Is it possible to sell anything?

by darind
128 replies
Hi guys.
If you know how to really market a product can you still sell it even if it's useless? Can you sell a simple jar if you know how to present great features, advantages, benefits.. if you can do proper market research to find a niche and dissect it how much you can?
#sell
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanOak
    Probably the best marketers could do that but with the bad product, you need too much effort and ROI would be low. I would better choose a great product.
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    • Profile picture of the author jamesan
      Yeah! you are right. A bad quality product can be sell but need hight effort to sell.
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  • Profile picture of the author msulcs
    Yes, you can sell anything, but is it worth the effort?
    I could see selling a simple jar if a naked lady presents it and presses it to her tits.

    But that would cost you money.

    Better find a product that needs less convincing.
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    • Profile picture of the author hellotr
      "Better find a product that needs less convincing" -- well said!
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  • Profile picture of the author SARubin
    Yes. If you have time, money, and enough creativity to spare... the right spin can market just about anything.

    One classic example: Back in the mid 1970's a guy named Gary Dahl marketed a pet rock and made millions of dollars selling them. (yes, many people actually paid good money for a rock that came with a care and training manual)

    More recent example... Well, those fidget spinners are kind of useless, but people still buy them...

    .
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  • Profile picture of the author jmosticc22
    You can sell anything if you understand marketing psychology, if you can master the idea of creating a perception that people need to have your product you will succeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author ryanbiddulph
    You can sell anything.

    If what you sell is crap, you lose your reputation and make no more sales. So yep, you can manipulate people into buying crappy products but sales end when you lose your reputation.

    Far better to sell valuable products, to build your rep and to keep increasing your sales over the long haul.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by ryanbiddulph View Post

      Far better to sell valuable products, to build your rep and to keep increasing your sales over the long haul.
      Really good advice. Thanks Ryan.
      : )
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  • Profile picture of the author IGotMine
    If you know how to really market a product can you still sell it even if it's useless?
    Look at the current CBD craze. It's less than worthless as it can be a detriment. The sheep are gobbling up tons of it, or something, as there are no standards it could be most anything.

    Can you sell a simple jar
    Of course. Mason, Ball, Kerr, and others have sold billions.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      Originally Posted by IGotMine View Post

      The sheep are gobbling up tons of it, or something, as there are no standards it could be most anything.
      Yeah, who knows what you got.

      On the other hand, maybe the blessings are yours, since you possess no ailments which the substance can have noticeable effect upon.

      Others with ailment and reason often find use in it and in reflection of it's effectiveness on that purpose, repurchase - which represents the very backbone of the industry.
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      • Profile picture of the author IGotMine
        Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

        On the other hand, maybe the blessing are yours, since you possess no ailments which the substance can have noticeable effect upon.

        Others with ailment and reason often find use in it and in reflection of it's effectiveness on that purpose, repurchase - which represents the very backbone of the industry.
        You have no idea the "ailments" I have.

        I've known about CBD for thirty years or more. The way I learned about it was Marijuana breeders were working hard to remove it from their hybrids because of its detrimental effects. This was when only those of us brave enough to risk everything were doing any research. Now that it's mostly legal and the stigma is gone, every snake-oil salesman on the planet is trying to profit from it.

        People get "benefits" from sugar pills if you tell them some bullshit story about its magical healing powers. That's why I call them sheep. They are easily influenced and highly susceptible to suggestion.

        "There's a sucker born every minute!"
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        • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
          Originally Posted by IGotMine View Post

          You have no idea the "ailments" I have.
          Indeed. Hence why I prefixed the claim with 'maybe'.

          It was open for you to address, but you chose not to.

          This was when only those of us brave enough to risk everything were doing any research.
          Tell us more about your potential sacrifices, your research, together with the hypothesis, the demographic range and indeed, the conclusion.


          People get "benefits" from sugar pills if you tell them some bullshit story about its magical healing powers. That's why I call them sheep. They are easily influenced and highly susceptible to suggestion.

          "There's a sucker born every minute!"
          The placebo effect is well documented and could be argued, off-the-cuff, of any substance.

          This does not negate that fact that true biological reactions can and are occurring in other cases.

          Again, this would bring us back to the two likely options as to why you haven't witnessed any effect - or indeed one which you feel is better than 'beyond useless', though I'll await the mentioned research data which would, if valid, eradicate personal bias...
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  • Profile picture of the author Rob Hunsons
    learn more about your competitors and just do better.
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  • Profile picture of the author SiteNameSales
    There's a great quote from the old movie mogul Joseph E. Levine: "You can fool all the people all of the time if the advertising is right and the budget is big enough."
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  • Profile picture of the author Johnny12345
    Originally Posted by darind View Post

    If you know how to really market a product can you still sell it even if it's useless?

    Yes, you can. If you're a skilled copywriter and understand that products are primarily sold based on emotion -- not logic. And also if your simple/useless product has a good story behind it -- or a good marketing hook (like the Pet Rock example that SARubin mentioned) -- it could work.

    But it's still going to be difficult. It's a low-percentage play. That's why the far smarter approach is to sell useful, quality products so that they help sell themselves.

    John
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  • OK, this may read as a little hokey but your thinking may need a tune up.


    Go out to you local bookstore or hit up Amazon and get yourself a copy of Joe Girard's book, "How To Sell Anything To Anybody".


    You outlook will be changed and your confidence will be restored.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
    Banned
    No. Some things are impossible to sell. However -- like People have mentioned ― with the right Marketing, Mindset, Ingenuity, etc ... You'd be surprised at what can sell.
    2C.
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  • Profile picture of the author bandyscorer
    You can sell pretty much anything.

    Good marketers & closers can do that. But it always helps if the product/service is good.
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  • Profile picture of the author Boi
    You can sell anything really just need the skills
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  • Profile picture of the author Tanay Kumar Das
    Selling is an art . It comes only after proper marketing. So after selection of your product you need to find out ways to promote it. Some products are good to promote at free traffic in social media but others may be suitable in paid version. So scan the product carefully and if you can devise out a proper marketing strategy then yes you can sell anything.
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  • Deal always is to reconfigure stuff for max WANNA WANNA.

    Grab a buncha PET ROCKS nowan wants ... throw in sum inspiration ... likely you could build most any structure.

    Want it, an' it will BE THERE.

    Personally, I would favor steps an' walkways an' plazas -- an architecturally invitin' expanse of PET ROCKS openin' horizons out an' beyond an' stuff.

    But prolly sumone gonna mess that deal up by pilin' them ROCKS in a heap all kinda real stoopid so nowan can't go noplace.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ged3
    Yes,


    people have sold jars of air on Ebay.


    What makes it unique is where it comes from.


    So they include a picture on the jar of the countryside and country from where it has originated from.


    Its clever marketing and they probably sell as novelty gifts at a high mark up!


    Ged
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Ged3 View Post

      Yes,


      people have sold jars of air on Ebay.
      Just because some random things have been sold on eBay (etc.) doesn't mean anything can be sold.
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      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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      • Profile picture of the author DWolfe
        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

        Just because some random things have been sold on eBay (etc.) doesn't mean anything can be sold.
        Yes they sell purified air and it can be purchased else where in expensive containers. Your a little naive on some things like air.

        Look up the money that was made with The Pet Rock, the idea made millions. Also look up Chia Pets sold every Holiday Season since 1997. You may be in for a shock !
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  • Profile picture of the author palmtreelife
    I believe anything can be sold to someone out there. One man's junk is another man's treasure. Remember the paper clip that was used to buy a house? It's about finding someone who values what you have.

    Will you make millions of sales with defective or bad products? Probably not....but that wasn't your question. If you put in enough intelligent effort, you will find someone out there who values that defective or bad product enough to buy it from you.

    Maybe they don't care if the product works or not, they're after something else. They want the copper parts, the battery, the motherboard, a chemical....or whatever. You think it's worthless, but the innovator sees something that you don't and they feel the price you're offering is worth it. You both walk away laughing, thinking you both got the better deal. Now THAT is selling!
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  • the old "he is so good he could sell sand to an Arabian" cliche

    My question would be why is he even trying to sell sand to an Arabian?

    So much B*S* in sales. You should not be gauged on what you sell and to whom.

    Find your perfect fit first..then explain your product/service to them. If it fits they'll buy. End of
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  • Profile picture of the author Primescout
    Branding is everything..If you build a brand around a niche you can sell anything in that niche even if it is useless however you would put your reputation at risk doing so and reputation in branding is the most important aspect.
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  • Profile picture of the author vasskachk
    Of course you can. My friend gathered a crowd of people and sold them rags for a huge amount. These rags do the dishes without detergents, wash the skin without cosmetics, and generally replace cosmetic care. Do you even understand the level of evolution of most people?
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
    No single case proves the hypothesis that anything can sell.

    It merely proves that the aspect in that particular case sold.

    People will be likely to give to acquire whatever has a use to them.

    '...My kingdom for a Horse'.

    I'm just glad no-one has mentioned that lack lustre movie and the cliche' pen!
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  • Profile picture of the author daviddifranco
    I believe there is a market for everything. If people are willing to buy those "As Seen on TV" products, then anything is possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author GorillaHugs
    I do believe that you can sell anything, given the right presentation, and equally right circumstances , with a large customer base, you will find a buyer for anything , just might have to hear a lot of "NO's" before you land the "YES's.
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  • Profile picture of the author DABK
    Guy sold an air guitar for 5 bucks on ebay... Used it, it seems, at a Bon Jovi concert, so, surely at % bucks it was a steal!


    I read about it on musicnews.com.


    Here's what should convince you (from Air guitar sells on eBay - Music News | Music-News.com)

    "The seller did point out that by buying an Air Guitar you are buying absolutely nothing but the bids came in regardless.

    The highest bidder was also given a certified letter of authenticity."
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  • Profile picture of the author Monica8297
    You can sell anything really just need the skills.
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  • Profile picture of the author davidlee210
    You can sell anything by using marketing tricks but it can only be sold at their value. Nobody will buy useless things for high prices
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  • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
    As seen on Shark Tank - https://potatoparcel.com/ -

    Knocked-off by: Potatogram! We ship potatoes, we make them awesome

    Unicorn Poo, anyone? https://www.hallmark.com/gifts/stuff...ing+-+G+-+OCE_

    I own that domain name. UnicornPoo.com. The perfect name for a blog. One of these days. lol

    Optie (Still kickin' like a chicken).
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  • Profile picture of the author dburk
    Duh!

    Of course you can sell a simple jar. That's a silly question. Why would they make billions of jars every year if nobody was buying them?

    Want proof?

    Here you go these guys sell billions of "simple jars" every year.

    The World' s Leading Glass Bottle Manufacturer - Owens-Illinois | O-I

    You can sell practically anything to anybody if you find the right audience and present the right message at the right time. (that's the very essence of what marketing is about).

    Please do bear in mind that there are plenty of failed products, things the have no market demand. You can still sell them, if you package them attractively enough. However, I wouldn't recommend trying to sell something that has no market demand as it will be tough, and you might have to resort to trickery and gimmicks to push it out the door. Not a great business model, IMHO.

    HTH,

    Don Burk
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  • Profile picture of the author DURABLEOILCOM
    Yes you can sell anything to make a quick buck. But once people are fooled and upset the party is over. If you want to create a business empire you need to sell premium quality products or services that people will come back with repeat business.
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  • Profile picture of the author PaulLanders
    I think in the 21st century, with proper marketing, you can sell anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author zillur098
    You need to understand the market value, buyer behavior, people psychology, creativity, convincing power, buying cycle, idea, and presentation. and you can make an ROI. Its all about your marketing policies. After that, it's possible to sell anything. Any you need to market research as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    Originally Posted by darind View Post

    Hi guys.
    If you know how to really market a product can you still sell it even if it's useless? Can you sell a simple jar if you know how to present great features, advantages, benefits.. if you can do proper market research to find a niche and dissect it how much you can?
    How does your question help you to make money online? Are you looking for motivational support? Are you looking for self-validation??
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  • Profile picture of the author jmoney1
    Originally Posted by darind View Post

    Hi guys.
    If you know how to really market a product can you still sell it even if it's useless? Can you sell a simple jar if you know how to present great features, advantages, benefits.. if you can do proper market research to find a niche and dissect it how much you can?

    I still think that the product still matters. Think about it this way. You go to the grocery store and you see 4 different versions of eggs from 4 different companies. Some just wont sell because of various reasons. Maybe it's the packaging, Maybe it's the name of the brand. Maybe it's price. Even so, they all are eggs. So the product does matter to the right people. Just my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tmt Aba
    You can sell anything and everything. Nowadays, great and essential products sell fast and useless or irrelevant may sell a little slow but it requires fine skills and excellent tactics.
    A marketer must understand human behavior in order to make them your products buy even if they are just empty jars. And that's all possible with the Internet, every product has its buyer, their location, and interest may be exceptional.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Starc
    One can sell anything, it just depends upon how persistent and keen you are. You need to have self-believe, if you are lacking in that area then you can never sell anything. You just need to be more relevant and problem solving towards your audience. That's how marketing works and gets through to your audience.
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  • Profile picture of the author shami
    why would someone concentrate on selling on anything?
    instead, you should become good at selling the right product, as a matter of fact creating and selling the top notch product should be your priority,

    having said that you should become good at selling and closing the deal/product,
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  • Profile picture of the author Drew Kalinski
    Yes! ofcourse you can sell pretty much anything with the right amount of marketing. Even if the item is useless, you can create a illusion that it is perfect for your target audience.
    But why would you want to put in the effort to sell and market something that in the long run won't pay off. Eventually the product will get reviews online. the consumer will start to do research etc sales will slowly fade away and all that marketing will have gone to waste.

    Always put your time and effort into something that is worthwhile. Otherwise it isn't worth the effort.
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  • Profile picture of the author rachid33
    I don't think so. In fact I do not think it makes sense, I do not think it will recover your investment of time and money.
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  • Profile picture of the author juliakuz
    Some people manage even to sell canned air! I have seen it. I was traveling in Crimea, and there "Crimean air" was offered!
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  • Profile picture of the author bobmarleyking
    yes of-course some of the things are really hard to sale for a marketer but this is the right time to prove your marketing skills when you supposed to market for a bad or the product which is hard to find relevant customers its also a truth that nothing is waste in this world everything is use able.
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  • Profile picture of the author art72
    Well... somewhere between the pet rock and buying stars in the cosmos... there lies a prime example of the perceived values we humans inherently carry upon our shoulders!!!

    Perhaps, it's not the money so many seek that drives humanity, rather the ability to piss it away on worthless junk to feed our own interests... as doing so often seems to provide greater stimulation/challenges in our chosen pusuits (and illusions) of freedom.

    Meanwhile, much of the so-called 'market values' perceived today were established - by others, and the 'real value' rests in understanding the power of the influences we've all silently inherited! (*Most of which has existed - long before our arrival upon this Earth.)

    The sheer absurdity of what we humans deem valuable... will never cease to amaze me!

    The money is neither 'the cause nor the effect' of true wealth (in my opinion)... it's what you can influence others to believe; "holds value" that has established and has sustained the uber-wealthy - for all time.

    Meanwhile, 99% of Earth's current inhabitants struggle to sustain any true measure of vital resources... Whilst (less than) 1% enjoy all the spoils life offers!? (*not exactly a promising scale to weigh our options upon - now is it???).

    I humbly reside in the 99% camp and sincerely believe; "We're all 'Under the Influence' of 3rd party - outside influences... like it! -or- not!

    We sell ourselves, our time, energy, knowledge, labor, skillsets, goods and services... as instructed in order to 'go-to-market' and "in-trade" we pay the pre-established 'costs of living' based on the perceived values and influences established by those before us...

    Meanwhile, everything from bullshit to air & water is packaged and sold for billions... by others!

    The biggest commodity ( or lie) ever sold in my opinion is 'freedom' - the only people who actually sustain independence, liberties, justice, and any measurable amount of freedom - have it from selling free or inexpensive resources at inflated costs (*perceived to be valuable - by others) and we lined right up as instructed to buy everything we were taught (and silently programmed) to believe to be a necessity in fueling our own pursuits "in search of" such ellusive promises of freedom!

    Meanwhile, try and go live "off-grid" - use solar power, collect & filter rain water, and try living off the resources Mother Earth provides... and it's likely you will be met with opposition, arrest, and legal ramifications... Odds are probable; you will be punished if you attempt to live off the land and be (or become) self-sustained, independent, and/or free from the established system(s) in place today.

    *God forbid you attempt to escape the establishment and the age-old influences concerted and amplified by capitalism!!! - you will likely be condemed and made an example of - for defying the norms/status quo!

    In closing, everything from fishing/hunting licenses... to paying over 50% in taxes 'collectively' on earned income and on most purchases - only showcases the reality that we've all been robbed of our rightful inheritance!!! (i.e. inherent freedoms)

    So "YES" - you can sell anything, even worthless shit... but, odds are; even if you do succeed and sell millions/billions in goods and services - be aware; the costs associated is highly inflated and by design, and in general; serves no one greater than those who've sustained the influence (*perceived values) over the majority... for all time. Gotta pay the Piper so to speak.

    Unless, we ultimately start seeing the real values, start selling, and assembling a worthwhile truth collectively; we'll all remain 'guilty' of living within the lies we've been sold, and in-turn; we'll continue to influence others to accept, conceive, and/or believe; our bullshit to being "valuable" in preserving what was already pre-established - by others, and inherently passed onto us upon arrival!

    After all, what say have you or I - as to what we might pay to acquire gold, oil, diamonds, baby formula, housing, electricity, education, food, medicines, or even weapons???

    They say the market (and demand) determines the value of goods and services... I say; "BULLSHIT" - those prices were and will continue to be controlled, influenced, and determined - by others, lest it be we STOP condoning these "influencers"... who long-since set the stage for controlling the majority, at the majority's expense/sacrifices.

    A few examples:

    Politics/Government
    Academics/College/Institutionalized Learning
    Religion (*most...not all)
    Industrial/Manufacturing
    Military Complex/Installments
    Nuclear Power Plants/Electricity
    The Workforce/The Arena (*current pay scale/salary/hourly rates)
    Healthcare/Pharma/Medicines
    Natural Resources/Oil/Air/Water/Solar/Power
    Real Estate/Land/Housing
    Transportation/Travel
    Agriculture/Food

    ... way too much too list!!!

    All controlled, influenced, and priced - by others, not in meeting the demands of the people's greater interest or wellbeing, but by the demand we MUST pay to sustain the established "cost of living" - established -by others... for us to fuel their interests and wellbeing to sustain the imbalance!!!

    Doesn't matter what you're selling...

    What's important is knowing; who do you serve?

    What & Who are you willing to die for???

    - Family?
    - Friends?
    - Freedom?

    ...and no, I am not referring to an ominescient force, rather the commonwealth, preservation & posterity of humanity... as that should be the 1st and foremost priority!

    Meanwhile, those with great intentions often are met with great opposition, for to be honest; nobody wants the truth to be spoken freely, let alone being sold to the masses!!!

    That may offset the existing scales... which are clearly "out-of-balance" something wicked!

    If wealth resides in favor of the minority by a measure of 99:1... What happens when the 99% get tired of paying for useless (*overpriced) bullshit???

    Time will tell!

    ...and so "YES INDEEDY" you can sell your time, your ass, your dreams, drugs, dirt, bullshit, your philosophies, or something genuinely intended to help others succeed, escape, or dream...

    But, until the 99% awaken to the realization; it's all bullshit - the 1% (or less) will continue to 'cash in' on the power of influence... for that is this world's richest resource ever acquired for FREE - packaged, positioned, SOLD to billions past & present!

    The world's richest available resource is "INFLUENCE" - it costs nothing, yet rules everything!!!

    So Yeah... if you can sell 'INFLUENCE' - you can indeed sell anything!

    End of rant!
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    • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
      Originally Posted by amirali999 View Post

      learn more about your competitors and just do better.
      Between ... The succinct. ^^^
      Originally Posted by art72 View Post

      Well... somewhere between the pet rock and buying stars in the cosmos... there lies a prime example of the perceived values we humans inherently carry upon our shoulders!!!...../......./...../.....

      End of rant!
      And the MANIFESTO. ^^^

      Loves me some Warrior Forum.

      GordonJ

      PS. I found the Original Post to be spurious.
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  • Profile picture of the author amirali999
    learn more about your competitors and just do better.
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Some people can't sell anything. But look around. Everything you own, see, touch, hear, and most likely even imagined has been marketed and sold. Somewhere, someone is looking for exactly what you have to offer.
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

      The original thought was a Person can sell anything to anyone anytime.
      Not quite. The original question was "Is it possible to sell anything?", under this condition: If you know how to really market a product

      The answer is yes, it is possible to sell anything. There is a market somewhere for even the useless, trash, garbage, and $hit. Everything you own, see, hear, and can imagine has been sold.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
        Banned
        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        The answer is yes, it is possible to sell anything. There is a market somewhere for even the useless, trash, garbage, and . Everything you own, see, hear, and can imagine has been sold.
        I definitely agree with that to a point. I think the vast majority of everything has to have been sold. Maybe not everything. On a slightly different note ...

        I think that most People/Marketers/Entrepreneurs would be more successful if they
        concentrate on selling something that is more likely to be successful.
        Signature
        "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

          I definitely agree with that to a point. I think the vast majority of everything has to have been sold. Maybe not everything. On a slightly different note ...

          I think that most People/Marketers/Entrepreneurs would be more successful if they concentrate on selling something that is more likely to be successful.
          Of course. But there actually is BIG money for People/Marketers/Entrepreneurs in useless products, trash, garbage, toilet paper, $hit, etc. Wildly successful industries specialize in each of these.
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          • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
            Banned
            Originally Posted by myob View Post

            Of course. But there actually is BIG money for People/Marketers/Entrepreneurs in useless products, trash, garbage, toilet paper, , etc. Wildly successful industries specialize in each of these.
            So, let's say, you're talking with a Client ... How would you advise them to make money with trash, toilet paper, and other stuff (etc.)? Or ― like I said -- would it be more likely to help them with Internet Marketing? I'm not saying you Guys can't sell anything (you've convinced me Lol) ... Just that most of the time it's completely irrelevant.
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  • Profile picture of the author thereikid
    You can. You can sell water to a well lol
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  • Profile picture of the author brucey666
    You better choose good product if that customer is going to be in your mail list because if the product is bad, they will not likely to be buying from you again in the future.
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  • Profile picture of the author Samsuuddin
    Yes, it is possible to sell anything. Because this media know you how to really market a product you still sell. If you sell anything, So you post its quality, present, great features, benefits, usefull etc. Than any person interest your product and buy your product.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gadgets Path
    marketing is the main game... I read about a Chinese guy who sells can of fresh air for $0.40 ... marketing can even sale your rotten socks :-D
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  • Profile picture of the author sftslab
    if you have strong marketing technique you can sell anything in the market.
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  • Profile picture of the author bakko
    Just look at the guy who sold brine shrimp to kids.. it's all in the marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author priyankaarya
    yes if you have art to present the simple and useless thing in the best way that one can easily convince with you than it is possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author cearionmarie
    Definitely! If you do have a good marketing strategy and on how you present your product, you should be able to sell "almost" anything.
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  • Profile picture of the author zimadev
    Good marketing strategy + thousands of tourists as potential buyers= Bottled Ibiza Air

    Yes, you can sell ANYTHING.

    https://www.thelocal.es/20160706/bus...tled-ibiza-air
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by zimadev View Post

      Yes, you can sell ANYTHING.
      I disagree. How would you sell used toilet paper for instance?
      Signature
      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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      • Profile picture of the author palmtreelife
        How would you sell used toilet paper for instance?
        Package it up and offer it to a company who wants to recycle TP? Save the company time and money going to get it themselves. Of course you may not get much for it, but that's not the friendly debate.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
          Banned
          Originally Posted by palmtreelife View Post

          Package it up and offer it to a company who wants to recycle TP? Save the company time and money going to get it themselves.
          Well it's a good thought: However (IMO) highly unlikely.
          Signature
          "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author simple pickle
    No. Some things are impossible to sel
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Thor
    Of course, We sell anything only our product is worth and make the best marketing plan. Use social media, door to door, flea market and more marketing strategies.
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  • Profile picture of the author wizbiz
    In my personal observation, it's pretty hard to sell anything, unless you have active youtube channel... Most of those guys making 80% of their income generated from youtube, - interacting with their subs.. unfortunately it's not suitable for everyone, for variety of reasons.
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  • Profile picture of the author hassnainmubashir
    I am a strong believer of this. If you know HOW to sell. You can sell anything.

    But

    Selling useless things that may not add value to the customer might give you short term success on few sales, but not on a long run.

    So

    In order to make long term customers and succeed at any business, whether online or offline. You need to add value to your customer.
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  • Profile picture of the author jefrin adams
    Yes. If you have time, money, and enough creativity to spare... the right spin can market just about anything.
    Just think about the product quality ,price ...
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  • Profile picture of the author extrememan
    That concerns me when you mention "can you still sell it even if it's useless?" A product has to have value and if when a product is purchased and considered useless, then that's when legal action happens. I see it happen all the time when FTC (federal trade commission) shuts down companies, products, and services because of pyramid schemes or none products perceived with no value. Be very careful on what you promote and sell. Be smart marketer!
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  • Profile picture of the author jefrin adams
    If the particular product us worthy and useful for other you can easily sell anything .
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  • Profile picture of the author CoffeeFan
    Lots to sell but don't know how to get in front of the eyes of many people.
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  • Profile picture of the author Liva Hudson
    I have seen in 1 ecommerce site that is selling Mars' Ice, For me it is weired
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  • Profile picture of the author George Flm
    Yes it is possible to sell anything but remember, you're as good as your traffic source...
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    George Troy Marketing on Youtube

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  • Profile picture of the author codingku
    learn more about your competitors and you should just do better.
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  • Profile picture of the author superowid
    Yes. Anything can be sold... to the right buyer/market! You just need to find that right buyer/market... for anything you want to sell! Anything! If there's a market for it, then you can sell it. Anything!
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    Hard time to keep promoting business? Don't worry!
    JUST USE MY GRAPHIC & VIDEO SERVICES
    . . . . . Let me help cutting your ad production cost! . . . . .
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  • Profile picture of the author talfighel
    If you know how to sell, why would you sell anything?

    If that anything makes you small commissions then it is not worth it. You have to sell the things that can earn you anywhere between $100 and all the way up to THOUSANDS of dollars from each customer.
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  • Profile picture of the author CoffeeFan
    The best way is to make your own store on your own domain. OWN IT. Etsy has horror stories that they pulled people off who had made their livelihood and sold for years, and they rip it off. I put one dropshipped handmade piece two years ago, and they tracked me with warnings and insults, even though I took it off and told them I didn't know. Etsy is good to get on, I can't. Some vegan brand now is making millions after five years on etsy, I just want to sell a few!
    I just wonder how to get traffic to your store, I did some yahoo answers, forums is exhausting, doing some of those. Can't afford adwords, maybe later. How are people bringing people to your online store?
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  • Profile picture of the author CoffeeFan
    If you can't afford inventiry for your product, say a hundred to bring to a local store as an example, you have to sell online. But people do not find your store. So it is ironic.
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  • Profile picture of the author jasonvandy
    I am sure selling anything can be done. However, I have had the best sales when I focus on one niche... and useful products. It is a lot easier to market to a certain niche with a useful product than to try and find people who buy anything.

    Goodluck!
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  • I believe it's possible to sell anything that can solve somebody's problem. If you can sell it at the right price to the right people, why not?
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarevok
    Theoretically, yes; it's possible to sell anything.

    Well, obviously we could conceive and brainstorm some offers that are literally impossible to sell, however, I'd say the ability to sell transcends one's imagination, and therefore one's hypothesis regarding the cap to which one may sell, could be proven erroneous by some spell-weaving copy.
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  • Profile picture of the author naviown
    You can in both ethical and unethical ways.

    Well wolf of wall street, the movie proves just that doesn't it.
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  • Profile picture of the author ank27
    i am sure you can sell anything but you need some internet marketing tools for it
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    Online Profits Way An Income Streams. FINALLY! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED TO PROFIT ONLINE...
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  • Profile picture of the author kyurin
    Absolutely you can sell pretty much everything, for a short term. The thing is that the word spreads out fast nowadays on the shitty products/services.

    It's much better to concentrate on creating an actual brand with great products that people knows and trusts.

    You can't start over again and again in perpetuity.
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  • Originally Posted by darind View Post

    Hi guys.
    If you know how to really market a product can you still sell it even if it's useless? Can you sell a simple jar if you know how to present great features, advantages, benefits.. if you can do proper market research to find a niche and dissect it how much you can?
    Yes, you can. One man's trash is another man's fortune. Nothing is really useless, when presented to the right market.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by strategic seo services View Post

      Yes, you can. One man's trash is another man's fortune. Nothing is really useless, when presented to the right market.
      Lol. How would you sell toe nail clippings?
      Signature
      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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      • Profile picture of the author Anna Athan
        LOL if I really liked that niche I would sell pedicure products and include the toe nail clippers. I would probably include the clippers with a set of products with creams, nail polish with vitamins ect. Things to take care of your feet all in one package. In my family I have people with terrible feet. They all buy pedicure products very often. In my opinion it is not impossible to do that.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Anna Athan View Post

          LOL if I really liked that niche I would sell pedicure products and include the toe nail clippers. I would probably include the clippers with a set of products with creams, nail polish with vitamins ect. Things to take care of your feet all in one package. In my family I have people with terrible feet. They all buy pedicure products very often. In my opinion it is not impossible to do that.
          Fair enough. Good point.
          Signature
          "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author cearionmarie
    update: someone just sold a good luck charm made of wood to my neighbor for $100 dollars. I haven't really witnessed the whole scenario but I'm pretty sure the marketing method was impressive, even if not ethical. It only proves that you can sell anything with the right marketing method.

    Things to consider: If you are planning to sell something on a long term basis, you will also need to consider the sustainability of the whole process.
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    Cearion Uy - Marketing Advisor
    www.influencerauditor.com

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    • Profile picture of the author palmtreelife
      I think you should find some snake oil and go visit your neighbor
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  • Profile picture of the author salmanrocks
    Yes you can sell it but for that you need to show it useful not useless

    I am in ecommerce from a long time. You know people do buy useless stuff but there is one thing in that that might be a niche product and the users are passionate about that product.
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  • Profile picture of the author Trapper Techusa
    Hello,
    At First you have to check the latest trend of this particular niche with the Free Google tool
    https://trends.google.com to get following useful information:

    Is there any demand for your product /how much demand is there for your product?

    What are the best related nice /keywords you should target.

    You will get the information about your targeted market which geographic region is suitable for your product to market.
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  • Profile picture of the author George Flm
    I have a candy store and basically sell candies to kids online.

    Since kids are the best salesmen at times, they never sell themselves short when they want something.

    Parents told me that their kids "busted their balls" to get those candies.

    Sell them what they crave for with a fantastic USP and you're all set.
    Signature

    George Troy Marketing on Youtube

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  • Profile picture of the author Techs
    Features and benefits no matter how basic. And of course it needs to benefit you as well
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  • Unrealistic as it may sound, it is possible to sell anything. All that matters is how you pitch it to your prospective buyer(s)
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  • Yes you can sell anything to anyone, anytime... It's not about presenting the benefits and features... It's about supply and demand... If people need anything they will buy them without looking anywhere else... While if they don't need then they won't buy... Check this scene from the wolf of Wall Street movie: https://youtu.be/rf8siYwsU9Q

    I hope this helps you
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Sales Mentor Aman View Post

      Yes you can sell anything to anyone, anytime...
      How would you sell toilet excrement?
      Signature
      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

        How would you sell toilet excrement?
        This should help get you started.
        How To Make Money By Selling Your Poop
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        • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
          Banned
          Originally Posted by myob View Post

          This should help get you started.
          How To Make Money By Selling Your Poop
          Maybe you Guys are right. Personally I don't think a Person could sell anything. For instance how would you sell a £9997 Marketing Course to a Person that has no money.
          Signature
          "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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          • Profile picture of the author myob
            Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

            Maybe you Guys are right. Personally I don't think a Person could sell anything. For instance how would you sell a £9997 Marketing Course to a Person that has no money.
            If you're the one selling the marketing course, you should already know the answer. If not, is it really worth £9997?

            This is a classic smokescreen objection, and may require a bit more selling

            If the offer has been presented effectively, the person will find a way to get the money; borrow, put on credit card, etc.

            A solution sometimes used is to offer a free product by referring X number of paying customers.

            Just because you can't sell something doesn't mean it can't be sold.
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      • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

        How would you sell toilet excrement?
        It could be sold in tons to agriculturists.


        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0

        Maybe you Guys are right. Personally I don't think a Person could sell anything. For instance how would you sell a £9997 Marketing Course to a Person that has no money.
        The likelihood is; you wouldn't, but that doesn't mean the hypothesis is wrong. It just means you need to be selective in who you sell to.

        You'd target people with that kind of money to spend.

        Generally speaking, targeting, or even selling to those who can't afford things sporadically, isn't good for a multitude of reasons. Granted though, we don't always have insight into their purses.

        On a slight tangent, there's a guy on YouTube buying Rolex after Rolex on credit card. It's not a good sight.
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        • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
          Banned
          Originally Posted by Daniel Evans View Post

          The likelihood is; you wouldn't, but that doesn't mean the hypothesis is wrong. It just means you need to be selective in who you sell to.
          The original thought was a Person can sell anything to anyone anytime.
          Signature
          "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      ah, that's not what I took from the first post:

      if you can do proper market research to find a niche and dissect it how much you can?
      ...though admittedly, market research isn't conducted to find a niche, so it's not making much sense on the whole.
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

      So, let's say, you're talking with a Client ... How would you advise them to make money with trash, toilet paper, and other stuff (etc.)? Or ― like I said -- would it be more likely to help them with Internet Marketing? I'm not saying you Guys can't sell anything (you've convinced me Lol) ... Just that most of the time it's completely irrelevant.
      You keep adding more restrictive marketing conditions than what the OP stated. A very small percentage of sales is actually done through "internet marketing" relative to other marketing models.

      I do have clients in many of those industries I named.

      One client of mine buys "useless products" from liquidators, auctions, storage companies, then resales them to flea marketers, thrift stores, eBay, online/offline classified ads, etc. This alone is huge.

      Toilet paper is a multi-billion dollar industry.

      Recycling is another multi-billion dollar (or perhaps even a trillion dollar) industry.

      "One man's trash is another man's treasure".

      Selling $hit (excuse me - manure) is a 300 billion dollar industry with fertilizer and slurry specialities in horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, seabirds, bats, human compost "humanure" , etc.

      However, note that marketing $hit requires a high degree of reframing, attractive packaging and labeling. Some Amazon affiliates are doing extremely well selling this commercially composted and bagged crap as a "soil amendment" to millions of happy home gardeners and organic farmers.

      You really should get out more from behind your computer. There is a big world out there.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
        Banned
        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        One client of mine buys "useless products" from liquidators, auctions, storage companies, then resales them to flea marketers, thrift stores, eBay, online/offline classified ads, etc. This alone is huge.
        To each their own. Personally I wouldn't dabble in that kind of venture.

        Recycling is another multi-billion dollar (or perhaps even a trillion dollar) industry.
        True. However it would take a great deal of time and effort to make that successful.

        "One man's trash is another man's treasure".
        Sometimes that's true.
        : )

        Selling (excuse me - manure) is a 300 billion dollar industry with fertilizer and slurry specialities in horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, seabirds, bats, human compost "humanure" , etc.
        Next.

        You really should get out more from behind your computer. There is a big world out there.
        Lol. It would be nice to live a sheltered Life ... However the opposite is true. Thanks for the discussion though ... I've found it very interesting.
        Signature
        "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

      To each their own. Personally I wouldn't dabble in that kind of venture.
      Many do. Some liquidators even have affiliate programs. This really isn't about you.

      Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

      True. However it would take a great deal of time and effort to make that successful.
      It's really not all that difficult to set up highly profitable recycling center(s). And people bring stuff to you.

      Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

      Sometimes that's true.
      : )
      A lot more than you think.

      Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

      Next.
      OK, it's not for the squeamish, but that's not the point. $hit does sell and is in high demand.

      Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

      Lol. It would be nice to live a sheltered Life ... However the opposite is true. Thanks for the discussion though ... I've found it very interesting.
      Likewise. Everything can and is being sold successfully by someone, somewhere. But as you have so painstakingly demonstrated, this of course does not necessarily mean that you can sell, or would even want to. Thanks for playing.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
        Banned
        Thanks myob: Some interesting thoughts for sure.

        : )
        Signature
        "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      I sell a sales and marketing coaching course mostly to business owners and business professionals. It's on a DVD and costs almost $10,000. When printed out, the package is about 900 pages.

      At the end, I have a summary of the entire course:

      Step 1: Find people to sell stuff to.
      Step 2: Find stuff to sell to those people.

      A common reaction is my customers ask why I didn't just tell them this at the beginning and save them $10,000.

      The real value in just those two basic steps can actually be worth millions and millions of dollars. But it's so simple that hardly anyone sees it until actually experiencing it in action.

      A common mistake made by marketers is they have or develop a product, then try to go out and find buyers for it. This is almost always a waste of time and ultimately is a critical factor in nearly every business failure.

      A better way is first to find people who are looking to buy. Then provide the products they are looking for. "Find a need and fill it" is just as powerful a marketing concept as it was more than a century ago.

      Everyone buys toilet paper. And there is a never-ending huge demand for all kinds of other crap, "toilet excrement", garbage, trash, and [drum roll] ... internet marketing.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
        Banned
        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        Step 1: Find people to sell stuff to.
        Step 2: Find stuff to sell to those people.
        Interesting. : ) I agree. Many times People/Marketers get it backwards: They create a product/service/etc. and then try to find People to sell it to.

        A common mistake made by marketers is they have or develop a product, then try to go out and find buyers for it. This is almost always a waste of time and ultimately is a critical factor in nearly every business failure.
        Again: Really good point.
        Signature
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      Originally Posted by The Mysterious Marketer View Post

      Sales is about selling great stuff that solves big problems.
      Not even close.

      Why is McDonald's the largest hamburger joint in the world? It's certainly not because they have the greatest hamburgers.

      Most people do not want or even need "the best". That's why way more Hondas and Toyotas are sold than Bugattis or Lamborghinis. The market for crap is huge.

      "it doesn't have to be good - just good enough."
      -Dan Kennedy
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      It's merely a matter of adding value. For example, one pound of beach sand can be sold for millions of dollars.Tens of thousands of dollars are being made today by selling a couple of grains of sand to every qualified prospect. The same can (and is being done) for rocks, pieces of wood, iron, sawdust, old leaves, etc. People do gladly pay that (and much more) every day.

      "The genius lies in the possibility not the mechanics!"
      - Some dead guy
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  • Profile picture of the author pheonix44
    Three things come to mind. Packaging, Presentation and Promotion. Promotion is important in terms of how you promote, where you promote (strategic placement and or timing) and who you're promoting to.

    Promoting isn't the same as selling as the goal is to build awareness while at the same time creating intrigue and interest. The goal is to stir people enough to want to find out more, usually on their own time. You just want to make sure they know how to do this and make the cost of doing this in terms of time/energy/money as low as possible.

    Convenience is the name of the game in this regard. Packaging is all about understanding how to dress up something you're selling in a way that makes it visually appealing to the eye or to increase what is called "perceived value". This is either how an individual person values it or how they feel others (whose opinions they really value) will value it.

    Presentation refers to the particular words used to describe a product or service. Presentation can also refer to how attractive a potential customer finds the platform being used to market something or even the person marketing it.

    An example of presentation would be this.

    Say you have two people, both of which are out of work. Both were janitors at their old jobs. I ask both people what do they do for a living. The first person says " I'm a janitor, but I'm not working right now". The second person says " I'm in between jobs right now, but at my previous position I was a sanitation technician".

    The first creates a notion that the person had a lower ranking position, is out of work and not doing anything actively to look for a job. The second persons statement lets you know that they are actively looking for work and will find work again soon "in between jobs" and had a higher paying and more desirable position "sanitation technician". Both were janitors at their old jobs doing the exact same work. This is the power of presentation and packaging. The same methods can be applied to virtually any product or service you're selling.
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  • Profile picture of the author waitingforday
    ha, every day my neighbour sells empty jars with the "Air of New York" at $ 20 each under my window . And you know what? Buy and a lot, every day. What do you think?
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  • Profile picture of the author luciesmazanska
    you can really sell anything with a right advertisement!
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    ★★★★★
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  • Profile picture of the author PolicyMaker
    YES - If you are master at persuasion...
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  • Originally Posted by darind View Post

    Hi guys.
    If you know how to really market a product can you still sell it even if it's useless? Can you sell a simple jar if you know how to present great features, advantages, benefits.. if you can do proper market research to find a niche and dissect it how much you can?
    The late, great Zig Ziglar once said:

    An amazing salesperson isn't someone who can sell anything to anyone...

    That's just a con artist!

    Sales is about selling great stuff that solves big problems.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Gary Halbert once said: "The difference between selling and conning is that the prospect gets something of value." Personally I don't agree with that (And the Guy spent time in prison because of his marketing.) Maybe a Person can sell anything to anyone ... However many times it's probably not a good thing.
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      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

        Gary Halbert once said: "The difference between selling and conning is that the prospect gets something of value." Personally I don't agree with that (And the Guy spent time in prison because of his marketing.) Maybe a Person can sell anything to anyone ... However many times it's probably not a good thing.
        Actually Gary Halbert (along with David Ogilvy) were perhaps among the most brilliant copywriters of our time, and mentor to some of the great legends we know. Gary wasn't imprisoned because of his marketing. He lost to the IRS.

        "The most important thing is a hungry market. Not a brilliant burger. Find a market first and then concentrate on a product."
        - Gary Halbert
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        • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
          Banned
          Originally Posted by myob View Post

          The most important thing is a hungry market. Not a brilliant burger. Find a market first and then concentrate on a product."
          - Gary Halbert
          Nice. : ) I love his "Hamburger/Hungry Crowd" lesson. Personally I have learned a lot from Gary Halbert ― and he definitely was an amazing Copywriter: I just don't agree with what he said about conning.
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          "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author Ankitshah
    Selling a product is not a tough job but what is important for marketers is building brand and trust among your customers for long term survival in the market. And in this case, if you sell a useless product, probably you will end up losing that customer for a lifetime if they are not satisfied after buying that useless product.
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  • Profile picture of the author MaxFeerden
    You can sell anything. The main thing this product is right to advertise. Customers need to understand that they really need this.
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