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1 happy SwearPig piglet
As the time is getting closer for our imminent launch, (expected early 2015) we thought it was high time to invest in a new website for our locally designed and locally made ceramic Swear Jar Piggy Bank and it is…wait for it…
We are endeavouring to include a shop on the site and you will be able to follow and like us on various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
I keep being told that people will buy our SwearPig but the product needs to be cheaper!
With the UK manufacturing getting smaller and smaller, I thought it would be a great idea to try to keep some manufacturing in the UK and indeed Derbyshire. I may not add very much to the GDP of the UK by doing this but imagine if all manufacturers did do it!
I recently had a meeting with a local potter near to Belper, Derbyshire where I live. I had been speaking to some large pottery manufacturers in Stoke on Trent but wanted to try potters nearer to home.
And guess what?
He can make the SwearPig cheaper than a large manufacturer in Stoke n Trent! Yay for persistence! 🙂
In essence, the potter can’t do substantial numbers BUT I can at least get the ball rolling with a few bespoke designs. In that way I can tell if there is actually a market for SwearPig.
We were recently asked about our elevator pitch for SwearPig.
Gulp! I had never been asked to sum up The Ultimate Swear Box Piggy Bank before.
So, whilst I was struggling with this, I enlisted the help of a good friend who makes his living in marketing and PR. He asked me what market research I had done to date and I explained that I had been to 14 shops asking if they would stock the Piggy Bank. I had had a good response but not really enough legitimate information to launch a high quality gift-ware product.
So, in a nut shell I am going back a stage to complete an in-depth market research project.
Here is a preview of the two photos that we will be using along with our in-depth market research questions.
Been a busy bee recently.
Had meetings with pottery services in Stoke on Trent. The heart of the UK’s quality ceramics industry.
We have engaged the services of one of the country’s leading model maker who will be making the model, case and 3 part mould over the next few weeks. We’ve asked for pictures so will upload them as soon as possible.
So, I started with a blank sheet of paper, well. foam actually.
The idea is for me to design and build a piggy bank from the very beginning. Once designed, I will sell them.
1. Buy some foam
2. Glue the foam to an appropriate size. I found that using lots of PVA did the trick. That is after using all manner of things from “No Nails” to flour and water.
3. Chop your foam to an appropriate size (please ask a responsible adult to assist)
3. Start sculpting your piggy bank to your design requirements. The example picture below took me approx 2 hours.
I will be uploading more updates as and when I have completed them.
SwearPig 