Hello all. Before I explain, please excuse my ignorance on this subject. I want to start my own business in the Mixed Martial Arts industry in the near future and should have the resources I need in about 6 months or so. I have thought about several things from selling MMA gear to opening my own gym (I currently train at American Top Team). My overall contribution to the sport is most important to me because it's what I dearly love. However, I need a business that is most lucrative. I am posting this to ask for suggestions as to what type of business I can possibly open. All suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.
One idea is to sell autographed MMA gear. You can have the American Top Team guys sign stuff and you can sell them on ebay and other sites. Second, is there any way I can get in on the business?
I can share anything you want to know, but I can tell you it's a business you don't want to get into unless you have a lot of money and a art style that won't make me sick (Tapout, affliction, throwdown)
It isn't easy, I have put thousands and thousands of dollars into Ability and I am only 19, I have risked SO much in my life to fund this, if it doesn't work out I am screwed.
1. As someone else has mentioned: work signed merchandise. I'm talking cheapo-depot kind of merch that derives its value solely from the signature of the fighter/athlete. This is a side thing I would not imagine you would be able to make a living at this.
2. Find a distributor of cheap crap you can buy in bulk. Things like tapout key chains, cheap shorts, cheap shirts, cheap hats etc and then sell them for peanuts (whatever a good (yet cheap final price) profit margin would be) on ebay, craigslist, X = BS selling site and support those sales with your own website with ordering system.
~2.1 if your site takes off and by "takes off" I mean gets a decent amount of traffic you can try whoring for ads and such.
3. Buy tickets to huge events that will sell out in seconds. Resale them leading up to the fights for a sizable profit.
Thats what I got just throwing stuff out of the top of my head. I don't see this being a desirable business environment in which to start. You aren't going to get rich doing it and to even have a decent shot you'd need like intermission said "good idea, financial backing and that X factor, something unique".
Good luck but I'd recommend something easier first. Especially if you are looking to make a living.
All these ideas sound great as a start. I know that I have to spend money in order to make money. Fortunately, I am in a good position to take out a business loan. Selling signed gear sounds like a good idea, however, the downside is that all the American Top Team fighters I know and have contact with are all amateur. The only place I'd have any success selling autographed gear is at the actual event. What I really want is to be more involved with the fighters, coaches, & events. I guess I really have to sit down and figure out exactly what I need to do. Thank you guys so much and please keep the ideas coming.
Intermission, can I become one of your employees? I have sales experience and I'm near some fight camps. Maybe I can get some guys we can endorse.
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