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I've got a really odd question. I work with adults with developmental disabilities in helping them get new skills in order to obtain jobs in the community. We were throwing around the idea of making dog leashes to donate to a local dog shelter. Then we were talking about making a lot of them and selling half to cover the costs of making them and then donating the other half. We're exploring quite a few jobs and learning a lot of new skills with this project on top of giving back to the community.
The leashes we're making are just simple 550 paracord with a welded o-ring on one side and then a loop on the other. They're just simple slip leads that way they can be used for all sizes of dogs at the shelter. They're definitely strong leashes.
My main thing is, does anyone have an idea where we might sell them? I was thinking that it would be neat to do some sort of online shop, but I got to talking to a few people and was basically told that it was a bad idea because no one really buys from new sellers and they you have to deal with complainers who want everything for free. Does anyone have any ideas? We were thinking about going to a dog show to sell them, but we most likely would not be able to make 90% of them this year as an outing.
Anyone have an idea how to maybe reach out to a different community of dog people to sell these leashes? Or, would you buy one for like $2 or $2.50 (just to gauge if people would actually use them, you don't actually have to buy one, lol).

Sounds like a worthy cause. I'm not sure how much I'd use one but I could see having a couple of them on hand for emergencies.

Have you thought about checking with local pet supply shops and vet clinics? Perhaps as a community service they'd be willing to give them some space.

That's actually a pretty good idea about the vet clinics. The local pet stores are all corporate and don't do a lot of service things. But I like that vet clinic idea. Thanks!

Might be better to offer them at a higher price as a "donation" to whatever organization they support.

I don't know what country you are from but Etsy is a great place for hand-made stores.
Facebook shop would be another good place to market the cause adn sell the product.

do you have a page? I'm from NZ but could support!

Sorry for the late reply, but thank you everyone for all the great ideas!
We are located in US. We might look back into the Etsy idea. I've been told that it is very hard to sell things on Etsy, but maybe I was just told the wrong information or misunderstood them.
Maybe selling them and just doing a donation might be better so they can use it for medical or whatever.