Domestic Breeders and Dealers

[PapaBear]

If I remember correctly Koi sales and marketing in Japan began not so differently from what we have seen here in our own domestic market. Breeders selling directly, then indirectly through local brokers/dealers, and as customer tastes became more refined/demading, the quality improved and dealers increased as popularity/demand followed.
In the stage we are at our domestic breeders suffer from something the Japanese breeders never had to deal with, namely imports. That means domestic breeders have to reach for the bar set by others before they will be able to find a high level of representation from quality dealers. As breeders like Brett, Brady, Richard, and a handful of others establish themselves and solidify their reputations, demand in the marketplace will bring dealers to their doors. In the meanwhile, directly marketing the best of their Koi in order to maximize ROI is a natural neccessity. It fills a niche in the marketplace.
I do almost no marketing/advertising of my business (non-koi related). Word of mouth from happy customers is my #1 marketing tool and my customer base has tripled over the last 12 months.

[RayJordan]

A big part of this issue is that most U.S. koi farms are relatively small and for many koi breeding is their 1st love but their 2nd occupation with primary business elsewhere. Most produce less than a few thousand show quality koi annually - all of which they can sell directly to hobbyist for retail. prices. in this process they produce many thousands of pond grade koi and many times more junk koi. It will be difficult for them to sell their best koi for wholesale prices unless they can increase production numbers to far more than they can sell themselves for full price.

I suggest that clubs that are lucky enough to have a koi breeder nearby that is willing to teach reach out and develop joint educational and marketing events to benefit all parties.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeM My two cents... I think dealers will carry what they can profitably sell. When the knowledge of the hobbyist rises to a level that lets them "buy the fish, not the breeder", then it ceases to be important whether the breeder is in Japan or another country. As long as hobbyists shun domestics for imports, not appreciating the quality of the individual fish, dealers will follow suit. In time it will occur... because the more knowledgeable hobbyists will not decline the opportunity to get a fine koi. Then the crowd will follow, and dealers will be there to serve the customer.... and not just with lower quality domestics for the thin wallet.

I think this is a very accurate appraisal of the situation.

[Richard Rombold]

Well then I'll need to produce a superior fish compared to the imports. I don't see another way.

[aquitori]

Rich, I think it only right to keep producing the koi and have them entered at every show. It would be just like what they do in Japan...Every Breeder in Japan is always looking to get "Best in Size"...

[Richard Rombold]

Aquitori,

I'm all for shows but the real measure of any farm is going to be in achieving consistent results in volume. JR's dollar is interesting but it's like putting a chimp in space. We need to go to the moon. GC's will follow.

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Rombold Aquitori, I'm all for shows but the real measure of any farm is going to be in achieving consistent results in volume. JR's dollar is interesting but it's like putting a chimp in space. We need to go to the moon. GC's will follow.

Well like any other artist, you have to accept your art form first, then introduce it to the world. You have some nice stuff you are producing, keep up the good work. I was wondering if I could checkout your farm, if I am in the Fresno area...

[Richard Rombold]

I'd be pleased if you stopped by. Los Banos isn't too far off.

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Rombold I'd be pleased if you stopped by. Los Banos isn't too far off.

That would be very cool to checkout your place. I will PM you a couple of days in advanced.

[Russell Peters]

Quote: Originally Posted by Richard Rombold Well then I'll need to produce a superior fish compared to the imports. I don't see another way.

I like your attitude.