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[Mazer135]

When coming to name a cricket brand what makes a brand stand out from the rest? Also with all these new small companies what sets each one apart from the rest? I have been pondering what makes people go into this massive business.

[The Palmist]

It really does differ.

Some will name after themselves or their location or just come up a word/adjective which they think stands out.

Three main reasons for going in to this business

Passion for the sports; Big Margins [arguable]; too much spare money to burn.

Keep in mind not all brands do well, there are many which fold almost as soon as they open.

[mattw]

In such a saturated market strong brand identity, customer service, niche/quality products, price points as well as marketing will make a brand stand out.

[Stuey]

I imagine pretty much for 100% of people who start up a cricket company it's their passion for the sport that's the driver. If all you wanted to do was start a company there are other industries which offer potentially far greater financial returns. 

[Mazer135]

I have always wanted to set my own brand up but I don't have the money or a name. I have the passion for it and would love to own my own brand. But I see no point having it if I can not find a niche for me to stand out and break in to. I don't want to be one of these people come in to the market get indian bats label grade 1 when they defiantly aren't then disappear after a while. If I started a business I would want a niche and know it's got something others can't offer.

[Mattsky]

If you're serious about it, it'll be worthwhile talking to Tom (Ayrtek) or the chaps at Aero. Both companies have introduced some new thinking into the market, and getting an insight into their approach and experience would be invaluable, I'd have thought.

[richthekeeper]

unless you've got a really super idea, it's going to be very difficult to market as a niche supplier. you'll need to have outstanding customer service and low margin expectations instead

[AverageCricketer]

Think about what you would want as a name, and which one would stick out for you. If it is your cricket brand name it on something that will get you impressed. You could also think of a logo first and then a name if it is easier.

[WillyorWonty]

I've been thinking of a brand name for a while and its tricky, what is with all the animal brands? Its like all the tacky team names given to the countys in T20, its not gridiron so dont call your team Hawks, Eagles, Swans, Sparrows etc.

Best name is taken, Hell4Leather.

[Neon Cricket]

what is with all the animal brands?

New brands just following the existing trend. I fully agree that anyone looking at starting a brand needs to do something different (even if only a little), otherwise they'll just blend in with the rest

[mattw]

Best name is taken, Hell4Leather.

In your opinion...

[fasteddie]

I'm not sure the name matters as much as the other factors such as;

Branding- how you present the product
Publicity- get lots, and then get some more
High profile users

and many more.

In reality the product is second to how much you spend on branding and PR.
Spartan for example, their bats are vanilla. Nothing different from most other Indian made sticks. What set's them apart is the huge investment in PR and marketing.

You need to spend a huge amount on branding and PR to make any kind of impact.

If you don't it will be a lifestyle business and not much more, unless you've got 10 years or so to gently build a brand and a following.

This forum is a minute, almost irrelevant sample of the cricket buying community.

If you want to do something in any industry, we advise that you get a job in said industry first. Understand it, build a network and reputation, and then branch out.

Last year I spoke to Andrew Kember about his problems hiring an apprentice. I couldn't believe it. If you are young, you should have moved from wherever you live to grab that job. Learn from him, and the spin-off.

Research. research. Research, and then a very large investment.

The name is a red herring

[Mazer135]

I'm not sure the name matters as much as the other factors such as;

Branding- how you present the product
Publicity- get lots, and then get some more
High profile users

and many more.

In reality the product is second to how much you spend on branding and PR.
Spartan for example, their bats are vanilla. Nothing different from most other Indian made sticks. What set's them apart is the huge investment in PR and marketing.

You need to spend a huge amount on branding and PR to make any kind of impact.

If you don't it will be a lifestyle business and not much more, unless you've got 10 years or so to gently build a brand and a following.

This forum is a minute, almost irrelevant sample of the cricket buying community.

If you want to do something in any industry, we advise that you get a job in said industry first. Understand it, build a network and reputation, and then branch out.

Last year I spoke to Andrew Kember about his problems hiring an apprentice. I couldn't believe it. If you are young, you should have moved from wherever you live to grab that job. Learn from him, and the spin-off.

Research. research. Research, and then a very large investment.

The name is a red herring

I would of loved that opportunity I keep applying to places all the time as I really want to learn the trade of bat making and everything that goes with the cricket business if you have a personal contact for him can you pm me please?

[joeljonno]

The name has a part, if it doesnt fit the brand, it will be hard to get a reputation.

A reputation is only as good as long as it lasts and doesn't always go on forever.  Look at Vantage, had a good reputation then bought out and now, not so much, as far as I am aware.

If you can get a job in the industry, it would benefit you massively, but there are plenty of ways to dip your toe in, depending what you are wanting to do.

This forum is a good start, lots of people with knowledge, preferences and opinions and not always the same, so a good snapshot of "cricket badgers".

It is a big investment.  You really need a passion for it and willing to put a lot of hard yards just to get yourself to a position of regular stability.

[GarrettJ]

the name has to match the type of product you are offering and who you are targeting in my opinion.

I'll openely admit my company name is not a good match to what adn who im trying to offer my products to ..... think carefully about it.

MattW is very very knowledgeable about all this, i suggest you listen to his advice closely if you are going to take the plunge!