Alesya Bags

Yes,the launch went well.  But as with all big product debuts, there are issues.  (The iPad?  That sounds like a feminine product!  Good times.)

The biggest question/complaint I had was “Hey!  I thought you were bringing back the old colors too!  What the heck?”  There were nicer versions of this sentiment, but you get the idea.

So why don’t I have more colors?

Each time I create new bags, I have to place a minimum order.  This time it was at least 200 bags per color.  Next time around the factory is telling me the minimum will be 400 bags per color.

It’s expensive to order bags.  I have to pay for them all up front, plus the shipping, plus the customs.  While I hope I can have a rainbow of colors in stock at some point, that point isn’t today.  It’s just part of growing a business.  I just can’t afford to have a ton of bags in stock.

From a marketing perspective I messed up the messaging.  While I was selling the Fall 2011 bags I kept saying “Once these bags sell out they are gone for good!”  In fact, I said it so many times I got sick of it.

But what I didn’t release was there was a large group of clients who discovered the bags after the first group sold out.  So they didn’t ever hear this messaging and were understandably confused when the new bags came out.

The new colors were picked because YOU asked for them.  I must have had over 100 requests for a black bag.  (That’s why it’s named Black By Popular Demand.  Fancy, right?)  The Heavy Metal was inspired by clients who said “We need a metallic!” and by a bag my mom carries.

From the emails/tweets/Facebook messages it seems like there are two camps – clients who like neutrals and clients who crave color.  Which side do you fall on?  Maybe you have one foot on each side?

I read and consider every request you send me.  So please, keep them coming.  ~A

The bags are starting to appear on your doorstep!  Love seeing the pictures posted to Twitter and getting this GEM from client Jen Horsley.  How her day went yesterday…

Don’t you LOVE this?!  I about fell out of my chair when I got it.  Thanks again Jen!  Have fun with your bag.  ~A

Everyone has been asking me, “So, how did the launch go?!”  After having the weekend to reflect I can say with a smile “Pretty darn great.”

The bullet points:

• In the first 24 hours 150 bags were sold.
• 91 clients ordered Black By Popular Demand and 59 clients ordered Heavy Metal.
• As a comparison, in the first 24 hours of the first launch five bags were sold.  Two of those bags were sold to my mother.  Seriously.
• All the bags were shipped out by Friday evening except four bag that were going to Qatar.  The client gave me a PO Box and we needed a physical address.  Her bags are going out today!

The fun facts:

• Orders came in from all over the United States as well as the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Singapore and New Zealand.
• At least four bags were ordered by ladies from ePrize, the company I used to work for before starting Alesya Bags.  This is a HUGE deal to me.  Thank you!
• Ten bags were ordered from the Charleston area.  I just love how locals support locals around here.  Thanks y’all!
• My online supporters made a huge difference.  Check out how many people were reached on Facebook alone:

To sum it up, much like my model Lydia at the top of this post, I’ve got a smile on my face today.  Looking forward to sharing more with you this week.  And I hope you let me know when your bag arrives!  ~A

Are you ready to see these bags?!  I am counting down the moments until I can show you.  Here’s how they will be revealed.

Wednesday, September 19th – Preview Day

Between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM ET:  All Wait List members will receive an email with the new colors.  You’ll be able to see what the bags look like and start deciding which one is for you.  Of course, if you need to purchase both, I will understand.

Between 9:00 PM and Midnight PM ET:  AlesyaBags.com will be switched over to show the new colors, with new photos and video.  If you’re watching you might see it change slowly.  It will appear as though the bags are SOLD OUT, but don’t worry!  At that point they haven’t gone on sale yet.

Thursday, September 20th – Launch Day

By 9:00 AM:  You’ll see the Alesya Bags Facebook page, my Twitter profile and Pinterest boards will have new photos of – what else? – the new bags.

Between 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET:  All Wait List members will receive an email when the bags officially go on sale.  Once you get the email click over to AlesyaBags.com to get your bag!

Between 10:00 AM ET – 11:30 AM ET:  Bags will start to be packed and shipped.  We don’t know how many bags will be purchased on Thursday but we’ll work to get as many out the door as quickly as possible.

Noon ET:  I’ll be broadcasting live from UStream to talk to you about new colors, answer questions and generally celebrate the launch.  Hope to see you there!

…

We’re hours away from new bags.  Thank you for all your support and excitement.  We’re almost there!  ~A

Good news!  The bags have made it through customs.  Hooray!  I got the update last night after I landed in Charleston.

This morning I wired the final import, delivery and exam fees to my agent.  While I’m still waiting on the final delivery schedule, it seems like the bags will be in my warehouse on September 24th or 25th.

Once I know the date for sure the countdown will begin!

Heard from California that the bags have been flagged for an MET – Manifest Examination Team – Exam.  It will take place either tomorrow or Friday.  They are supposedly random, but since I’ve imported twice and had the same extra examination twice….

My understanding is that they will check for counterfeit items.  Of course, I doubt anyone is creating knock-off Alesya Bags yet, but perhaps I’ll appreciate this more when they do.

I’m on my way back to Charleston from Detroit.  Looking forward to seeing my family, friends and the ocean.  ~A

Many of you have been asking and here’s the update on the bags.  There is no update!  (Now you can stomp your feet along with me.)  The bags are still with the customs officials.  Here’s my official status:

================================================================
Dear: All
U.S. Customs TIU officer “Jae” T: 562-366-5803 Recall this entry for Exam
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Not much to go on right?  As my friend Shameeka would say – *le sigh*.

As for me, I’ve been in my hometown for two weeks helping my parents.  If I can say anything good about the delay it’s allowed me to be in Michigan without too much trouble.

I’ll continue to keep you updated on any progress.  Let’s hope for some positive news shortly!