7 Easy Steps to Start A Self Defense Keychain Business

There are many reasons why you might want to start a self defense keychain business. Maybe you’re an avid martial artist and want to share your knowledge with the world. Maybe you’ve been the victim of a crime and want to help others protect themselves. Or maybe you just think it would be a cool business to run.

Whatever your reasons, starting a self defense keychain business can be a great way to make some extra money and help others at the same time.

What Is A Self Defense Keychain ?

A self defense keychain is a small, compact device that is designed to be carried on a keyring. It is typically made of hard, durable plastic, metal or rubber with a pointed end that can be used to deliver a strike to an attacker. The keyring can be used as a knuckle duster, with the pointed end fitting between the fingers, or it can be used to strike with a swinging motion. Some self defense keychains also come with other features, such as pepper spray, flashlight, or loud alarm.

How to Start a Self Defense Keychain Business in 7 easy steps:

1. Do your research.

There is a lot of competition out there, so you need to make sure you know what you’re doing. Read up on the different types of self-defense keychains and find out which ones are the most popular. Be sure to choose the right self defense keychain for your target audience. Not all keychains are created equal. You need to find one that is made of durable materials and is ergonomically designed for easy use.

During the research phase, its a good idea to read up on regulations and specifications around the shipping and selling of defense products as these can vary from state to state. It’s also a good idea to understand Sales and Use Tax (sometimes called a Seller’s Permit).

2. Find a niche.

Once you know what you’re doing, find a niche market for your keychains. This could be people who live in high-crime areas, women who want to feel safer when they’re out alone, or anyone else who might benefit from having a self-defense keychain. When choosing this niche, be sure to decide on what may be the best marketing strategies to reach this demographic and if you have the capacity to do so. Consider the age, gender, occupation, location, along with many other identifying traits that could help you narrow your focus. Expansion is always possible later on down the line.

3. Create a great product line.

This is where your research will come in handy. Make sure your keychains are well-made and offer a good value for the price. Creating a great set of products doesn’t always mean making something from scratch. When making self defense keychain sets understanding how to pair the right items for your target demographic will make a product offering GREAT.

For example, if you want to make defense products for women who want to feel safe walking alone at night, you may want to pair pepper spray and a safety whistle together as a bundle versus separately to increase the ways in which the product can be of value to the customer.

4. Source Your Materials and Suppliers

Find reliable suppliers to provide the materials needed to manufacture your keychains. Choose quality materials that will ensure that your keychains are durable and long lasting. If you’re looking to increase shipping times you might want to consider a fulfillment center or a service like Ship Bob which may allow you to compete with brands like Amazon.

Dropshipping Self Defense Keychains

Dropshipping is a great option that allows you to sell products without having to keep inventory on hand. Instead, you work with a supplier who ships the product directly to the customer.

When it comes to self-defense keychains, there are several dropshipping options available. You can find suppliers online who offer a variety of different keychains, from basic models to those with added features like pepper spray or alarms.

Here are a few options for suppliers if you choose dropshipping

• AliExpress
• Alibaba
• CJ Dropshipping
• Doba
• Spocket
• Faire

For those based in the US, Spocket is a great option for dropshipping self-defense keychains. This was the platform I used when I first began dropshipping a number of different products and the primary benefit is the domestic advantage for those of us operating in the United States of America.

5. Establish Your Brand

Establish a brand for your self defense keychain business that sets you apart from the rest. This is where you begin creating a logo, slogan, and website. Try sites like canva to help create logos and graphics for your business quick and easily.

If you feel overwhelmed with the details of creating marketing materials consider sites like Fiverr or Upwork to hire freelancers. I created my first logo for five dollars from a designer on Fiverr.

6. Market your business.

Spread the word about your self defense keychain business through social media, word-of-mouth, and advertising. I have found that platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, Pinterest, and Instagram work wonders when promoting these types of products. Pinterest holds a predominantly female userbase with high disposable income and tapping into this audience may be very profitable for a defense niche business.

If you create a standout and vibrant collection of productions, trying your hand at pop up shops, expos, and school orientated events may be a great idea for getting the word out and selling bulk amounts of product as self-defense keychains are easily identifiable and people understand their purpose without much explanation.

Offer discounts to bulk buyers. Many people who buy keychains do so in bulk. Offer your customers a discount if they purchase more than one keychain at a time.

– Jamie Freya Knott

7. Provide Great Customer Service

Excellent customer service is essential to any successful business, and this is especially true for a self defense keychain business. Providing great customer service can help build trust and loyalty with your customers, and can result in more sales and positive word-of-mouth advertising. Here are some tips for providing great customer service for a self defense keychain business:

• Listen to your customers. Understand what they are looking for and be sure to provide the best possible advice.
• Be prompt and responsive to customer inquiries and concerns. A quick reply can show a customer that their opinion matters and can help to build trust.
• Communicate clearly and openly with customers so that they know exactly what to expect when purchasing a self defense keychain.
• Provide a warranty or guarantee on your products so that customers feel assured that their purchase is covered should something go wrong.
• Take the time to educate customers on how to best use and care for their self defense keychain so they can get the most out of their purchase.

By following these tips, you can provide great customer service for your self defense keychain business and help to build trust and loyalty with your customers.

What Are The Benefits To Carrying A Self Defense Keychain ?

There are several benefits to carrying a self-defense keychain.

• Easy and convient way to defend yourself in an emergency situation. It’s small enough to carry in your pocket or purse, and can be easily accessed when needed.

• Non-lethal way to protect yourself. Unlike a gun or knife, a self-defense keychain is not designed to kill, but rather incapacitate an attacker for long enough for you to escape.

• Keychains are a cost effective solution for personal safety. Self- defense keychains are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased from aside variety of places online.

Are Self-Defense Keychains Legal?

Self-defense keychains are legal in most states in the US, but it’s important to note that the laws can vary by state and country. As with any self-defense tool, it’s important to research your local laws and regulations before purchasing and carrying a self-defense keychain.

In some states, certain types of self-defense keychains may be considered illegal weapons. For example, some states prohibit any device that is designed to cause harm or injury, even if it is intended for self-defense purposes. Additionally, some states may require a permit or license to carry certain types of self-defense tools, including keychains.

To ensure that you are complying with local laws and regulations, it’s important to do your research and consult with legal experts if necessary. By understanding the laws in your area, you can make sure that you are using your self-defense keychain legally and responsibly.

Selling Self-Defense Keychains Online

If you’re interested in selling self-defense keychains online, it’s important to be aware of the laws and regulations around shipping and selling these products. While self-defense keychains may be legal in your state, they may not be legal in other states or countries.

If a person from another state orders one of your self-defense keychains, it’s important to do your research on the laws in their state before shipping the product. You may need to obtain a permit or license to ship the product to certain states, or you may need to avoid shipping to certain states altogether.

Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you are accurately describing the product and its intended use on your website. Misrepresenting a self-defense keychain as a weapon, for example, could lead to legal issues down the line.

In order to protect yourself and your business, it’s a good idea to consult with legal experts and do your research before selling self-defense keychains online. By understanding the laws and regulations around these products, you can make sure that you are operating your business in a legal and responsible manner.

Invoicing for Your Self-Defense Keychain Business

While running your business consider the process of invoicing. It’s quite common to need freelancers for various reasons or even end up doing bulk orders for events. Try apps like Zintego Receipt Maker to make simplified invoices to send.

To Sum It All Up

Starting a self defense keychain business can be a great way to make some extra money and help others at the same time. Just make sure you do your research, find a niche market, and create a great product. And don’t forget to spread the word about your business!

Learn more about inventory and pricing in the video from my YouTube channel below. Subscribe if you enjoy learning about different income streams and online monetization.