1. Define who you solve what for
Write in one sentence who would buy your product and what problem or desire it addresses. If you can't state it clearly, it's not yet time to buy inventory.
2. Look at what already exists
Find who sells something similar, at what price, and what their customers say. Competition is a good sign: it means a market exists. The complaints you find are opportunities to stand out.
3. Start with a small batch
Buy or produce the smallest quantity possible, even if the cost per unit is higher. At this stage you aren't trying to earn a lot, but to learn cheaply.
4. Offer it before you have it in quantity
Publish the product with real photos, a price, and a delivery date, and see what happens. You can add it to your Vallen catalog in minutes and share the link on social media and statuses to receive orders on WhatsApp.
5. Tell interest apart from purchase intent
Not all reactions carry the same weight. Rank them from least to most meaningful.
- Likes and encouraging comments
- Questions about price
- Questions about delivery or payment methods
- Confirmed orders
- Payments or deposits received
6. Decide with the data
Set a criterion in advance: for example, selling the test batch within two weeks. If you meet it, invest a bit more. If not, ask those who showed interest why they didn't buy and adjust the price, presentation, or product before trying again.
Validation doesn't guarantee success, but it greatly reduces risk. It's better to discover with ten units that a product doesn't work than to discover it with all your savings invested.