Ever wanted to start your own business, but weren’t sure what kind of business to start? Why not keychains? The demand for unique products is higher than ever, with marketplaces like Etsy and even Amazon Handmade boasting millions of shoppers. And one such product that has never gone out of style is keychains.
They make great gifts and souvenirs and nearly everyone has one! If you’re interested in starting a keychain business, then we’re here to guide you on your way! Read on for everything you ever wanted to know about how to start a keychain business from scratch.
Why Sell Custom Keychains?
Custom key chains have been a popular product for decades. They make for the perfect impulse buy or add-on item. Here’s why custom key chains continue to be a smart choice for anyone looking to sell a product that’s both practical and personal:
Affordable
Keychains are cost-effective to produce and purchase, making them accessible to a wide range of customers. Their low price point encourages spontaneous purchases or adding them to an order as a little extra.
Personal
With the ability to customize them in various ways, you can design your own keychain to reflect niche styles, interests and fandoms. Whatever shape, color, or style you want to create, a personalized keychain can be made to match your vision.
Versatile
Custom key chains can be designed for so many themes and uses. This versatility opens up so many markets and selling opportunities.
Practical
Beyond their visual appeal, keychains serve a functional purpose by keeping keys organized and within easy reach. This means they’re not just decorative – your customers will find them useful too!
How to Start a Keychain Business
Starting a keychain business is easier than you might think. With a little bit of planning and a few key steps, you can be on your way to creating and selling custom key chains in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to start a keychain business.
Step 1: Determine Your Target Market
Before getting into the nitty-gritty of setting up your business, it’s important to identify who your ideal customers are. This information will help you when it comes time to design your own keychain! It will also help you to tailor your marketing efforts to appeal to them specifically.
Think about factors like age, interests, and spending habits when defining your target market. If you’re planning on selling online, also consider where your customers are located and what shipping options you can offer.
Step 2: Develop Your Designs
With such a wide range of customization options available, it’s important to narrow down your designs to a specific niche or theme. This will help establish your brand and attract customers who are interested in that particular style.
You could create a few different design ideas and run them past your friends and family to see which ones they like best. You could also conduct market research by browsing similar businesses and seeing what key chain designs are popular. It’s better to start narrow and expand your offerings later on, rather than trying to cover too many themes at once. If you can target a particular niche without too much competition from more well-established brands, then you’re on the right track!
There are different types of keychain styles to consider:
PVC Keychains
PVC keychains are colorful and flexible, making them ideal for bold, detailed designs and logos. They’re tougher than other types of keychains, so they’re great if you want something a bit more resilient. You can make them with 3D designs, for a textured effect.
Embroidered Keychains
Embroidered keychains offer a classic look with detailed stitching. They’re perfect if you want a lightweight, soft, and textured keychain with a nostalgic vibe. It’s like a patch but in keychain form!
Metal Keychains
Metal keychains are the most popular thanks to their durability and sleek design. Whether it’s a simple and clean business keychain look or something more artistic and elaborate, they’re a solid and sturdy choice. You can decorate them with enamel for a pop of color or engrave them for more delicate designs.
Step 3: Decide How You Will Make Your Keychains
Next, you’ll need to figure out the logistics of actually making your keychains. Will you make your own keychain designs by hand or outsource production? Making your keychains yourself might sound like a fun and creative option, but keep in mind the time and effort it takes to make each one. If you’re planning on selling a high volume of keychains, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to match demand on your own.
Outsourcing production can be a more efficient and cost-effective option and there are many manufacturers who specialize in helping people to design their own keychain products. Here at The/Studio, we offer a variety of options for creating completely custom keychains, no minimum quantities at affordable prices. We give you full control over the design process. Everything is made to order, so you can create the perfect keychain for your brand.
Step 4: Set Up Your Online Store
With your designs and production plan in place, it’s time to start selling! You have three main options, and you can even use all three if you want to:
Use an Established Marketplace
Platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon have huge audiences and can be a great way to reach potential customers without investing in your own website. Keep in mind that these platforms usually charge fees on each sale and may limit your ability to customize your storefront.
Create Your Own Website
Setting up your own custom key chains website gives you complete control over the design, branding, and customer experience. However, this option requires more technical savvy and may involve upfront costs for website development and hosting. There are web hosting platforms like Shopify and Squarespace that make it easy to set up an online store without much technical knowledge.
Integrate an Online Store with Your Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow you to sell directly through your profiles by using integrations with various tools. This can be a great way to reach potential customers exactly where they are spending their time online.
Step 5: Market Your Brand
Getting your custom keychain brand noticed isn’t going to happen by magic. It requires a bit of elbow grease and smart strategy. Here’s how you can connect with your audience and spread the word about your new keychain business:
- Use Social Media. Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are your new marketing best friends. You can show off your key chains with high-quality photos or fun videos, and even with targeted ads.
- Team Up With Influencers. Find influencers who vibe with your brand and have a solid follower base that’ll likely want to buy personalized keychains. This can help reach a wider audience and increase your credibility.
- Attend Local Markets or Events. Whether it’s a craft fair or a community event, having a booth gives you the chance to meet customers face-to-face. It’s a great way to get feedback and make immediate sales.
- Create Engaging Content. Blogs, videos, or Instagram stories – use whatever medium feels right to talk about the cool aspects of your custom key chains and share stories behind your brand.
- Use Paid Ads. Platforms like Google AdWords or Facebook Ads can be great for getting your brand in front of the right eyes. It’s all about targeting those who are most likely to be interested in your products.
- Don’t Forget SEO. This applies to your website, social media, and marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon. You’ll need to optimize your product titles, descriptions and tags with relevant keywords to improve your search engine ranking and make it easier for potential customers to find you. There are plenty of tools available for this like Google Keyword Planner and you can also use the autofill feature on Google and various marketplaces to see what people are searching for.
Step 6: Start Selling and Fulfilling Orders
Are you ready to start selling your custom key chains? Then the next step is figuring out how you’re going to fulfill your orders. Fulfillment needn’t be complicated – many small businesses use a third-party fulfillment service, while others prefer to handle it in-house. Some things to think about when deciding on your fulfillment strategy include:
- Inventory Management. You’ll need to keep track of your inventory levels and order more stock as needed. If you’re using a third-party fulfillment service, they may offer inventory management services as well. Some businesses also use inventory management software to help them keep track of stock levels.
- Shipping and Logistics. How will you package your keychains for shipping? What carriers will you use to ship your products and how will you handle returns or lost packages? These are all important logistics that need to be thought about when setting up your business.
- Customer Service. As a small business, providing exceptional customer service can really set you apart from the competition. Make sure you have a system in place for handling customer inquiries and complaints, and always strive to go above and beyond for your customers – even if you’re just a one-person show.
And that’s it – you know how to set up a keychain business and you’re ready to start selling and delivering your custom key chains! Keep in mind that starting a business is an ongoing process and there will always be room for improvement. You might need to adjust your strategy or make changes as you go. But with hard work and determination, you can turn your passion for keychains into a successful business!
Partner with The/Studio for Custom Keychains
If you’re looking for a manufacturing partner to help you produce high-quality custom keychains, then we’re here to help. We help businesses create their very own custom designed product, from scratch, with a quick turnaround time. With no minimum order quantities, you can order as many or as few keychains as you need, making it perfect for small businesses that are just starting out. If you need a hand with the design process, our team of experts are always available to assist you. Simply make an account with The/Studio and you can start ordering!
FAQs
Can I make money selling keychains?
Yes, definitely! Etsy alone currently has over 1,000 keychain sellers making 1,000+ orders. Marketing is key, so make sure you put your brand out there and reach potential customers through social media, word of mouth, or any other creative means you can think of.
How do I start a small keychain business?
- Step 1: Research the market.
- Step 2: Create a business plan.
- Step 3: Design your keychains.
- Step 4: Partner with a custom keychain manufacturer.
- Step 5: Set up an online store or sell at local markets and events.
Are keychains in high demand?
Keychains have always been a popular accessory and useful item for both adults and children. As such, they’re in high demand. The key is to find a niche – whether it’s through special interests and hobbies, fandoms, a cause, a subculture, or just fun and unique designs.
How much should keychains sell for?
This depends on the type of keychain and its perceived value. Generally, keychains can range from $5-$20 depending on the materials used, design complexity, and any added features. Think about your production costs and profit margins when determining your pricing.
How do you package keychains?
There are a few different ways to package keychains:
- Clear plastic bags
- Display cards
- Gift boxes
- Organza bags
You can experiment with different packaging options to see what works best for your brand and target audience.
