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April, 2024

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You like hot sauce, want some for free? Help our business out-

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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175

Hey guys coming to NS for some business advice/research.  So I know you guys like hotsauce….I’m currently in the process of starting a hot sauce business, many things are under contract so I can’t talk about specifics but I’ll do what I can.  No were not 14 and starting a NS tall tee company (no hate to the people here who do) we all have degrees in business/finance, marketing, (have been in the profession field) and we’re currently in the process of working with a lawyer working out the contract, logistics and licensing of the name/brand.  We're hoping it all goes well, but you never know, we could be stoped dead in out tracts if things dont go well, then who know.   

That being said, one thing we can’t seem to agree on is the bottle to use…A HUGE DECISCION.  Which bottle would draw your eye, or if you have a better recomendation we'd like to hear it.  The choices we've narrowed it down to so far.

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  We have a 6m target of being in full production shooting from 120 days but it’s better to underestimate. 

Whoever helps and can give us some feedback will get a FREE little vial to taste our goods and spread the word.  Once again it’s still a few months away but we’re good on out word to send it out once production starts.

Here's what well be sending you. + some goodies of course.

Click for larger image

thanks guys, +k like usual

Feb 27 2012 12:05PM
34 8
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2_fadez
Posts: 7780 - Karma: 4,180
1 or 2
Feb 27 2012 2:07PM
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manzear
Posts: 843 - Karma: 849
#1 stands out and looks cool...I would play with it when eating the hot sauce...let me know if you want me to taste the sauce...always down

Feb 27 2012 2:09PM
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
#1 is pretty sick i like the top a lot and a good size and shape to the bottle. The last one with the cork i really like the cork idea. If it was done right could be really cool and separate yourself from the competition. I think in the hot sauce market, you really need something to stand out. Theres so many types of hot sauce out there you need something different
Feb 27 2012 2:13PM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,805
Absolutely agreed. Its not the look of the bottle as much as convenience and freshness are concerned. The first is just better all around. Corks, meh.
Feb 27 2012 2:14PM
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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,016
corks are original. number 2. you could attract the college crowd who thinks it looks like a patron bottle.
Feb 27 2012 2:16PM
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DubV134
Posts: 1541 - Karma: 690
#2 and call it "hotrón"
Feb 27 2012 2:19PM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175

WoW guys thanks for the overwhelming feedback-much more than I thought I would ever see.

I was leaning towards 1 as well.  Go figure it’s the most expensive.

It’s completely different in terms of thickness, consistence, taste, uses, and ingredients…not to shameless self-promote but it’s in a whole different league.  The reason we are so sold on this product is really because there isn’t anything else like it on the market these days…'ALL ABORD THE HYPE TRAIN'

I applaud choula SOO much, their marketing model was spot on, and they have come really far in the past 18months.  Any start up in my opinion could learn a lot from them. 

Feb 27 2012 2:20PM
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ChocolateMilk.
Posts: 1129 - Karma: 220
It all depends on what story your trying to market or the people who you want to market it too.
You said it was going to be 100% natural or organic. maybe look into recycling old wine bottle corks as a selling point if you use options 2 or 3. I personally really like the look of one and i think it would be easier to market to the niche of people who are 'sophisticated' hot sauce buyers. While all of these are a good option i would say 1 or 3.

Feb 27 2012 2:23PM
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feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084
similar point to mine but a little better
Feb 27 2012 2:27PM
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feihlination
Posts: 8356 - Karma: 1,084
^^especially because i think #1 is associated with beer normally and idk if the same people who spend 5$ on hot sauce drink too much beer.
Feb 27 2012 2:28PM
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Whifazoo
Posts: 737 - Karma: 132
Corks could get pretty messy. I would go for the top bottle for sure
Feb 27 2012 2:34PM
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SpookyCat
Posts: 1232 - Karma: -2,617
bottle 2, make it hot
Feb 27 2012 2:36PM
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doitbig
Posts: 4818 - Karma: 315
.
Feb 27 2012 2:37PM
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Billek
Posts: 5665 - Karma: 98
So this justify having a completely open top?  It sounds like you're going for something with the consistency of a really fine saucy salsa (if that makes any sense).  Kinda thick with a slew of micro-chunks?  If that's true, than it sounds awesome to me, get a sick label and good luck to you.
Feb 27 2012 2:48PM
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CSpruit
Posts: 368 - Karma: 55
I like the second one the best. The top on the first one is cool, but there is something about it that doesn't look as good or clean looking. The third one looks like the typical hot sauce bottle I would think of, not very original.
Feb 27 2012 3:16PM
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dex.
Posts: 2973 - Karma: 62
you need not worry about competing with all the nationally distributed brands at first, thats like opening a chain of markets to compete with fred meyers or safeway. i think when MOST people choose hot sauce they dont really care about taste, but by the bottle that describes what their taste buds want. something that makes it appear to have been made very authentically and originally. the first bottle says it was made by old mexicans deep in the forest of south america (or something) with lots of care so id say go with number one if youre making a tasty and mild hot sauce. number two and three seem like olive oil bottles, so they would make your sauce seem quality or expensive. the fourth bottle would make your sauce look like it was created in a lab, so if your making it very spicy then number four would give it that "nuclear heat" appeal. just my two cents
Feb 27 2012 3:19PM
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EL.JUANO
Posts: 420 - Karma: 70
NUMERO UNO. But how are you going to control the amount that comes out?
Feb 27 2012 3:34PM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
Numbers 2 and 3 look a lo more classy, but 1 has the functionality. It also looks pretty cool and people would remember your brand for it.
Feb 27 2012 3:36PM
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PON3
Posts: 3817 - Karma: 783
#1. It has pretty high product differentiation. Every bottle of hot sauce now a days looks the same that will stand out.

But what is the marginal cost of production of those bottles vs. the cork tops? I know all the metal going into those might make it expensive in the long run. but I would say #1.
Feb 27 2012 3:38PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,474
I like #2.

Just like everyone else is saying i dont really like the corks though and need a way to keep the whole bottle from coming out at once.
Feb 27 2012 3:39PM
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HalfandHalf
Posts: 1216 - Karma: 207
#1 forsuree
Feb 27 2012 3:39PM
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SamwiseTheGamgee
Posts: 686 - Karma: 817
this, totally agree
Feb 27 2012 3:43PM
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ryan.c
Posts: 6592 - Karma: 14
i think it would have to do with the consistency of the sauce. you want something that's not going to pour out real fast, as most hot sauces are dropped onto food. I like #1's top, #2 seems too wide, but fear it'd pour way too fast. i dunno tho, you could always shape the mouthpiece really narrow and a plastic piece to make it drip. the only problem with glass is you can't squeeze if there isn't enough force to drip out. I think I actually like #3's shape as long as it's not too tall and will fit in most cabinets. maybe #3 with the cork/plastic screw combo top that someone posted on page 1
Feb 27 2012 3:48PM
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_Ryan_
Posts: 1538 - Karma: 3,192
bottle 2 is better IMO, but i think bottle one might prevent messyness, i think bottle 2 would be a better chose still. Good luck!
Feb 27 2012 3:49PM
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momentz
Posts: 875 - Karma: 285
#1 hands down
Feb 27 2012 3:50PM
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ORDEAL
Posts: 6386 - Karma: 75
Definitely depends on how viscous our liquid is. If it flows easier I would say #2 because it will be the better choice to get te last drop out
Feb 27 2012 3:53PM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 511
Unpopular opinion: I enjoy bottle 3.
Feb 27 2012 3:54PM
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Jeffmnicholas
Posts: 821 - Karma: 42
i like the classiness and simplicity of 3, and with a good logo it could still stand out even though its a pretty standard shape
Feb 27 2012 3:57PM
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collinder
Posts: 738 - Karma: 34
I think you need to look more closely at the type of product you are trying to sell and this will allow you to choose a bottle based on the specific target market.

If you are trying to sell classy brand of hot sauce then I would choose #1 (with #2 glass preferably). This look would coincide with a really clean and simple label with a more modern vibe. People would buy this because they think it would be a solid, consistent product with good taste and would look good in their fridge.

If you are trying to sell a product based on the fact that it is organic then I would choose something with a cork because it is more sustainable and better for the environment, thus representing your product in the best possible way. Again, being organic would have to be your main selling feature to best sell the bottle with the cork.

Stay away from skinny tall bottles if the sauce has to be refrigerated. These bottle won't fit in a typical fridge. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a tall bottle if: 1, It doesn't need to be in the fridge and 2, you want it to be a display item in the kitchen and have people put it on their counters because it looks so good.

If you want to sell a cheesy brand of hot sauce (like the ones with fire and smoke all over the label) that will claim to "melt your face off," then I would go with a bottle such as number 1 because it would look like the cap is containing the fire that is within the bottle.

TL;DR: It really depends on your label and your target market. More info would be needed to make a decision like this. No specific one looks better, it depends on what you're trying to sell specifically.

PS: I'm a marketing major that currently works for a grassroots marketing company
Feb 27 2012 4:03PM
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marsh.
Posts: 1173 - Karma: 1,403
yeah go with number 1
Feb 27 2012 4:25PM
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jkauffman22
Posts: 2592 - Karma: 1,150
I think number one would be the coolest! But it might be a hassle when trying to use so number 2 might be better because it's more functional
Feb 27 2012 5:42PM
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Bam-Saker
Posts: 240 - Karma: 157
At first, the bottle that catches my eye is number two. It has a great classic look that is known to sell. The problem with the cork on the bottle has been looked at as far as choosing something else but here is my say...I would go with body number 2 with the cap of number one. BUT somehow die the tacky white cap so that it looks like a cork. The cap on number one is definitely more practical but the cork looks better. As far as SPILLAGE goes, I would put a SPLASH GUARD of some sort to keep this from happening. I would buy it no question just because the bottle looks so cool. Thanks for the opportunity to help and I hope you are successful with your business.
Feb 27 2012 5:49PM
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B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 360
This is necessary in my opinion.

i think a cork top looks more organic so would go well with organic hot sauce so bottle # 2

tapatio for life though, who cares what the bottle looks like its all about liking the taste of the hot sauce
Feb 27 2012 5:49PM
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smooticus
Posts: 1798 - Karma: 27
I like the shape of the first the most, plus the grolsch top is prolly better than a cork,
Feb 27 2012 5:52PM
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bo0b
Posts: 2964 - Karma: 994
#2 for sure. I love hot sauce
Feb 27 2012 6:11PM
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CMYK
Posts: 1101 - Karma: 336
#1. Unique, harder to tip over, and no problem with loosing the cork.
Feb 27 2012 6:27PM
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Phil-X-
Posts: 7205 - Karma: 14,399
A cork reminds me to much of this

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or this

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I would def say go with top option #1, but if possible to get the body of 2, do that.
Feb 27 2012 6:27PM
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.Jacob
Posts: 1838 - Karma: 1,160
number two with the cap of number one.

OR

number two. with a rasta dyed cork.
Feb 27 2012 6:49PM
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dubtwo
Posts: 590 - Karma: 114
definitely number 1. I love bottles like that
Feb 27 2012 6:52PM
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loomis
Posts: 945 - Karma: 176
number 1
Feb 27 2012 6:59PM
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POW-WOW
Posts: 1464 - Karma: 46
I like the first one, but it is a bit large. I dont like buying hot sauce in larger quantities, and it immediately strikes me as expensive, but it definitely stands out in a good way.
Feb 27 2012 6:59PM
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MothaHucker
Posts: 4678 - Karma: 2,589
this and what will your name be if you have decided, so i can keep an eye out in stores
Feb 27 2012 7:01PM
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thatsdill
Posts: 107 - Karma: 73
I like number two the best. It gives off a vibe of a nice tequila or whiskey bottle to me. I really just think you shouldn't go with the long and skinny bottle, can't go wrong with any others. Good luck!
Feb 27 2012 7:07PM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175
thanks again everyone, now im more confused as which to go with...Ill let the name out once we finalize trademarks and all that boaring stuff. also the site we wanted was $16g so thats a no go, the one we think we're gonna go with is 9.99$ we dont wana get any hype or any sort around the name which might jack the site price up untill everythings finalized. NS comming through like allways. lets see what ns moble does to this this response now ha
Feb 27 2012 7:30PM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175
So we've gone with number one. Thanks for the imput guys. We have a two week ETA (we hope) untill we purchase sone ingrediants and start cooking test batches, a logo is being made by us and a designer as we speak, our domain name was confermed, web site was purchased hopefully work will begin on it soon, and in the process of looking over the trademark info. Its comming along cant wait to get you guys your free samples.
Feb 28 2012 12:31PM
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t_rob
Posts: 6433 - Karma: 11,458
What's the volume you're aiming for. Are all of those th same?
Feb 28 2012 12:33PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,147
#2
Feb 28 2012 12:34PM
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Billek
Posts: 5665 - Karma: 98
What kind of price hit are you taking by going with the nicest bottle?
Feb 28 2012 12:44PM
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zagfan5
Posts: 2608 - Karma: 144
well since you're gonna be in production soon this is gonna be a consumer product, so ill give you a consumer opinion.

i feel like one of the biggest deciding factor on what kind of bottle you have lies in your hot sauce itself. if your sauce thick and viscous, or is it more watery and runny?
if its more of the thick kind, you wanna go with an option like bottle 3 because there's no place on the bottle to really catch since its so long and sleek.
but on the flip side of your have a thinner hot sauce bottle 1 or 2 would be best, bottle 3 would be pointless and more of a tipping hazard in the kitchen if there are kids or pets.

a mentioned above, you have to keep the thought of the bottle dropping because of kids or pets as a real situation. so the cork really wouldnt do the trick unless you really wedged it in there, and if you do that, then maybe a less strong person would have a hard time opening the container. say a husband and a wife as example. therefore the top of 1 is the best option.

from all viewpoints that i can see, bottle 2 is what you want if you wanna catch someones eye right away. it sorta reminds me of liquor containers.

my opinion is top 1 with bottle 2 for sure like everyone else. just looks and functions the best. plain and simple.


Feb 28 2012 1:04PM
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grown-ninja
Posts: 3031 - Karma: 175
the cork top number 2 in 8.5oz, number 1 is 7 oz, even though #1 is more expensive it has about 18% less fluid volume which will even out the higher cost
Feb 28 2012 1:07PM
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