Tannlines is Associating with a Multi-Sports Accessory Retail Chains to have Presence Offline

BWDisrupt interacted with the founding team of  Tannlines.com to know more about their businessmodel.

Brief us about your business model like how did the idea came to start and how does it work (step by step procedure)?
I started running three years back and came across a running group in my locality and that time I came to know that there are many marathon events which happen in city apart from Mumbai Marathon and joined few running groups on Facebook and to my surprise I found so many regular runners participating in marathons and also came to know about many renowned marathons all over the country.

There I started training well and slowly participating in marathons. There is one common thing in all marathons that is the ‘Race Number/ Chest Number’ which is commonly known as ‘Bib’ which needs to be attached with a safety pin (which is current practice) to your T-Shirt. I always hated to do this and once I accidently pricked myself to bleed. But I had no other option that very time, I started thinking if something can be made to replace these irritating safety pins and that is how ‘BibClips happened’ after couple of prototypes. BibClips are the clips made of strong plastic to attach your Race number to your T-Shirt without making any holes or damaging the T-Shirt.

The second thing I struggled during marathon or even training and exercising was shoe laces and started working on prototypes if I can make some kinda lock to keep the laces intact then after a lot of research this lacing system which we name ‘NoTie laces’ came into existence. ‘NoTie laces’ replaces your existing laces with one time installation to never tie again. One can use it for running, cycling or any other sports. These laces can be best for children with special needs and elderly people.

What are the unique key points of your company?
The company is started by an athlete who understands needs and pains of athletes. The products we have launched are first of its kind in India and we are introducing more products again first of its kind in India.

How are you different from the existing competitors?
As mentioned before the products are new in the market thus there is no competitor as such.

What is the funding status and monetization model?
Currently we are bootstrapped. Not looking for funding as such. The products are for sale on Amazon India. Soon they will be up on www.tannlines.com too.

What challenges are you facing in running your business?
The market has not seen such product before. We are getting difficulty to get them try these products because those who have tried our products are loving them. Being tight on Marketing budget we are also facing problems to reach out to maximum people.

How has been the people responses so far?
So far whoever has used the product are extremely happy and we get the feedback that they will never switch back to conventional ways.

What are the traction details (like users, app downloads & other achievements of the company)?
We gaining traction on Amazon India and more with offline sale in Marathon Expos

How do you look at expansion?
Right now we have only two products to offer. Soon we are getting more such innovative products by early 2017 to offer more ease and comfort to athletes so they focus only on their training. We are soon collaborating up with Multi Sports Accessory retail chains to have presence offline.

What are your marketing plans?
Right now we are focusing more on Social Media and Digital Marketing and partnering with various Running and Cycling Events.

What has been the biggest learnings so far?
There is still a lot to learn but biggest learning so far is persistence pays off. When I initially started working on this project I was little worried about how it will happen in low cost and less time. Then once started working on it things started unfolding on its own, you start getting answers by all directions if you are working on it persistently than worrying about negativity and hurdles.

What is the market size and opportunity?
The Global Market size of Sports Accessories is USD310Bn while in India it is USD9.6Bn. In rising awareness of fitness as well as sports other than Cricket and Football, there is consistent growth in sports industry. We are first Indian company to differentiate itself as Athlete oriented company.