Useful Tips on How to Start a Himalayan Salt Business

In the last two years, North Americans have caught up with the Europeans in recognizing the enormous beauty and benefits of salt lamps. In the past, salt lamps were only available in massage studios, health spas, natural food stores, natural health expos and new age shows. Now however, you have started to see them in more common places like malls. If you are thinking of benefiting from the tremendous growth of the salt lamp business, here are a few tips on what to expect and look for.

1. Do some research, look around the Internet; there are many companies who are selling salt lamps.
   


2. Select companies who offer more variety.
   


3. Try a few companies to see if they deliver what they promise.
   


4. Order in small quantities, so you can compare quality, service and prices.

If you are thinking of buying a container load then:

1. Finding the right manufacturer is somewhat difficult; there is a huge list of companies on the Internet. But how can you be sure that they are what they say they are? You need a reliable and trustworthy manufacturer. The best way to go about this is to find a company in North America who has their own factory in Pakistan, and has experience in importing from overseas. This way you will have someone close by, to answer all your questions and to keep you informed about the status of your order and who will be there to assist you in all related issues.
   


2. You can also find a company who represents a manufacturer; but who pays for their commission? Of course you do.
   


3. It is a good idea if you can meet the seller face to face. After all, you have to protect your investment.
   


4. How many and what size lamps should you buy?
   Again you have to do some footwork, ask many questions about what sells the most etc. to all the potential business partners. Lamps come with a variety of bases; marble, wood and vinyl feet. Our research shows that wood bases are the best way to go, because; marble bases increase the weight of the shipment and the breakeage is far greater during transit, as compared to wood bases where the breakeage is less then 0.05%. Vinyl feet look awful and the bulb inside the lamp remain loose which is a safety hazard.
   
   Many companies have predetermined sizes and quantities that they would like to sell to maximize their profits. Make your own list of what you will need. Remember a 20' container holds 40,000 lbs. You should maximize the ratio of weight to number of pieces that you are buying.
   


5. Which Packaging is better?
   


Here we have 2 options:


• Lamps that are individually boxed:
  This option will minimize the number of units you can import and it will also cost you more on shipping charges for a 40' container instead of a 20' container. This option is best for a very large operation that sells to big chain stores.
  


• Lamps without individual boxes:
  This option will enable you to import the maximum number of units for 40,000 lbs. If you are just introducing salt lamps than this option will better suit you. Wires, bulbs and boxes can be purchase locally, all for under $2.00 per lamp. Compare the prices with and without individual boxed lamps, you will realize that it is more profitable for you to purchase a container without the individual boxed option.
  


6. Timing:
   No matter what anyone promises you, it is a fact that you have to wait for at least three months before you can get your hands on your lamps. So plan ahead. Keep in mind that since 9/11, it has become a time-consuming process to have the container inspected and released by customs, not to mention extra fees and expenses.
   

Now that you have all the information to start your own salt business, it should not be all that hard.

GAMA intl. is the first manufacturer, who has international sales office in Toronto, with warehouses in US & Canada. They invented the GAMA Quick-Change Light bulb Assembly in 2000, which has become a standard safety feature in all salt lamps. If you have more questions please visit:

NaturalSaltCrystalLamps.com
HimalayanSalt.com
SaltLamp.ca
or call 1-866-725-8526

Good Luck!