Thanks for the input. Even, and especially the critical ones. All of this will help me with the 'dont have' category that Im looking to fill.
I know that people with more experience vending/researching than me can get it tested for around 50 dollars. I know of two places, and I also know that people who do this the right way from the start will succeed. The only place I have found is 100 dollars but my source also provides gc/ms data. I also saw a vendor who seems to really know what they're doing, who posts his reagent results.
As I said, Im a marketing buff and have brought a few businesses from barely surviving to record profits. Marketing and consumer behavior is my thing. However, this is a very unique enterprise, so will be an even greater challenge. I think baby steps in that department is the safest bet.
Absolutely, I will have samples before I ask the mods here for a vendor account. It's almost annoying to see the 'new vendors' and they dont even have any product yet. I've seen so many learn as they go approaches, but on things that should be a given.
Please know that I have a very successful business currently that will allow me to do it right, from the start. 100 dollars is absolutely nothing, compared to the rep shattering, or worse, repercussions from sending out something other than advertised.
Honestly, I see a lot of incompetence, and a lot of vendors who dont even have the resources to stay stocked on high demand products and have to wait to sell their current stock.
Im not going to talk much about that, however, because I have yet to walk in those shoes. The only thing I know is that Im over 40 years old, and have always had a business partner with whom I've had to disagree with, or agree with to the detriment of the company. One of which, who screwed me over, filed for bankruptcy on the same day that I closed a house I bought for 110, for 225k. The irony. I only knew because he was trying to welch on his settlement, and my lawyer verified the appointment.
Not to go off on too big a tangent, but it surprises me how few vendors actually run this like a business. The ones that do, PC, BTG, DRC, USR and some others I've dealt with do actually run their ships as one would expect any business to run, and they're rewarded with loyal customers and a nice ROI, I'd imagine. I have 4 commision checks sitting on my table now for the past 2 weeks. I should re-invest in my current business but my new partner, who has lost 50 lbs from 335 due to no longer stressing putting his girls through law school, thanks to my intervention, will not allow me to re-invest this money into the business. Out of gratitude Im hoping, and not guilt that he will screw me as well.
Anyway, that's more about me than I probably should have shared, but these vendors have inspired me, and this community has shown me the loyalty and appreciation they give to a vendor who runs their business with a modicum of competency.
As far as something new, and samples I see the beggars line up for samples every time a new vendor pops on the scene with inventory coming in '2 weeks'. I think there should be a higher degree of vetting of customers involved. We as a community need to know that these potentially dangerous chemicals are not getting into the hands of minors, or anyone inclined to human consumption.
That's even trickier for someone new, Im sure. The delicate balance between building a customer base as a new vendor, and being responsible. However, I think long term success lies in exactly that. Mature, responsible customers who have the same goals as me.
I dont have roommates and I believe in karma.
I really do appreciate all of the input so far, and encourage more either here or via PM. (hopefully from some experienced vendors as well)
As far as the stim suggestion, I think that anything thats as closely related to well-studied chemicals is in play. 2=fma, 4 FA, look to have been researched for years with minimal reported ill-effect. A custom synth of 2-fma could be a very profitable endeavor.
There's a ton of risk/reward in what I currently do. I often joke with my friends while Im turning down their casino invites that I get enough of a gambling fix from investing.
There are a lot of models I like in terms of e-commerce. I already have a web-designer on my staff, and know how to get quality work done in that area at a good price.
I would also be interested in co-buys with some better-established vendors, so that I can get more experience while helping them reduce their costs and costs overall for the community.
Thanks again for the input. I will not launch until I can fulfill in every way. I promise that.