What a Journey: Business Talk
When we started the process of sourcing products for Baja Pescador and Pescador Tackle, we knew one thing for sure: we weren't going to settle for lower quality. Too often, businesses—especially newer ones—opt for cheaper options to cut costs and boost margins. While that can sometimes lead to short-term wins, we understood that building a long-lasting, reputable brand requires something more. So, instead of rushing into large-scale production, we decided to take the long, calculated route: a large sample order with many items and small quantities to test the waters.
Testing the Waters: Finding Value in the Details
In the beginning, we placed an order with dozens of different items, each in small quantities. We didn’t want to gamble on one big production run that could leave us stuck with subpar products. Instead, we wanted to personally feel the materials, test the designs, and truly understand which items offered the most value for their cost. Some items turned out to be a great balance of quality and price, while others, though impressive, didn’t justify their high cost. It was through this process that we fine-tuned our product line, ensuring that we only offered items that met our standard of excellence.
This wasn’t a one-and-done process either. We spent hundreds of hours going back and forth with vendors, testing prototypes, and refining details. It wasn’t just about choosing the cheapest option; it was about creating the best products that we could be proud to put our name on.
The Logistics Challenge: Shipping, Customs, and Sleepless Nights
What many don’t see in the early stages of a business are the logistics nightmares. We spent countless hours not only communicating with vendors but also dealing with shipping and customs. Each sample order involved paying shipping fees and customs charges, which added to the cost of this process. But we knew this investment would pay off in the long run.
As the orders kept coming in, we tested each product carefully, learning what worked and what didn’t. Some samples looked great in photos but fell apart after minimal use. Others were solid, reliable, and the kind of quality we wanted to deliver to our customers. Every small decision, every back-and-forth email with our suppliers, was a step toward building the brand we envisioned—one that stood for quality and practicality.
Breaking Even—and Beyond
The most surprising part of this journey? After all the time, money, and effort, we were lucky to have even broken even. It’s something many businesses experience, especially when they prioritize quality over cutting corners. But for us, breaking even was a victory in itself. We had made it through the most critical phase of product development with a clear understanding of what works and what doesn’t, and that knowledge is priceless.
The real reward, though, came in the form of the relationships we built along the way. By working closely with our vendors, investing time into understanding each other’s businesses, and building trust, we formed partnerships that still stand strong today. We didn’t just find suppliers—we found partners who believed in what we were doing, and we believed in them. These trusted relationships became the foundation of our business.
The Community Experience: Trade Shows and Lifelong Friendships
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the community we became a part of. Throughout the process, we attended many trade shows and events, meeting other like-minded business owners, vendors, and customers. My family and I made the most of these experiences, connecting with people who shared our love for fishing, the outdoors, and quality gear.
What started as a business venture quickly turned into something much more personal. The people we met at these events have become lifelong friends, people we continue to stay in touch with long after the show is over. We didn’t just grow our business—we grew our community.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, we can confidently say that the process was worth every challenge, every sleepless night, and every unexpected customs fee. It wasn’t easy, and we weren’t always sure it would pay off. But by staying true to our commitment to quality and working through the discovery process with our vendors, we not only built a product line we’re proud of but also laid the groundwork for a business built on trust, integrity, and relationships.
For anyone starting their own business, our advice is simple: take the time to get it right. Don’t rush into production with the cheapest option just because it’s easy. Test, refine, and build relationships. The reward isn’t just in the final product—it’s in the journey and the connections you make along the way.
We’re incredibly grateful for where this journey has taken us, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue to grow Baja Pescador and Pescador Tackle.
