Energy gels: GU, Whasp, USN

[Pornstar]

 

My name is Collin Allin and i started and own Whasp energy gel.

 

I have put in over R2mil into the brand, i sponsor over 100 athletes, i sponsor training camps, school events, golf days, races.

 

We advertise in Magazines, we have been at every big cycling expo for over 2 years incl comrades this year.

 

We advertisie on blogs, websites and forums like this one

 

We are a bigger gel with more ingredients in for the same price as other gels.

 

So my question is what do i have to do to increase my sales ? let me know you use other gels or why you don't use mine.

 

I am launching a pepto pro protein energy gel next week, new flavour too, Vanilla Custard and i have nothing to compete against in the market as we are unique but does anybody care ?

 

Your time is appreciated.

 

Many Thanks

 

Pornstar2008-10-29 10:08:59

[Zoo Cookie]

I used whasp gel for the first time at last year's Bakwena and ever since I'm a fan. It's easy to swollow and it does give that extra energy boost when I need it. I must admit I have not tried all the flavours as I mainly use the one for "woman only". Crazy berry flavour is my other favourite.

[whitesox]

It's all about marketing!

 

And backing up the claims you make about your product with some scientific research will be a very good idea!

[rad006]

Maybe they will increase by Giving me full sponsorship hee hee hee????

 

Jokes, thanks for the helping me out Collin. I wish more people woke up and tried something different I for one Love WHASP and cant wait to get my hands on a box or 2 or the new STUFF and the energy Drinks

[Pornstar]

We do tons of marketing and advertising...Im not talking about USN as a brand...

 

What do they do for their gel ? what does other gel companies do ?

 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Hmmm... generally personal preference, but tere is a lot of weight behind the more "accepted" brands, that have been there "forever". I think you'll get a lot more business from a word of mouth basis, and from people just trying things out for the first time, while having a look at value etc...

[Pilks]

For me the best gel is the one that tastes good. I tried a whasp (the green one i think) i didnt like it ?so i stopped using it .I like the vanila gels and you guys didnt often one at that time. ?however with your vanila custard flavour gel coming out i will be tempted to try it assuming it priced right?

[rad006]

Pornstar I would look at trying to Mask flavours more. I know its hard to do and costs alot of money but think about how good, saying we have the tastiest gel on the market sounds. Also how about a gel that isnt sweet, I know alot of people get sick from all the sweetness. I for one would like a non flavour plan tasting gel that doesnt make me throw up from too much sugar.

What about giving out a free gel in race packs, Yes it costs money but its a way.

 

How about loading me with a couple boxes and as people pass me on route on my tricycle they can pickup a free gel???

[chris414]

Price it right! Some of us are students too and definitely chuck a few in race packs or just hand out the start of PPA rides.

 

 

 

(oh and also make your packaging look nice and appealing - i make no apologies for choosing a product based on it's classy cover)

[Zoo Cookie]

i don't think packaging is the problem. whasp does stand out. that's why i tried it in the place.

price wise: maybe not the cheapest, and yet there are others that's way more expensive.

[KlapperKnop]

Pornstar ... maybe flood the market by undercutting the other gels especially in the economic crisis we are in ... you know what a sustainable margin should be for your product ...

[niterider]

Never heard of Whasp.

 

I buy USN Vooma - cheapest carbs for the price, and the flavour is palatable. I really don't understand how people can pay R15+ for gels. I go through a box of 30 per month.

 

[rad006]

Maybe offer huge specials like buy 3 boxes get 1 box free???

[Cranky]

I used Whasp for a while but only liked the Crazy Berry (with caffeine) flavour. Changed to GU because I like the plain flavour, although I use their berry too. I like the small pack size and stiffness of the GU sachet - can open it easily while riding, while Whasp is a bit more tricky.

 

I usually buy at Dischem and tried to buy a whole box of Whasp about a year ago, but they said I must buy single sachets. I'd be very keen to buy bulk over the internet, or in shops, with a discount as suggested above.

 

In terms of marketing, inserts into goodie bags would help - if not an actual gel, how about a voucher allowing discounted purchase. Most new riders are not familiar with the brand, so 94.7, Argus, Fourways Bike Park, Gibe Gorge, etc., are the places to be visible.

Cranky2008-10-29 12:14:59

[chris414]

sorry i meant to say that i've never seen the product so don't know it at all

[Aedon]

My wife bought me two just before this years Argus,  sorry cannot remember which one. Popped one (with water) about 30 minutes before me group started and almost instantly got a sort of jumpy nervous twitchy feeling that lasted until about the end of the Blue Route. I think the second one is still lying in the cubby of my car because I havent had the courage to take it yet. Since then only ever used GU Espresso Love.