Marketing
I was lucky enough to be invited to go on QVC with Click & Carry, which is one of my favorite ways to market my product! QVC has an amazing, loyal and interactive audience!
Mentorship
Recently, I met with the wonderful e-commerce gurus over @5minutepitch. I received valuable business advice from Mike Jackness, Steve Chou, Greg Mercer, and Steve Voelker, and they imparted their vast knowledge of the e-commerce industry to benefit Click & Carry in this space. A space that I am still learning to navigate. Below are the podcast interviews that I did about product development, entrepreneurship, and becoming an e-commerce whiz. I’m still working on that last goal, and I’m excited to see where life takes me with Click & Carry.
How To Invent A Product From Scratch And Sell Over 300K Units With Kim Meckwood with Steve Chou
Ecom Crew- Overcoming Early Business Struggles and Learning from Them with Mike Jackness
For more about my product development process, check out my interview with e-commerce guru, Kevin Sanderson.