Crocheted Catnip Cat Toys market research

[black_cat]

I'm making this thread before I forget, but I am going to be working on starting up an Etsy shop that sells hand made crocheted cat toys that are filled with catnip. There will be several options:
Fish:

Mice:

Octopus (This is not my picture, and is instead from the pattern that I am working off of. The pattern creator gives permission for selling things made with the pattern if they are given credit)

For cat toys, I WILL NOT be using safety eyes, and instead will be using embroidery floss to put small eyes on my fish, octopi, and jellyfish.
There is also a jellyfish that I do not have a picture of, but it is made from the octopus pattern and long tentacles are added.
These will be made with Lion Brand Anti Pilling Acrylic Yarn and filled with catnip, using Loops and Threads Classic Fiber Fill Stuffing to cap off the ends and keep all catnip inside.
Each one will be offered in all colors of the rainbow (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple) I will put a link to the Etsy shop when it is up and running.
I am not completely sure of pricing yet, as I need to figure out how much it costs to make one cat toy, and how much time I spend. The larger ones like the fish and jellyfish will probably be somewhere from $7-$11, and the smaller ones will probably be somewhere from $5-$8.

I am trying to figure out interest in each of these so I can figure out how many to make before opening the shop. If you'd be interested, either actually interested or theoretically interested, please reply to the thread with this:
Would you be interested in buying one of these?

Why or why not?

If you would, which type would you be most interested in? Which color?


Thank you for your time!

 

[FloorCandy]

I’m an avid crocheter, and I haven’t had cats in a while, but previously I found that they get their claws stuck in yarn items easily once it’s a bit frayed. I think they’re incredibly cute, and a great idea, but I would look into types of yarn less likely to fray when clawed. If you have cats, maybe try making some with cotton yarn, like you use for wash cloths, or hemp, which is more rough, but holds up pretty well. Let your cats split test them and see what holds up well.

Adding low cost perceived value also helps, like a free loop and string or rubber band to hang it from a stick or doorknob, little catnip refills you can roll them in, or just something cheap you can add that sets you apart.

Good luck, I salute your entrepreneurial spirit!

 

[FloorCandy]

I do have (a) cat and he hasn't had issues with his yet. I was looking at acrylic because it's very inexpensive, but I will look into hemp and cotton yarn.

What do you mean by 'low cost perceived value'? I do like the idea of the hanging thing.

Just something you can add that costs you very little, but someone would see a lot of value in. Like a bit of extra catnip, a string or rubber length to hang them, just something that someone could get from you that they would want, but wouldn’t want to have to go out and buy, so they’re grateful you sent it.

you can also consider themed items, for example, Minecraft is very easy to freehand. A squid or a ghast, with their hanging tentacles would make an effective toy, and being all cubes, they’re easy to free hand without a pattern. Emojis, lego etc, they’re all pretty eye catching, and easy to find patterns or make them up yourself. I made a friend a baby blanket that was supposed to have little crocheted duckies on it, but I crocheted little hello kitty heads instead, and she was over the moon! Such a simple change can make a big difference sometimes.

 

[FloorCandy]

Yes, but I want to be able to consistently get the same color throughout the year to keep up stock.

I literally bought an entire cart of sparkly white cotton yarn for .67 cents per roll, I have a 110 quart bin stuffed full of it in my attic somewhere, one day I plan to use it lol (there’s probably squirrels living in it) You never know what you’ll find at joanns haha.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

I agree with everything @FloorCandy says. If you use a natural fiber they will be more durable and will probably carry the scent through better as well.

Buy buy a few balls on sale to see how fast you go through it. You will be able to make 50 of those toys from a few small balls.

And trust me on this. Don't buy shopping carts full of on sale yarn.

 

[FloorCandy]

I agree with everything @FloorCandy says. If you use a natural fiber they will be more durable and will probably carry the scent through better as well.

Buy buy a few balls on sale to see how fast you go through it. You will be able to make 50 of those toys from a few small balls.

And trust me on this. Don't buy shopping carts full of on sale yarn.

Now you tell me...

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Hmmmm.........ok........
When looking online, there aren't really color options for hemp yarn- what other fibers would you use? Do you think that this yarn would be a Michael's? (I don't have a Joanne's)

You can find lots of different gauges of hemp twine on Amazon with different colours.

Cotton yarn for dishcloths and things is an option closer to your original idea.

 

[FloorCandy]

Hmmmm.........ok........
When looking online, there aren't really color options for hemp yarn- what other fibers would you use? Do you think that this yarn would be a Michael's? (I don't have a Joanne's)

Hemp would be listed as twine or cord usually, and is in the jewelry making section in most stores. You can get large amounts of hemp twine at some hardware type stores, but it’s usually a bit more unsightly.

 

[FloorCandy]

I would not do rubber bands because one of my cats eats them, Also I think they would break if a cat hung of the toy.

I’m not saying a rubber band like you put around a group of objects, but the sort of thing you can buy in a spool or by the yard at a craft store. Usually it’s like a thick string of rubberized fabric that you can make an arm or leg cuff with.

 

[black_cat]

How big are they?
Is the mouse round?

The mouse is pretty much a ball, but the nose tapers off into a point. It is not a teardrop shape like most other mouse patterns. I should have taken better pictures.
The fish is roughly 5 inches from the start of the body to the end of the tail.
The mouse body is roughly 2 1/4 inches, but the tail is another 2.75inches making the whole thing 5 inches long. The octopus is roughly two inches wide by two inches high, and the jellyfish body is that size as well. The jellyfish tentacles are 6-7 inches long.