Text by Victoria Tsarenkova
Photo by Inna Ptitsyna
This story is full of entrepreneurial experience with all possible failures, failures and debts. But at the same time, the ability to analyze and learn not only from one’s own mistakes, but also with the help of other people’s knowledge. Alena Aleshkova is a student of the Path of Dreams course who was able to overcome the fear of disappointment and launch a new project.
Alena Aleshkova
"KOKOS": about the project
"KOKOS" - stores of original certified Korean cosmetics in Kaliningrad.
The project began in 2016 with a small shelving unit in the basement of a shopping center. Now we have 2 offline stores in Kaliningrad and an online store. There are plans to expand beyond one city.
We purchase the entire range from major dealers in Russia. When choosing which product to bring to the store, we read hundreds of reviews - from our clients, bloggers and people who use Korean cosmetics. We present about 1,500 types of various Korean products.
The first business turned into a lot of problems and almost ended in the collapse of friendship
»For a year and a half, each of us earned about 5,000 rubles a month
»Problem one - lack of knowledge
Everything somehow didn’t work out. We had neither the knowledge of how to run a business nor the understanding of how to attract clients. I tried to read something on the Internet, but there was little material.
Production was outsourced to another agency, which meant the whole process was always slow. Their manager first processed the request and only then transferred it to production. At best, our order was ready within a day. I still had to call and find out if the products were ready. Then go and pick her up. If they did with the marriage, this cycle repeated again.
I did the product design myself, and it was very lame, and we couldn’t afford a great specialist - we saved. We generally found our first clients in a guerrilla way - we spammed people on VKontakte. But since we could not offer the service High Quality, then the check for our services was very low. Because of this there was no profit. For a year and a half, each of us earned about 5,000 rubles a month. It was hard, but it was our own fault.
Problem two - friendship interfered
There was no money in business. And against the background of this, problems began with my friend as a partner. The fact is that we did not discuss “on shore” who is responsible for what. We thought that everything would work out just like that - we are such cool friends.
But here our friendship only added fire to the fire of problems. You know the people closest to you with all their shortcomings. It turned out that in business it is precisely the shortcomings that are felt most acutely. This can be compared to hiking in the mountains. I was told that when climbing, for example, Elbrus, all the body’s ailments become aggravated and even things that you didn’t suspect could come out. It's the same in business.
We started arguing a lot. And this ultimately led to us parting ways as partners after a year and a half. But in fact, “like friends” - too. Although we discussed that everything was fine, we continued to communicate, but there was a lot of aggression, quarrels broke out over trifles. As a result, mutual friends forced us to talk to each other. That conversation lasted several hours. School grievances and everything that had been dragging on for years came out. But, fortunately, we expressed everything, found out and are still communicating well.
The employees persuaded me not to close the project: they said that they were ready to sit without a salary
» 
Great clients appeared who brought us high income. But there were few of them, and it was not possible to attract more - then there was not enough knowledge and strength for this. We had a bunch of small orders, and they took up almost all our time and energy. So, we earned 200 rubles on business cards for a minimum batch of 100 pieces. Despite the fact that the work here is a full cycle: discuss it with the customer, agree on it, send the order to the printing house, and when it’s printed, go and pick it up. The average bill ended up being tiny. There wasn't enough money. But you have to pay wages and rent. I also barely had enough to live - only for the bare necessities.
“I can’t do it, we’ll close it,” I announced to the girls a year and a half later. They then persuaded me not to close it. They said that we work so well, they like everything and that they are even ready to sit without a salary, that is, in debt. And we worked like that for another two or three months and closed in 2016.
I subconsciously did not want to earn money. And hence the total lack of money: I did what I liked, but the money didn’t come
»OT's motivation is to escape poverty
It was hard for me to let go of this failure. I believed in this cause and was devoted to it for four years, but in the end I couldn’t. A complete loser, I thought to myself. On top of everything else, the project left me with a bunch of debts - about 200,000 rubles, which I am still paying off. Because of all this, I seriously thought about getting a regular job for the rest of my life.
But I can't do that. When I first started this business, I had a desire to achieve freedom and do something of my own. Now I realize: I need to do something, unite people around me, expand the boundaries of my projects, come up with something new and put it into practice. This is my essence, which cannot be taken away. That’s why I didn’t take a hired job just to have money to live on. And she began to analyze.
Money has not been a priority for me all my life; I didn’t like it. At the same time, I wanted to buy myself something expensive and travel. Such a clumsy contradiction sat within me. And suddenly it dawned on me! Remember, in fairy tales, poor people were great, and rich people were despots and tyrants. Brought up on such promises, I subconsciously did not want to make money. And from here this total lack of money grew: I did what I liked, but the money didn’t come.
Gradually my poles changed in this regard. I read blogs of successful people. They said that you can make money with your brains and abilities. I learned about success stories: how people created wealth themselves. And I began to understand that there is nothing wrong with wealth. If you are talented, smart, able to develop and strive for something, then you can achieve a comfortable standard of living. But if you are lazy and apathetic, then most likely you will live poorly.
I don't want to say that poor people are bad. There are many good and wonderful ones among them. And I can say about myself that I’m still poor: I still like to buy goods on sale in stores. But I saw that rich people are much more relaxed about everything, they are more eager to improve themselves and help others.
This “poverty” motivation pushed me forward. I am a confident person. Maybe even a little arrogant at times. And when I see what others are doing, it means I have to do it too.
We spent a lot of time on small orders, but we had to give up everything unnecessary
»What my first business failure taught me
First of all, I understood what partnership in business means. How important it is to agree in advance who will have what role, who will be responsible for what, and discuss everyone’s personal goals. The goals should be common, and not when one is “burning” with work, and the second has other interests.
Also, the issue of trust in a partnership is the most important. Perhaps, here he is as acute as in his relationship with his man. Both of you must be both honest and completely trust each other, and not interfere in someone else’s area of responsibility. Without this, nothing will work in business.
We also need to build the business model correctly. Otherwise, everything in the project will suffer. I found out this later when I went to study on the “Path of Dreams” course. This was our mistake - we worked with very small orders, and spent a lot of time on them. But we had to give up them and everything unnecessary.
And I was too inexperienced to run a business. I wanted to build something serious, but I had no knowledge of how to do it. It was not possible to do it well and efficiently. Couldn't manage. Some little things could easily unsettle me. Although I analyzed the problems and tried to come up with something, it didn’t really work.
How I saw the new project
I started thinking about what my new project would be. I took this matter very seriously.
- Firstly, I decided to launch a retail business because I believed that it was easier to implement marketing tricks in retail.
- Secondly, it is important for me to build long-term relationships with customers. To be so cool that a person buys from my store once and starts coming here again and again. Therefore, I immediately focused on products that are in regular demand.
- Thirdly, I also wanted to sell products for women. Men are more practical, it is harder to attract them with their shares. And they don’t leave emotional reviews on social networks. And it’s nice to work with women in this regard. Looking ahead, I will say that today girls constantly write to us that they are delighted with us. Many people say that they buy cosmetics only in our store.
- Fourthly, there was a desire to sell a quality product in the middle price segment. Before this, I worked with people who have very little money. I came across the fact that they are nervous, have difficulty parting with money, and worry about every ruble. This was hard. So now I wanted to work with wealthier clients who were ready to buy such a product.
At that time, Korean cosmetics were in trend, and I paid attention to it and began to study it. The cosmetics market in South Korea is innovative and rapidly developing. They are very careful about quality, since the Korean public is very biased. Even men take care of themselves and look after themselves. And if a company produces a bad cream, it immediately leaves the shelves and never comes back. I myself have used two products, and they helped me a lot. That's why I realized: these things are really cool - you can transport them.
The first store is a gloomy and impenetrable place. I tried to hire sellers, but they didn't stick around.
»Start-up investment in a new project. Opening a point
In 2016, I opened a small outlet in a shopping center. It looked like this: a glass shelf with cosmetics on the ground floor, dim light and gray walls around, and practically no people. My mother helped me again with opening a second business - she gave me 150,000 rubles. We agreed that in exchange for this she would be able to not work for 2 years and stay at home under my support.
I invested 100,000 rubles in my first purchase of cosmetics. In general this is very little. Now we have 15 sq. m. in one store. meters, the inventory balance just for “survival” should be 500,000 rubles (in purchase price), and then these will be half-empty shelves. For 50,000 rubles I bought a rack on Avito, paid for 2 months of rent and very minor expenses - for the Internet, lighting in the rack. Without lighting, the rack did not look functional; the “basement” light did not allow one to see the goods.
I developed my account in Instagram and the group in " In contact with" It was through these channels that we were mainly able to attract buyers.
I worked at this point for a whole year. It was hard. And the place itself is gloomy and impenetrable. She worked almost seven days a week. I tried to hire sellers, but they didn’t stick around. The revenue was small - on average about 3,000 rubles per day.
The main mistakes at the start
And here we could not avoid mistakes. I didn’t analyze the market and made my first purchase like an ordinary girl - on emotions. I just liked one site - everything is in beautiful jars, and I ordered this cosmetics. It turned out that the brand is a little expensive for Russia. Yes, and it appeared recently, it has not yet proven itself. As a result, this product sold poorly and for a long time.
Then I bought cosmetics from well-known brands. But here I made a mistake again: I didn’t analyze the assortment to see what people buy more often and more willingly, but chose what I liked the most. As a result, I ordered a lot of products that took up space on the shelves for a long time.
Our favorite men spent the night assembling shelves for cosmetics
»The right decision: moving and a new partner
I thought about moving to a “normal place”. Girls who buy expensive products want to enjoy the whole process: come to a cozy place, look, try, hold in their hands. And I had jars and tubes in a rack behind glass. I had to take it out and show it. Agree, this creates a certain tension for the buyer.
A good place in another shopping center, so that it’s both cozy and has a lot of traffic, in the city it was expensive, I couldn’t afford it. Moreover, rent must be paid for two months at once.
The question arose: how to find money to open a store. And then I made one of the significant decisions - to team up with a person who shows interest in related topics. I had a friend Polina. We saw each other once a year at a mutual friend’s birthday. And every time she told me that she wanted to do something of her own. We met again at the end of January 2017. I told her: “I want to open a store.” And she suggested joining forces. Polina liked this idea. She said that she also has savings.
Throughout February we discussed conditions and plans. I was looking for a place. Only in March we agreed with the shopping center. I immediately terminated the contract with the landlord from whom I rented a place in the basement. We moved into the new place very quickly, literally in a week. Our beloved men spent the night assembling shelves for cosmetics, although both had to leave for work early in the morning.
And in April 2017, Polina and I opened our first joint store, paying rent for two. In general, the opening (without inventory) cost less than 100,000 rubles. Since all the commercial equipment was made by our men, it cost 3 times less than the market price. For the lease, we agreed to move the “security” payment forward a couple of weeks. By the way, today, to open, for example, a third store (without inventory) it will cost us around 250,000 - 300,000 rubles.
How we rolled out “COCONUT” into the world
Initially, we had a test drive of a joint business. Polina entered the business with an investment of about 100,000 - 150,000 rubles. Some went towards paying rent, and some went towards buying her share of cosmetics. We agreed that we would purchase the assortment separately, each for itself. There will be just a common cash register, and we will take turns working as sellers. I shared with Polina the contacts of suppliers of Korean cosmetics, and we started.
From April to September 2017 we worked like this. I also developed the store’s accounts on Instagram and VKontakte. And Polina showed a gift for purchasing. She assesses demand better than me and ultimately selects the assortment more accurately. And I proposed to unite completely in order to enhance the effect.
We have distributed all responsibilities inside and out. I am responsible for marketing, promotion, personnel management. Polina is involved in purchasing, searching for suppliers, communicating with them and everything related to goods - arrangement on the shelf, price tags.
We also set our own salary. I just read in the book “Business as a Game” from the guys from MosIgra that this is how you can live on your salary and invest the rest in business.
Otherwise, before this, all our money was mixed up. It turned out that you either infringe on yourself in life or in business. Now our net profit goes entirely into development, into expanding the range, opening stores and purchasing equipment for them.
They began to consult with each other on controversial situations. In general, we have no disagreements. There are disputes about how to do it better, but we always come to a consensus.
We thought for a long time about what to name the project. I wanted something Russian, simple, memorable. And at the same time associated with Korean cosmetics. It has a lot of natural ingredients and we wanted to bring that into the name. And then one day - coconut! There’s also a cool play on words here: “COCONUT” - KOREAN COSMETICS.
When Polina and I decided to fully unite, I saw that they had launched the sale of the “Path of Dreams” course. And I’ve been reading the Womenbz portal for about a year now and following its founder, Galia Berdnikova. I dreamed of taking the “Life.Business.Success” course, but I didn’t have the money.
And then I see: “The Path of Dreams” has become an expanded version of the “Life.Business.Success” course. And the price is still the lowest - start of sales, installment plan for 3 months. There was still no money, but I managed as best I could. She even asked to make the first payment not on time, but 2 days later. I was allowed, for which I am very grateful.
During this period, everything came together in such a timely manner that our “COCONUT” began to grow.
First we try it ourselves. We all have different type skin, and we can evaluate the product from different angles
»The task is to get ahead of competitors
An important decision that we made during my training: at all costs to be ahead of our competitors - cosmetics sellers. And for this we need the best assortment, and we need to present it in the store so that the buyer understands what and why.
We have greatly expanded the assortment and installed new shelving in the store. By the way, when we choose a product to order, we spend a tremendous amount of time searching for what we need. Read reviews from our bloggers. We look and analyze which brands are already popular in Russia and are often mentioned. Most often we order samples if they are available. First we try it ourselves - me, Polina, the sellers. We all have different skin types and can appreciate a product from different angles. And if everyone doesn’t like it, we won’t buy this product anymore.
We have written mini-instructions for each product on the price tags. The idea is that a person can come and choose for himself. Many buyers do not want to communicate with a consultant. Some people don’t want to take tubes and jars off the shelves. And all information in Russian is indicated on the back of the package. Some brands write in detail and clearly, while others write general phrases, so it’s not really clear what kind of product they are.
Our price tags look something like this: “face cream with snail, suitable for oily and combination skin,” and below that, “smoothes wrinkles, removes pigmentation, heals acne.”
Polina and I read hundreds of reviews on the Internet for each product. We took feedback from our customers on each product. It turned out that the translation on the label does not always correspond to how the product behaves on human skin. Often the label says “suitable for all skin types.” At the same time, the reviews show that this product is not suitable for people with dry skin; they complain.
The fact is that manufacturers write the compositions and main components of the products, but their effect depends on the ratio of the components added to the composition. In addition, the skin of Koreans is different from ours - it is denser and more elastic. Hence there may be some inconsistencies between the description and the result. We identified all this and indicated real information on the price tags.
Clients write to us: “What an honest Instagram you have.”
»We don’t just sell - we carefully advise
As I already said, I wanted to build a business where I would build long-term and pleasant relationships with clients as friends. In our instructions for sellers, in the first paragraph it is written: “A client is a friend, and you should not advise him what you would not advise a friend, just to sell it at a higher price.”
There is a wonderful book - “Korean Beauty Secrets” by Charlotte Cho. It tells about all the intricacies of care accepted in Korea, it is in our stores, and sellers regularly use it in their work. We are also selling this book - it is not only educational, but also interesting and autobiographical.
In general, Koreans have a rather complex care system - it can have from 5 to 10 steps. We try to present this information in an accessible way and not to frighten buyers. We explain that the main thing for us is to cleanse the skin, prepare it with tonic for applying the cream and then apply the cream. And everything else is additional. It depends on the needs of the client. We select a mask for the night, a product for the skin around the eyes or under the main cream when there are problems.
We also started writing on Instagram about the care and features of the products: not only their advantages, but also their disadvantages, if we know about them. Many clients wrote: “What an honest Instagram you have.”
Gifts for clients and other promotions
We have a new feature - we give gifts to regular customers. We have a ladder of success hanging in our stores. These are stepped shelves: on the first there is a gift for a purchase of 500 rubles, then from 1000 rubles, and so on up to 5000 rubles. The gifts are good. First is a sheet mask. And when you purchase 5,000, we give away funds that retail for 1,500 rubles. We buy them from the supplier using shares. But the person is pleased.
This approach also increases the check. Our consultants say: “You don’t have 100 rubles to get a better gift.” And a person can gain not 100, but 500 rubles. This also happens.
Also, various actions began to be practiced. The offer worked well for us for two months - a 30% discount on the third product in the receipt. Buyers almost always take a third remedy. We also have a promotion: buy a face cream and get a 30% discount on toner. This leads the person to use the full range of care. This is important for us not only because of sales, but also so that the buyer feels changes for the better.
For people who are afraid to try something, we offer products for 100–200 rubles. These are miniatures of products or masks. They are just enough for a few uses to understand whether the product is suitable or not. Sometimes we give samples when we see that a person is interested.
Earn 30,000 rubles in a week
There was an assignment in the “Path of Dreams” course that really excited me. It’s called “From Words to Actions,” but to myself I dubbed it “Make Money or Die.” Its essence is to earn 30,000 rubles in a week. Challenge yourself and execute.
At first I wondered what I should do. Then I decided that we could test our unique selling proposition. Simply put, it’s the COCONUT feature, which is why customers trust us. We understand all the intricacies so carefully and in detail, analyze many aspects, that we can confidently position ourselves as professionals in the selection of Korean cosmetics.
I wrote a post on Instagram: “Leave a request for a selection of complete Korean care for this winter. I will try to offer 3 options in 3 price categories in 3 hours! Then we will discuss - we can change something and choose our ideal set of Korean products.”
About 30 applications came in. I analyzed each one in detail and answered everyone. As a result, we earned 27 thousand in two or three days. People ordered a consultation, and then came to the store and told the sellers what exactly they needed. Someone ordered delivery. Since then, we constantly write on social networks that we are consulting.
We made a widget on VKontakte. A person enters our group and immediately sees a post offering a free consultation.
He presses the button “I want a consultation!” - and a message window immediately opens with the text: “Hello) If you have questions, write to us.”
Previously, we were simply asked whether a product exists or not, or which is better. And now they ask you to choose care depending on your skin or if there is any problem.
How to deal with negativity
It seems to me that we work well with negativity. Cases are different.
- So, one girl bought a mega-popular “grout” for pores. It costs 1300 rubles, that is, not little. And it works great for some people. And she posted that this is a terrible thing that they sell in our store. I wrote to her: “It’s a pity that it didn’t suit you. There are really controversial reviews on it.” It turned out that the girl bought it without consultation. We just talked to her, and that was enough. Later she even asked us for advice on care.
- Another girl bought a brightening face cream - these are often used in Korea. It instantly whitens the face, but it emphasized all the flaking on the girl’s face. She writes: “Nightmare! The consultant advised me. I asked for the coolest thing." And we were just making testers. I answered her: “It’s a pity that it didn’t suit you. The cream is good. But we just need a tester for it. If you want, we will exchange it for another cream that suits you better.” The girl wrote: “Thank you, I won’t change anything. I’m just pleased that you answered me like that.”
- Recently a girl wrote to me on Instagram: “I bought a serum with vitamin C from you, but my whole skin is burning from it. I want to use it and don’t know what to do.” I asked her if she had sensitive skin. It turned out that the girl did not tell the consultant about this. Then I asked what other means she had. After her answer, she suggested: “Let’s not use this serum or other cleanser for at least two or three weeks - it’s also aggressive. Most likely, your skin is still recovering from winter. Then you will slowly begin to use these means one by one.”
We hire staff from our subscribers
We hired our first salespeople from our immediate environment. Polina’s mother and my best friend, who was my partner in my first business, work for us. She is our best consultant, her daily income is the largest. We even joke that she somehow does shamanism or does secret mailings during her shifts. This is how interesting life can turn out. And Polina’s mother is an accountant by training, and we recently handed over all our accounting things to her.
Although we are doing well, I do not recommend hiring people from your immediate environment. Relatives and friends may not take such work seriously; there is no chain of command. Disagreements may still arise and the relationship will deteriorate.
When we opened the second store, we hired employees through our social networks. Fortunately, we now have 11,000 followers on Instagram. As soon as you post an ad, a lot of resumes come in at once - wonderful girls who buy cosmetics from us and love our store. It is important for us that the seller is imbued with our values, knows how to take care of himself, loves our store, and does not just come to work.
Polina and I try to keep the team charged, striving to work and develop. Just before March 8, we expanded the team and invited everyone to the sushi bar. We talked, got to know each other, and Polina and I gave everyone massage certificates.
We also have a general chat on VKontakte. We write there about problems - someone inappropriate came and spoiled the mood. Or the girls brag - “I sold 8,000 to one person.” This creates its own atmosphere, everyone becomes closer.
Hiring an assistant and how it solved our problems
During the “Path of Dreams” course, several lessons in a row had the same idea: hire an assistant so as not to bury yourself in a routine. But Polina did not agree for a long time - the day before we took out a loan to significantly increase the range of goods.
I proved to her: “If we hire an assistant, you won’t spend days making price tags, or stand in traffic jams for two hours to pick up our huge orders. Development suffers greatly from this. And there is no personal time left.” In the end, Polina agreed, and we hired an assistant.
It was just in time. Polina had just left for the mountains for 3 weeks, and at that time we found a trading area. There was an urgent need to open a second store. And take it to another level. In the end it turned out much nicer than the first one. But I couldn’t have done it without an assistant. For two weeks I already worked 12–13 hours without days off. Plus I was constantly in touch with Polina, and these chats on the phone and the Internet also take a lot of time.
I allowed myself to earn more, not be ashamed of it and at the same time respect my man
»Harmony and balance in life
In general, traveling gives me energy. When there is no opportunity, I just need to go into nature with my man, walk the dog. Or watch a movie, read a book. It helps to unwind when you and your loved one ride on his motorcycle. I can order a spa for two at a hotel just to relax. Previously, I could not afford such a relaxing holiday.
“The Dream Path” had a very good lesson about relationships. There Galia talked about her personal relationships. This topic has always interested me. And what Galia said helped me reconsider my views.
She wrote that she earns much more than her man. At the same time, he provides for her and all her needs for food and shelter. But she has her own whims, and she spends money on them - travel, a luxurious apartment. At the same time, the man remains a man.
I have a similar situation. I am already developing in business, and my man is just starting his journey. There are financial difficulties. Previously, I could also offer to pay for a vacation somewhere, but I felt uncomfortable, and I might not have presented it in the right way. And now everything is harmonious. I allowed myself to earn more, not be ashamed of it and at the same time respect my man.
Previously it was: “as if I will no longer find where to spend my money.” And now you do what’s more comfortable, not what’s cheaper
»It was on the “Path of Dreams” that everything fell into place for me. By completing tasks step by step, you understand what is happening in your business and why. You begin to see what he should be like. Understand your values and accept right decisions. For example, we decided that we would never sell fakes - analogues of well-known brands, although there was an opportunity that would bring good money due to the markup. But these are not our values. Money is important to us, but the benefits that our business brings to people are also important. “The Dream Path” helped lay a strong foundation and give me self-confidence.
All new knowledge was reflected in monetary indicators in the most remarkable way. You can’t imagine how cool it is to feel like you’re taking a taxi rather than a bus simply because it’s more convenient. And you park in paid parking lots, instead of trying to find a free space in free parking lots in the middle of the day. It seems like little things, but before for me it was like “as if I won’t find where to spend my money anymore.” And now you do what is more comfortable, and not what is cheaper.
I don’t know when we will stop developing “KOKOS”. Polina is also a big workaholic and has the same principles. When we started, I had a little more experience with everything. Now we are almost at the same level in this regard. And it’s very comfortable to work when you and your partner are at the same level of development and have common goals.
I used to often have the idea of benefiting from my shopaholic tendencies. I have already tried to gather people as a joint venture, but I was scared away by the small percentages of profits and large kilograms of things. Korean cosmetics also haunted me...
By the way, I asked the seller a question - how do you sell samples if they are NOT FOR SALE? To which the seller replied that the samples are free, and I just pay for shipping)
The parcel included a booklet with thanks for the order and an invitation to the site. And then I got stuck)
Firstly, the ability to select prices in dollars, and not just in Korean currency (experience with gmarket)
Thirdly, there are 10 items each
Fourthly, the availability of goods (mainly MIZON) with free delivery.
In this case, the product is assigned a zero weight in the cart. That is, if you also have items from regular categories in your cart, the delivery cost will not change at all.
But, if there are only FREE SHIPPING goods in the cart, then the minimum packaging fee will be charged:
Fifthly, the ability to choose delivery (depending on weight, from 2-4 options). Delivery is based on weight. It worked out for me (after creating the basket, I didn’t find a separate table with prices) 14 dollars per kilogram, the total package was about 3 kg.
The weight of the product is indicated in the description. For example, the weight of a 50 ml cream can reach more than 200 g! The packaging is probably glass)
One more point:
I ordered Mizon cream along with my samples for a friend. When opening the box, she did not like the integrity of some sticker. I wrote to the site and attached a photo of the packaging. They asked me to send a photo of the parcel invoice. As a result, I received a long letter of apology from the director and the opportunity to choose a refund or resend the cream. The friend chose the money, and of course she still had the cream.
By the way, from the same seller on ebay, the cream is cheaper - $17.99 versus $18.15.
In general, the price starts at about 15.69:
The price in Russian stores is higher:
Well, in general, I needed wholesale purchases, so I really liked the roseroseshop.com service. Despite the opaque shipping costs.
By the way, they send samples as a gift:
What, exactly, about my attempt to get rich?
I purchased hand cream, sheet masks, patch masks, test masks and samples of 10 pieces each. Packaged by beautiful boxes. I came up with the name CUTEBAG (like, cute handbag). I made a description in Russian and a VK group.
But, as they say, either you’re selling to the wrong people, or you’re selling badly, or you’re selling crap) I didn’t manage to sell anything, but I provided my friends with gifts for New Year’s Eve and March 8th)
Korean cosmetics is a promising area of dropshipping trade. It was Korea that gave the world trendy cushions and tints, and its numerous factories produce chic decorative cosmetics for any budget. And what about natural masks, high-quality peelings and the Korean washing system, as well as cute packaging? However, if you decide to build a business based on Korean cosmetics, then you are probably a fan of it and know first-hand about its advantages. All that remains is to find suppliers, and here are a few options.
tonymolystore.ru
As the name of the store suggests, the main emphasis here is on products from the Korean brand Tony Moly. But the store also offers other brands: Anskin, Berrisom, Elizavecca, Etude House, Lioele, Missha, Mizon, Secret Key, Skin79, The Saem and several other companies.
The company cooperates with online stores through a dropshipping system, all the nuances of the transaction are discussed in person. Offered various options delivery: courier, Russian Post or SDEK, as well as a wide selection of payment methods, including e-wallets.
But the resource is young, judging by the site, it has just been created. In addition, it has a clone of https://mykoreashop.ru, so be careful.
market-kor.ru
The company is a direct supplier of goods from Korean manufacturers, including cosmetics and health products. The store features almost four dozen brands, each of which offers several units of goods. If you need any product that is not in stock, the company can find and order it especially for you.
The website indicates the possibility of large and small wholesale, however, drops are also listed among the company’s supply volumes in the supplier databases.
But keep in mind that all goods are delivered directly from warehouses in Korea, so international logistics services like EMS are used. This means that it is not profitable to order cosmetics in small quantities, and delivery can take up to three weeks. In this respect, the supplier is inferior to Russian stores and warehouses collaborating on dropshipping.
strawberrynet.com
A huge online store of cosmetics and perfumes with headquarters in Hong Kong has been on the market for more than 10 years. The Strawberrynet.com assortment includes 30,000 products from 750 brands, products are supplied directly from manufacturers, and delivery is available to 200 countries.
It is proposed to order in the online store on behalf of your clients: the order is processed within 24 hours after completing the application. As a bonus, packaging and, in some cases, shipping are free. The store also promises customized promotional materials depending on the needs of each site.
There are more than 15,000 reviews on the network about the work of the resource, among which there are both good and bad - see for yourself. In addition, there are not many Korean cosmetics in the store, and most of them are not cheap products. Therefore, the supplier is suitable for those who deal with branded cosmetics from different countries, not limited to Korea.
asiansecret.ru
The site presents a huge amount of skincare and decorative cosmetics from leading brands in Korea. In addition, the store positions itself as a seller with reasonable prices, as well as employees living in Seoul and knowledgeable about all the latest Korean cosmetics.
In the cooperation section, it is proposed to become a distributor of Asiansecret products, and also mentions direct deliveries from South Korea and special prices for partners. Even if this does not mean dropshipping, you can try to offer the company such a model of cooperation.
In light of the small number of suppliers of Korean cosmetics who are ready to work on a drop basis, you can try your luck in stores and warehouses that cooperate in small wholesale, as well as in the official representative offices of Korean brands in Russia. These can be found on the websites https://thefaceshop-russia.ru and http://holishop.ru - see the “Wholesalers” section.
What to consider when opening a dropshipping store for Korean cosmetics
- Although Korean cosmetics are an undeniable trend, they still have narrow audience, only slightly outside the circle of K-poppers, drama-makers and bloggers. Many girls know almost nothing about Korean cosmetics, so a competent advertising campaign is needed to develop the store.
- Give preference to Russian suppliers - it’s easier and more profitable. If you plan to cooperate directly with warehouses in Korea, pay special attention to the cost and duration of delivery - calculate whether it’s worth the trouble.
The key to the success of any dropshipping store is reliable suppliers and your passion for promoting the product. And if you are passionate about the idea, let you meet partners who are equally inspired by Korean cosmetics!
The East is a delicate matter, especially when it comes to cosmetics and numerous skin and body care products. Behind last years Korean cosmetics have become widespread in European and Russian markets. Self-heating and fabric masks, hydrophilic oil, snail serums, peeling rays, various concentrates for skin and hair, and many other oriental things are very popular and are now in demand among our female half. If you look closely, Korean cosmetics are mostly aimed at “care”, that is, at moisturizing, rejuvenating, nourishing, and whitening the skin. This emphasis on these functions of many products is due, first of all, to the climatic conditions of this country, the peculiarity of Korean water, and, of course, solar ultraviolet radiation. After all, cosmetics were created to help and improve appearance, and sometimes health. As for the latter, in Asia in general such concepts as health and cosmetics are inextricably linked.
Of course, in the Korean beauty industry, skin care products are a priority, since Korean women's skin is very prone to pigmentation and dryness. But what about decorative cosmetics, you think? After all, not a single modern girl in the world can do without her. Of course, here too, Korean manufacturers tried and succeeded. We have created truly convenient and popular products. Here are examples of the most popular pieces of decorative cosmetics.
Tints are a new generation of shadows, with an updated formula, more durable, do not lose brightness during the day, do not flow, do not crumble. They are very easy to apply and also can be easily removed with any makeup product. There are tints for eyebrows, eyelids and lips. Also, a new trend among makeup connoisseurs is cushions and various cosmetics with sponges. They are used to apply any cosmetics, both foundation and regular lipstick. With their help, cosmetics have become more convenient and practical to use. The “Korean style” blush with its unusual consistency and texture does not go unnoticed. These include blush-tints, dry and creamy, with and without shimmer, mineral and even anti-aging. For Asian beauty fashionistas, blush is one of the most popular facial decoration items. With all the crazy desire for a porcelain look, Korean women use blush in their everyday life with great success. With their help, you can successfully correct the shape of your face, add freshness and brightness to your image, and disguise minor skin defects. In general, the versatility and convenience with which the Korean manufacturer approaches cosmetics cannot but delight and go unnoticed by women.
Perfumery from Korea did not stand aside either. At the moment, perfumery includes not only the usual perfumes or eau de toilette. The scope of this cosmetic trend has long become much wider. Now this includes sprays, deodorants, mists and other initialed body care products. The colossal variety of products, luxurious, rich and long-lasting fragrances, natural and safe ingredients do not leave women from all over the world indifferent.
In general, the Asian cosmetics industry is a successful combination of natural oriental recipes and modern technologies. It is the excellent quality and natural composition that makes cosmetics from this country so popular in many countries. But there is an opinion that Korean cosmetics are not suitable for European and Russian skin types. Is it really? Of course, the skin of Korean women is denser and more elastic, as it contains more collagen, and there is also increased activity of the sebaceous glands, which is why there is such an emphasis on cleansing, moisturizing and whitening the epidermis. This state of affairs does not mean that cosmetics cannot be used or that there is no point in purchasing them for others. After all, when entering world markets, Koreans took this feature into account and create all cosmetic products for various types skin. It is the adaptation of Asian cosmetics to other consumers that makes it so in demand and popular in other countries of the world.
As for our ladies, it is already clear that cosmetics from Korea have become an integral part of Russian cosmetic bags. But there is one more important question. Where and how to purchase this Korean cosmetics at the moment? Like any product, this cosmetics can have different pricing policies, both cheap and expensive. But in order for it to be really, as noted above, of high quality, and at an affordable price, it is better to purchase it in bulk.
Well, how do you decide on a supplier, how to choose him? To help many consumers and buyers, we offer this website - Supplier Database for free. This is a simplified collection of supplier and manufacturer links. Our resource will not only help to carry out wholesale purchases directly and without overpayments for any type of consumer, but will provide an excellent opportunity for joint venture organizers and website owners to grow and develop in trade, increasing the efficiency of their sales.
Who are we and why are we interesting?
Ines Trade LLC is engaged in direct wholesale supplies of Korean cosmetics. The company is the official distributor of such popular brands as The Skin House, Petitfee, FarmStay, Eunyul, L.Sanic. And an exclusive agreement with manufacturers allows us to retain not only the most low prices for purchasing and a single retail price, but also to supply the freshest and highest quality products.
We work with all types of trading platforms:
- Online stores;
- Retail stores;
- Retail networks and platforms.
By concluding an agreement with us, you will receive:
- Possibility to sell all categories of cosmetics;
- Skin care for face, body and hair, decorative cosmetics, manicure products, etc.;
- Products of all price categories with maximum trade margins;
- Constant assistance from your personal manager, who will provide qualified advice on all product items, as well as useful tips on doing business;
- Prompt and timely delivery of goods from a warehouse in Moscow;
- Marketing support and promotions;
- Additional discount system;
- Certificates – all products are fully certified and have passed customs processing;
- Information support (photos, descriptions, banners, etc.), stickers in Russian;
- Training - face-to-face and online
- A reliable partner who can help develop your business!
How to start working with us?
Just leave a registration request online or contact us through any of the contacts listed on the site.