Doing Your “Homework” Before Launching Your Brand | Madhu Sharoff | Kimbala
Honest Ecommerce · with Madhu Sharoff · January 6, 2021 · 29 min
Summary
This episode provides a foundational look into the meticulous preparation required before launching a new CPG brand. Madhu Sharoff, co-founder of Kimbala, shares his journey of extensive market research, supplier scouting, logistics planning, and strategic decision-making, even down to housing needs, to build a resilient and authentic brand. It emphasizes the importance of "doing your homework" to ensure a solid foundation, which is crucial for new entrepreneurs in the ecommerce space.
Key takeaways
Before launching, conduct extensive market research on existing competitors and product offerings to identify gaps and differentiation opportunities.
Thoroughly research and vet potential suppliers, even traveling internationally if necessary, to ensure quality and logistics are optimized from day one.
Strategically plan for operational logistics like storage and manufacturing (e.g., co-packers) early on, considering how location impacts these decisions.
Be prepared to adapt launch plans and make adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances, as demonstrated by launching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prioritize the intrinsic satisfaction of creating a valuable product over immediate financial gain, as this passion fuels resilience and quality. This satisfaction is a key driver for brand founders.
Madhu Sharoff is the CEO/Co-Founder of Kimbala. He’s someone who's here to give Chai a new meaning in America. On this podcast, we talk about getting satisfaction from production, understanding the value of your expenses, saving money by going the long way, and so much more! To learn more, visit: http://honestecommerce.co Resources: Madhu’s Twitter page @Madhu_Sharoff Kimbala’s website ikimbala.com Visit gorgias.link/honest to get your 2nd month with Gorgias free! Visit klaviyo.com/honest to get a free trial! Visit avalara.com/honest to find out how your business can be sales tax ready! Visit rewind.io, respond to any of Rewind’s welcome emails and mention Honest Ecommerce (this podcast) to get your first month absolutely free!
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Before launching, conduct extensive market research on existing competitors and product offerings to identify gaps and differentiation opportunities.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Thoroughly research and vet potential suppliers, even traveling internationally if necessary, to ensure quality and logistics are optimized from day one.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Strategically plan for operational logistics like storage and manufacturing (e.g., co-packers) early on, considering how location impacts these decisions.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Be prepared to adapt launch plans and make adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances, as demonstrated by launching during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Prioritize the intrinsic satisfaction of creating a valuable product over immediate financial gain, as this passion fuels resilience and quality. This satisfaction is a key driver for brand founders.
