Hello cheese lovers, I really like the forum, you're all so passionate!
Maybe there is something I don't understand... I need your comments on a project I have.
2 years ago, I decided to go frugal/self-sustainable kind of life. "Drop out" from the professional world, I've wanted to start my own business. I'm pretty good with finding great deals and always wondering why some products are so expensive. For instance, "Fleischman" yeast at the grocery store is so expensive compared to other brand available at some specialized stores that it is almost frustrating.
So, that's what I want to do, I want to host a website (I'm a programmer), giving information about how to make bread, cheese, sprout, garden, livestock, etc... But most of all, I want to be able to sell products at a fair price (frugal life means less money available).
For the cheese part, I've found the same dealers as you all use, like Diary Connection, Glengarry, Leeners, etc.
When it comes to decide on the cultures I want to sell, I'm torn between the price on individual package and bigger "bulk" package.
For instance, Glengarry's propionic bacteria are 15.95/25g or 30.85/100g. Let's say I slit the 100g into 10g packages.
1) It will cost 3.85/10g. That’s huge saving! And I don't mean just for me, but for my customers too. Because that’s the point, I don't want a bigger margin, I want to sell cheaper so everyone can try some cheese making at home (even smaller batch).
2) There is no way I can use a 25g package anyway (good for 2500 liters of milk). Even if I'm very very motivated
3) If I have a 25g pack and I store it in my freezer, it will be less fresh after 2 years than if I've bought 2 smaller packs.
My questions are:
1) There is a problem about buying bulk and selling in smaller pack?
2) Would you buy a re-packed culture?
3) Would you trust a re-packed culture?
I know that the fact that the package is opened; that you don't know when it was opened can be a problem.
4) But what is the difference between the pack that I've opened and the one opened in your freezer?
5) And what is the difference between the fact that you would split the package with, let's say, your sister, but not with another customer?
I think that the main problem is trust in the quality control.
But, would you buy a re-packed culture if it was much cheaper?
Don't be afraid to tell me if I'm sooooo wrong with my idea
but I need to know.
Thanks!