How to sell Edible Insects on Shopify

         

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Edible insects are quickly becoming a popular choice for individuals looking to incorporate more sustainable protein sources into their diets. As an ecommerce seller, offering edible insects as a protein snack is a smart move. However, selling this unique product comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we’ll discuss the unique challenges of selling edible insects and provide 10 tips on how to overcome them on Shopify.

Challenge 1: Niche Market

One of the biggest challenges of selling edible insects is that it is a relatively niche market. This means that you will need to work harder to find your target audience.

Tip 1: Identify your target audience and tailor your marketing strategy to them. Consider partnering with influencers in the sustainable eating and fitness spheres to increase your reach.

Challenge 2: Perceived Grossness Factor

Edible insects have yet to gain mainstream acceptance as a food source and many still view them as gross or unappetizing.

Tip 2: Combat the perceived grossness factor by creating appealing packaging that highlights the nutritional benefits of insects and the sustainable farming practices used to harvest them.

Challenge 3: Legal Limitations in Some States or Countries

Edible insects are not legal for consumption in all states or countries. This can limit your sales potential.

Tip 3: Be aware of the legal limitations in your target market and adjust your sales strategy accordingly. You may need to focus on markets where edible insects have already gained acceptance.

Challenge 4: Competitive Price Point

Edible insects can be expensive to harvest and package, resulting in a higher price point that may be off-putting to some customers.

Tip 4: Research your competitors and determine what price point is most effective in your specific market. Consider offering discounts for bulk purchases and creating sampler packages for customers to try before committing to larger quantities.

Challenge 5: Shipping Logistics

Shipping live insects can be a logistical nightmare, as they are extremely sensitive to temperature and other environmental factors.

Tip 5: Work with experienced shipping companies to ensure your product arrives at its destination in good condition. Consider investing in specialized shipping containers or including cold packs in your packages during hot weather months.

Challenge 6: Brand Building

As a relatively new product on the market, building a recognizable brand around edible insects can be difficult.

Tip 6: Focus on creating a brand identity that highlights sustainability, healthy eating, and innovation. Utilize social media platforms, influencer marketing and consider partnering with likeminded businesses in order to get your product in front of as many potential customers as possible.

Challenge 7: Educating Potential Customers

Many potential customers are unfamiliar with the benefits of incorporating insects into their diets or may not know how to prepare or cook them.

Tip 7: Create content on your website, blog, and social media channels that educates potential customers about the nutritional benefits of edible insects, as well as providing preparation and recipe tips.

Challenge 8: Packaging Regulations

As a food product, edible insects are subject to strict packaging and labeling regulations.

Tip 8: Ensure you are familiar with the regulations in your specific market and work with packaging suppliers to create packaging that meets regulatory guidelines while still being visually appealing.

Challenge 9: Sustainable Sourcing

Consumers who are interested in trying edible insects are often environmentally and socially conscious and will be looking to ensure that the insects have been sustainably sourced.

Tip 9: Highlight your sustainable sourcing practices on your website and packaging to instill confidence in customers that they are making a responsible purchasing decision.

Challenge 10: Payment Processing

Edible insects are still a relatively new and niche product, which can make finding payment processing options more difficult.

Tip 10: Work with payment processors that are experienced with high-risk industries, and ensure that you are compliant with all payment and credit card processing regulations.

In conclusion, while the challenges of selling edible insects may seem daunting, with the right marketing strategy, logistics planning, and brand building tactics, it is possible to successfully sell this unique product. And Shopify is uniquely suited to selling Edible Insects due to its excellent tracking system for shipping and fulfilment, world class customer support and extensive flexible integration opportunities. So, start exploring the exciting world of selling edible insects today – the opportunities are endless!

         

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