Take the guesswork out of product development and sales with these tips from folks who are doing it.

By Susie Boghosian and Jinny Fleischman

Existing merchandise. It’s also possible to include existing merchandise from the marketplace in your program. Just be sure it relates somehow to the goals and perception of your organization. It helps to get the manufacturer to add some simple copy, such as a hang tag, that connects the product to your mission. And bear in mind that the price on the products has to conform to the general marketplace. Be prepared to compete with mass merchants that discount products.