But read these six lessons first.

By Alicia Orr Suman

Once you’ve shown a new product line for a season or two, you’ll have a better sense of how it’s selling, she notes.

5. Use caution when it comes to list strategy. A word of warning about list rentals when it comes to new product tests: It can get a little tricky if your marketing department is testing different customer lists at the same time you’re testing new products. That’s why your circulation staffers must be brought into the loop on all major merchandise changes.