How to Start a Keychain Business: A Guide for Creators in 2023
Are you a content creator looking to take your brand to the next level? Imagine having a tangible piece of your brand and content that your fans can carry with them everywhere. That's where creating and selling a custom keychain comes into play.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the ins and outs of launching your very own keychains on your online store, from designing to selling, and how Fourthwall can manage this entire process for you.
Is a Keychain Business Profitable?
Absolutely! Keychains are more than just accessories; they're small expressions of personal style and allow followers to show their support. Their wide-ranging appeal, coupled with their easy customization, makes them a great product to add to your collection. Plus, their compact size makes them an attractive option for supporters of all ages.
People bring their keychains everywhere, which means every time a supporter carries your product, you're getting free advertising. You’ll make your customers happy and increase your profits by choosing a unique design that stands out, having a strong marketing strategy, and offering high-quality keychains.
How to Start a Keychain Business: 4 Steps for Creators
1. Identify Your Niche Market
What makes your content stand out? Is it your love for gaming, your passion for movies, or your expertise in a particular field? Defining your niche helps you connect with a specific group of fans who share your interests. From there, you can curate keychain designs that speak directly to their hearts, making your creations even more irresistible.
2. Design Your Keychain
Now, the fun part—designing! Your keychain is a visual representation of your brand, so make it count. Figure out what material you want your keychain to be made of, which will help you decide if you can DIY these custom keychains, or if you need to seek a platform to mold and create them for you. If you're looking for acrylic keychains, Fourthwall is the platform for you.
Keep in mind that your artwork should be on the small side, so you should choose designs that are easily recognizable and impactful even in a compact size. As a general guideline, keychains between 1.5 to 2.5 inches work well, and materials like acrylic and metal offer both durability and a premium feel. While your design truly depends on the content you make, here are some ideas for keychains that sell well:
- Characters or avatars
- Logos
- Funny quotes or catchphrases
- Simple, aesthetically pleasing designs
3. Choose a Keychain Manufacturer
Now that your designs are ready to come to life, it's time to choose a keychain manufacturer that aligns with your vision and quality standards. This decision plays a pivotal role in the success of your keychain business.
One great place to find a keychain manufacturer is in the Fourthwall Product Catalog. Our expert collaboration with manufacturers ensures that these factors are seamlessly managed, leaving you with peace of mind and more time to channel your creative energy into what truly matters—your designs.
4. Set a Price
Pricing your keychains appropriately is a delicate balance between offering value to your fans and ensuring your efforts are compensated. Research similar products in the market and factor in your production costs, marketing expenses, and desired profit margin. From our research, keychains tend to be sold for $7-$15.
How to Sell Keychains Online
As a creator, you have an incredible advantage when it comes to promoting and selling your products — you already have online reach and presence. Leverage your engaged audience and digital platforms to transform your keychains into desirable collectibles. Here are some valuable tips to ensure your keychains find their way into the hands of eager supporters:
- Post on Social Media: Leverage your social media platforms to their full potential. Post engaging content showcasing your keychains regularly. Utilize features like Instagram Stories, announce your new product on your Twitch stream, or post about it on Twitter or TikTok and ask for feedback from your supporters. Find ways to interact directly with your followers and give them a sneak peek into your creative process.
- Offer Limited Edition Products: Boost the appeal of your keychains by bundling them with other related products or offering limited edition runs. This creates a sense of exclusivity and excitement, encouraging your audience to act quickly to secure their favorite designs. Fourthwall allows you to create promotions to build hype around any of your product launches.
- Collaborate and Cross-Promote: Team up with fellow creators or influencers whose audiences align with your target market. Collaborative giveaways or cross-promotions can introduce your keychains to a wider audience, fueling interest and potentially gaining new followers and purchases.
Adding keychains to your shop is a way to strengthen the connection with your community and turn your passion into a profitable venture. With these tips in your arsenal and Fourthwall as your platform, you're well on your way to keychain-selling success!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to start a keychain business? With Fourthwall, it’s free! You can create your site, design your keychains, and start selling without paying a penny. The initial costs of starting a keychain business can vary widely. Fourthwall allows you to sell your keychains as pre-orders ("drop") style, so there's no up front risks. The cost of each item can vary based on your design complexity. Factors such as your design complexity, choice of materials, manufacturing process, and marketing efforts all contribute to the overall cost. Research and budgeting are essential to determine the expenses involved.
- How are keychains manufactured? Keychains are manufactured using a range of materials, including acrylic, metal, rubber, and more. Designs can be applied through methods like printing, engraving, or molding. The manufacturing process involves creating the physical keychains based on your design specifications. Each custom keychain comes with a keyring attached to the keychain for easy attachment to other keychains, lanyards, purses, etc.
- Do I need specialized skills to start a keychain business? Starting a keychain business doesn't necessarily require specialized skills, but having a creative mindset and an understanding of design principles can be beneficial. Many platforms and resources, like Fourthwall, are available to help you navigate the process, making it accessible to individuals with various backgrounds and skill levels.
It's important to note that selling keychains on Fourthwall requires reaching a minimum of 300 units. You can allow supporters to preorder your key chains, or pay for all 300 of them upfront and earn the money back through selling them.
Start Your Keychain Business with Fourthwall's Help
Fourthwall is here to be your right-hand platform in this entrepreneurial endeavor. Design your key chains, set up your shop, and let Fourthwall handle the rest.
Join a community of successful creators who have seamlessly turned their passions into profits. Why wait? Get started on Fourthwall today and let your supporters rep your merch everywhere.