I started selling toys for kids with a friend. We’re testing things by ordering small amounts first to see if they sell before we buy more.
We don’t have a physical store, so we’re advertising mostly on Facebook and Facebook Marketplace. A friend who knows marketing made a Facebook page for us. He’s been posting and even made Black Friday promos. We spent over $100 on Facebook ads, but we’ve only gotten 8 messages so far, and no one bought anything.
When people ask about the price and we reply, they just stop responding. Our prices are reasonable, even on the lower end compared to others selling similar toys. We’re selling high-quality products, but we’re not getting the interest we expected.
Someone even commented “dodgy” on one of our posts. Maybe it’s because we don’t have a website or a physical store, or because we’re only selling one type of toy right now. I’ve also heard there are lots of scams on Facebook lately.
How can we show people that we’re a legit business with good products? Any advice or tips to improve our credibility and sales?
The ads are just pictures and descriptions of the toys. Our marketing guy wanted us to record our kids playing with the toys, but I don’t want to put them in videos. I suggested using stock footage, but he said it wouldn’t feel authentic since it’s not our product.
I’d listen to your marketing guy. If you’re not comfortable using your own kids, maybe ask friends or hire someone. You could even offer free toys in exchange for someone modeling them.
What kind of toys are these? Is it something parents really need or want? The toy market is crowded with big names like Amazon. Have you thought about working with local stores to display your products?
They’re for kids aged 3-5 and help with motor skills and spatial awareness. There are cheaper, lower-quality versions, but ours are higher quality and still cheaper than direct competitors. I’ll look into physical stores, thanks for the idea.
Your marketing guy can target ads to parents with higher incomes if your toys are more expensive. Breaking into this market will take time, budget, and effort. Maybe look into making a high-quality video showing the toys in action—it’ll help build trust.
Building trust online can be tough. Have you thought about making a basic website? Even a simple landing page with product details and reviews would help. Ask friends and family to share their experiences with the toys—video testimonials work great!
Also, try offering free shipping or discounts to encourage people to give you a shot. When someone calls your business dodgy, use it as a chance to respond kindly. Let them know you’re just starting out and want to provide good service and products.
You could also post about how your toys are made or the thought behind them. A personal touch can go a long way.