2008
Serious about starting a clothing line? If so subscribe to our RSS feed or Email notifications for exclusive articles/updates that you don't want to miss!
Maybe the whole Dobizo Answers idea was bad from the jump? When I decided to give it some thought it was a way for newbies to find solutions to questions they need answered quickly or maybe that I forgot and also to give me new article ideas…like this one.It really wasn’t a bad idea by a long shot considering it is the most popular page on this website, but for some reason instead of using the nifty search tool in the top right corner or showing a real interest in starting a clothing line and doing some real research on this site with over 950 articles…it has become more of an excuse to be lazy!
I mean we get some really good questions on the Dobizo Answers page that even make me think or hit the books for some research, because I don’t know everything, but I can learn or find what I need within a matter of hours/days depending on the complexity of the question and my desire to actually want to be in this business and understand that most things do not come to you on a silver platter people!
Most of the questions on the Dobizo Answers page as of lately are either answered or questions that really hold no merit or just result of sheer laziness to go out and find information. I think many treat the Dobizo Answers page as a sourcing company.
Questions like these below that are more common sense than industry insider or just simple enough to figure out with just a little hint of effort:
- Where can I find a quality manufacturer to make suits? (Possible Answer: Trade Show, Yellow Page, Referral from a clothing company, A Book, Google)
- Where can I find a good label provider? (Possible Answer: Our sponsor, Trade Shows, Quick Search on Google)
- How do you attend a trade show that isn’t open to the public before you exhibit there? (Possible Answer: Call the trade show to find out because most likely it would vary! or Visit the trade show with an exhibiting company…networking…internship very simple people)
- How do I perform background checks on stores? (Possible Answer: Visit the store make a list of the brands they carry call them up and ask about their experience with the store. Do they pay on time? Are they good with following up on how the product is moving? Are they responsive to your inquiries? Simple enough)
- How do I find manufacturers in Italy? (Possible Answer: Look for manufacturers located in ITALY) Now this question deserves a little more time from me. Basically it should say “Find me a manufacturer in Italy Dobizo/Fred” Otherwise you basically are asking and answering a question at the same time. It’s like saying “How do I find clothing labels” easy answer look for clothing label providers! I know all of us know better than that. It’s kind of disturbing
. - How does C.O.D work? (Possible Answer: Maybe this whole discussion about C.O.D plus many more by just typing in the term COD into the search bar.
- How do I incorporate my business and what are the benefits of doing so? (Possible Answer: Maybe this article on incorporating! Which I found by doing a quick search of “incorporation” on the handy little search bar and this other by related articles titled Legal Aspects of a Clothing Line.
- What is a spec sheet? (Possible Answer: This article on Cut and Sew might do the trick. Found using the same search bar as all the questions above.
These are the reasons that many lines fail because they do not want to put in the necessary grunt work to become knowledgeable on any needed aspect of starting a clothing line without being hand fed the information. I think by even writing articles on the subject and putting it right in your face on a daily is good enough at least take the time to sit down do a little research before basically asking me a question that is really demanding me to do your work because most are already answered.
Its really that simple. The point of Dobizo is to inform you and provide a place to network with others interested in entering the fashion industry….nothing else. This is not a paid site or company so to ask me to perform an act or to consult with you on a phone is really out of the question because I don’t get paid and wouldn’t ask you to pay me. I have spoke with many of our readers on the phone, but only if I feel they are truly genuine in wanting to learn the industry and have a bright outlook. Don’t take offense if I haven’t called you most likely I just forgot or it could be as I mentioned above…I may think you’re just looking for a hand-me-out.
Another reason for this type of behavior has to do not having patience or just eager to get started in the industry. It’s going to come to most of us who really want it and you have to be willing to work for it from the bottom to the top. We all know working your way up the ladder takes time, effort, and dedication in any field from a corporate 9-5 to being an entrepreneur its not going to happen over night whether you believe it or not. So with that being said just sit back and enjoy the ride and just maybe you will come out on top.
I think maybe some requirements or guidelines for posting in the Dobizo Answers page should be implemented…immediately or maybe when the new site design re-launches, which I might let my subscribers preview only. So if you haven’t subscribed do so today by email updates or RSS feed. This way we will have a great variety of questions being answered and not just regurgitate content that has already been on the site for months.
What is your take on this being that most of our readers are newbies in the industry? and is this just with the fashion industry or a characteristic of any beginner in any industry?
Serious about starting a clothing line? If so subscribe to our free newsletter for exclusive articles/updates that you don't want to miss! or Our RSS Feed
Continue This Discussion In Dobizo Forum
Popularity: 1% [?]
Share
January 11th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
I feel a little hostility coming from you Mr. Williford! But you know what? If anybody feels you! I feel you!
January 11th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I am in total agreement Fred. All a person has to do is simply google those same questions and come up with the answers or at least something close to it.
January 12th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
So true! Nobody wants to commit and put their nost to the grindstone anymore. Main reason why most college graduates end up working at some BS job out of college for too long. Well said!
January 13th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
For me I personally like doing the whole research thing, and that all goes along with being an entrepreneur. Ultimately if ppl are that serious about being in the fashion business, they better tighten up, because just from observance you really have to be on top of the game, and remain a step ahead in all aspects if you plan to be successful. If you rely on being given direction all the time, you will end up going in no direction. You get what you put in. . .in the end if ppl don’t have a full understanding of things then thats when you are subjected to be taken advantage of, or missing out on opportunities.
January 14th, 2008 at 4:34 am
hahaha, well said!
the funny thing is everyone that asks me “how did you get started”, “how did you find a factory that you could trust”, “how did you get in to Hot Topic”, etc. etc. I just tell them “First thing is first, check out dobizo.com” those are probable some of the same fools asking you for even more of a short cut then you are already offering. Sorry. If Dobizo would have been around 3 years ago, oh man life would have been so much easier. The funny thing is everything I have aquired was done online or with fake badges that got me into Magic and WSA.
Here is a tip for anyone looking for one: You want to know what to expect in this biz then go to Magic as a buyer, not as a exhibitor, (if your just starting out that can be one of the stupidest things you could ever do with your $. You will see what I mean if you go and just pick any 10×10 and see how many people actually go into it and write an order) I have been going to Magic for 5 years with a buyers badge under my companies name. Of course I had to get creative to qualify as a buy with fake invoices and other documents, but anyone with any slight computer knowledge can pull it off. It will be well worth your time to walk every inch of the show, follow people that look like they know what they are doing and ease drop of there conversations with buyers, manufactorers, etc. After a few yo uwill get an idea of how to talk to people to get answer and then you can flow this the best of them. Lern to talk the talk and you will be on your way.
January 14th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I think much of the indifference and frustration you are experiencing here at Dobizo Fred is due to many young people today having such a high level of self entitlement that might be inherent to their generation. I know there are exceptions to the rule, you being a great example, having accomplished a great deal in your 23 years including this site as it pertains to apparel.
If a person can’t take a few minutes to search this or any site for specific information or is unwilling to invest any time in research, then I would be very hesitant to lend any support.
January 16th, 2008 at 11:06 am
I think I have a valid question…. I would like to know what points should a consignment contract have or do you have a template of one?
January 17th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Dre’ Ali,
It is questions like yours that frustrate many and perhaps one reason why this post was written.
If you took the time to find out more about this site , you would know a forum exists where this question can be answered, and you might try to use the word please and thank you when asking such questions.
Your sense of entitlement is very annoying.
January 18th, 2008 at 12:35 am
Thank you so very much Mr. Thom Stilton for setting me straight. Now that I am aware of this I hope never again annoy you with with my false sense of entitlement. I wish you well with you Multi-Million Dollar clothing line and hope to one day become half the man that you are.
Sincerely
Noble Dre*Ali
January 18th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Noble Dre’Ali,
Your entitlement and punk attitude don’t really annoy me that much, but I’m sure they annoy others. Let us know if your 3 -shirt styles ever take off at MySpace.
January 19th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Thank you so very much Mr. Thom Stillton for once again taking time out of your very busy schedule to respond to my post. Especially during this busy time with fashion week coming up and your multi-million dollar clothing preparing for the Magic show. I will keep you informed about my 3 shirt style I hope and pray that on day my very small company will grow to the large fashion conglomerate that you have. I know it will be very hard but with you as my motivation and inspiration I wish to someday be as half as successful as you.
Yours Truly
Noble Dre Ali
January 20th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
mr Noble Dre Ali,
It would be encourgaging to see if you can make a go of it and become sucessful. As you may already know, you are most likely going to need a few breaks along the way and people will be called upon for favors. Don’t drive people away or limit opportunties because you are unwilling to listen to constructive criticism, and end discussions with smart ass assumptions. You might think you have some real quick comebacks and all, but unless you are training for stand up comedy, you might want to re-evaluate a few things.
January 20th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Thank you again for your response Mr. Thom Stilton
But on a serious note I will become successful at my t-shirt venture, you may note think much of my 3 style but it is a start ( trust I do have plenty more strong design on reserves). As far as breaks I don’t need those because of the very hard work I put into my craft, I have been at this since 2001 and have learnt much from trial & error ( I wish their was a dobizo.com then). I have done all the work, design and financed this whole operation on my own. Second of all I have been a member of this site since 10/06. The initial question I asked about info on a consignment contract was in no way meant to be sarcastic or funny it was a valid question I had on my mind. I’m sorry for thinking this was a network of up and coming designer to share information. Also I don’t feel any entitlement and I wouldn’t have made it this far or have been this dedicated and persistent if I didn’t do my own research. So I hope now we can stop this back and forth and assist each other with our companies, I have a vast amount of knowledge and information to share with my peers so let stop this silliness and make it happen in 2008.
Sincerely
Noble Dre Ali
p.s. Do you have any info on points should a consignment contract have or do you have a template of one?
February 26th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
You’re an idiot!
February 27th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Debbie,
Who is an idiot? and why do you feel that way?