Starting a Custom G-Shock Watch Business

Introduction

• Idea conceived 6 months ago
• Inspired by Instagram pages selling custom G-Shock watches
• Background in watches: recently bought Rolex, vintage Apple watch, daily wear is G-Shock

Market Research

• Standard G-Shock Price: $70-$100
• Customized G-Shock Price: $150-$300
• Research on parts costs
  • Rubber straps: $23 each
  • Metal bands: $30 each
  • Custom color hour markers: a couple of bucks each
• Aim: Make GA2100 G-Shock look like an AP watch

Initial Purchases

• Bought 8 G-Shock watches in different colors ($70-$90 each)
• Purchased 8 different watch bands and 10 hour marker inserts
• Spent additional $675 on G-Shock watches
• Created brand logo: Carrot Costumes

Shipping and Quality

• Received G-Shock watches within a week
• Custom bands and hour markers from Alibaba took a few weeks
• Impressed with the quality of bands and hour markers

Customization Process

• Preparation: Watched YouTube tutorials
• Tools Needed: Screwdriver, and mod kits
• Steps:
  1. Remove original G-Shock band
  2. Remove four screws on the case, pull off rubber cover
  3. Insert core into new band, fits perfectly
  4. Screw in four matching screws
• Hour markers replacement: more time-consuming
  • Remove back of case, lift watch internals, replace markers
• Total Time: 2 hours

Initial Outcomes

• Created first batch of Carrot Customs G-Shocks
• Did a photo shoot for online listings (4-5 shots per watch)
• Edited photos using Lightroom

Listing and Pricing

• Listed watches on eBay at $200 each
• Included original bands in the listing
• Set minimum acceptable price: $160 (aim for $25-$30 profit per watch)
• First listing took time due to item-specific fields

Sales Results

• First black steel G-Shock sold at $200, $60 profit
• Sold 2 watches to one buyer for $165 each, $60 combined profit
• Additional sales:
  • Steel with black bezel, $189.95
  • Rainbow face with navy strap, $175
  • Steel with red, $175
• Lowered prices to sell last few watches
  • Total profit: almost $300 in a week and a half
  • Chose to keep one watch for personal use

Final Thoughts

• Business is viable
• Simpler to list many combinations with minimal inventory
• Pricing strategy: flip quickly vs. selling at higher prices
• Market potential for differentiation through unique designs
• Future potential: Keep up with new mods like Rolex G-Shock
• Consider other customizable products, e.g., AirPods, Apple watches, hats
• Fun and fulfilling experience

Conclusion

• Encourages trying other customization business ideas
• Enjoyed the process of customization and photography
• Video ends with call to engage (comment, subscribe)