Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

I would start by approaching day spa's as they are a big hit for mother's day.
I would go to schools and try to set up a show for the Mother's of the school
I would give samples to people you know that are Mothers etc. especially ones that like to talk...or work in places with a lot of people.
In the south a kiss is referred to as Sugar, maybe you can play off that someway
Louisiana is the Sugar State...maybe possibilities there...

Go immediately to the gift shops in your area. They do lots of baskets for mothers day and are currently setting up their displays for mothers day.

In addition...market it to MEN, who don't always have a good clue what to get their mothers or wives.

Michael

I would add to the school idea, that it could be made as a fundraiser for the kids. I've done this before with the sports departments, and national honor student class, and the business class. They are always looking for ways to make money.

To add to the Spa idea, hair and beauty salons will also be a fit. What you are going to need for any retail counter sales is some POS display material. You can stack the jars of product but you need something that drives the impulse sale.

This can be an full color sheet put into a plastic stand. That's the cheapest I can think of right now.

I would also see if you have any friends that are doing party sales, maybe you can piggy back.

Talk to your local Girl Scout Troupe (or other non-profit, including PTA) - split the revenue with them and let them door-to-door it for you.

Team up with local florists - sell flowers & "home spa" kits. Ditto with local chocolate stores.

if you budget is limited than milk the PR effect all its worth. Write a story on "What kind of gift to get for Mother's Day" and e-mail through various PR distribution channels.

Prize contest both offline (spas, gift shops and all the other venues mentioned here) and online (portals and websites where you target customers are hanging out)

Google Pay-per-click campaign is another suggestion. Combine various keywords and phrases i.e.
"mother's day gifts"

You're in a tough spot, because the questions you are asking should have been answered 6-12 months ago. However, there are a lot of good answers above.

Additionally, there are a lot of websites out there right now trying to sell Mother's Day gifts. Search for them, contact them directly, send out free samples immediately and try to get them to stock your product. For the heck of it, you can also take a shot at some of the big boys like Amazon, and all the online "gift basket" retailers.

In general, with such short lead time a lot of distribution channels are out of the question for you. So focus on local distribution--local businesses as mentioned above.

Finally, I looked at the link you attached and could not see whether or not you have the "mother" positioning printed on the label. If so, take it off on your next production run as it is severely limiting your product's sales opportunity. Frankly, i see the product as something that teens would love.

Good luck

I have never heard of your product, then again I do not buy gifts that I am not sure of the reaction I would get.

However, I read your site and your product seems sound.

Here are some recommendations:

1) Endorsements from a celebrity will help.

2) Partner with a name brand company that can get your brand the exposure it requires

3) Consignment: simply ask retailers and e-tailers if they would consider selling it for a share of your profits.

4) Advertise directly on related gifts and men's web sites.

May I please clarify consignment! If you decide to take this to local businesses, please please try to outright sell the product! Consign is sticky, sticky! Pick up, accountability, and much more takes place. I know this from 20 years in the antique world! What you can't imagine happening happens.
If you outright sell, there is simply the receipt with no contractual disputes. Honey, it's show time! (that's what I say to myself before I open a door to make a sell)... put on your best Jennifer Lopez face and make them want it!
In His Steps,
Jane : )