Luxoria - 5:23 pm on Apr 24, 2011 (gmt 0)

jsinger brings up a critical point it's basically impossible to compete with overseas production capability.

Currently, I manufacturer my own product, volume is way low, when the volume is there I am going to have my products produced over seas. If I want to make money beyond a hobby level I have no choice. China can produce the same product, after paying labor, for CHEAPER than I pay for JUST materials! WTF.

The only reason why I continued with my business endeavor is because despite my niche being over saturated my product is currently unique and I have a few years (so I think) to make some income to invest in growth and expansion taking advantage of the Global Economy.

I don't see the world as harshly as jsinger but really not much lesser in degree. There are people on Etsy making their own clothing line and making a living. They have several employees and a repeat customer base. The only reason they survive is because their items fetch boutique prices being that they are 'handmade' and 'handmade' is trendy right now to a small group of people.