2008
Top 100 mistakes clothing lines make! A must read Updated! Make it 200!
Posted by: Fashion06 in Design, Financing, Promotion, Starting your own line |
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Note: Make sure you read all the mistakes in by commentators! Thanks
I was looking through some of my notes for articles and just wanted to come up with something new that I haven’t seen on any other blog…at least in the manner that I am going to provide the information. What better way to learn than by knowing and listening to mistakes that other clothing companies in your field make. This list is going to go on indefinitely and I will re-post it to the top of the blog either weekly or daily depending on how popular it becomes. I know most of our readers either have or are in the process of starting a clothing line have made a mistake, wit their own stories to tell of were they ordered too many products or set prices too high while trying to start their clothing line or in their day to day business activities. So I am going to begin the post by listing as many mistakes that I have made and know other companies have made that can limit your chance of success as a clothing company.
Help me help you and others by posting a comment with mistakes you have made or that you know other companies have made while establishing your/their business whether it’s a fashion line, manufacturing business, footwear business, head wear business, or any business dealing with the apparel business directly or indirectly. Every time you remember a mistake or make a mistake post it. As many mistakes as you can and make sure you leave your link in the url/website spot on the comment form, because I expect the post to be pretty popular and there is nothing wrong with your site getting a little exposure in the process 
.
- Not performing a background check on stores before offering them consignment and they stiff you on the billed goods. This happen to my business in the first month!
- Not having sufficient cash flow to fill re-orders of popular clothing styles and giving the retailer a bad impression of your clothing business, therefore jeopardizing the chance of a reorder next season. At one time I missed out on a $10,000 order…needless to say I was depressed.
- Letting family members work for me! Big mistake they will run all over you if you let them
- Not starting this blog sooner. I meet wonderful people who I could’ve networked with to build the ultimate clothing line because there is talent all-over the internet especially here on http://www.dobizo.com
- Not realizing the selling/promotional potential of social networking sites for your clothing company
- Entrepreneurs not being educated enough on the internet too take advantage of all the free resources that are provided
- Using to much money on promotions and marketing just because you have it, then to later on find out about all kinds of free ways of reaching the masses without spending a penny with a little hard work. Sometimes its better to have less money starting out it will teach you to budget and once your properly financed you will appreciate it and balance the financial side of your clothing business much better
- Partnering with people who have the same talent as you. It is better to hire/partner with people who complement your strong points and pick up were you lack
- Not researching a manufacturer before using them for production
- Spending so much time on designs, and promotions while forgetting about the importance of monitoring what you spend so that you can improve your profit margins$$$
- I sold to the first store that came calling not the worst scenario, but in my case it wasn’t the best move. I was excited at the fact that a store wanted to sell my line without thinking if it was a fit for the market I was targeting
- Exhibiting at a trade show without attending it first. This to me is a must! Get a feel of the flow of the show and how it works. See what booths and presentations/walkways get the most buyer foot traffic and why they do
- Creating a business plan from the beginning. This isn’t a must, but your day to day flow goes much better, because you have a better understanding of what must be performed in order to reach your ultimate goal. Plus investor wouldn’t take you serious without it…so why would anybody else?
- Not acknowledging your competition
- Starting my clothing company under-capitalized. It can be done, but it takes so much extra effort and dedication to just keep it running from day to day. If you want something bad enough you will do whatever it takes too see your dreams materialize
- Surrounding yourself with positive people who have a similar goal in mind for the clothing company. This is a very big deal when those hard days hit and it seems like everything is going wrong having people who believe in a common goal will get your company back on track
- Walking into stores and not setting appointments before hand. Buyers hate that! It’s very unprofessional. Buyers want you on their schedule and because your a new company, plus you want their business they have the upper hand
- Not setting goals for your company. This is a terrible mistake, because in order to grow/build a company you must know what your working toward. Its like your blueprint to success
- Creating a online presence for your clothing line. Without a website your missing out on reaching an audience that you probably couldn’t sell too as a start up clothing company, because most of your accounts will probably be local. I know you don’t want to miss out on a potential sell?
- Limiting your knowledge and potential by not asking experienced professionals for information, or not performing an act, because you have too much pride. When starting a business there will be plenty of days when you do stuff that you normally wouldn’t want to. You are just limiting your chance of building up to a great opportunity by being hard headed thinking inside the box instead of out.
I will add more at a later time as they come to mind.
Whoever leaves the first five comments (describing a mistake in detail) will also receive a free copy of a Ceo Audio of your choice. It’s the least I could do. 
Let’s try and make it a 1,000 mistakes post!
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Fred
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April 4th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
I think I made the mistake of trying to look too professional at first. Let me explain I started my business and spent unneccesary money on acquiring an office for my clothing line. When in fact I could’ve just worked out of my home and setup for free in a spare room. So thats 100’s of dollars a month that I could’ve put toward promoting with flyers, or design work or any other business related task.
April 4th, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Not figuring out a target market was a mistake we’ve gone through (and are still going through, kind of). It makes advertising pretty hard!
April 4th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Thanks Joe…make sure and let your readers know about what we have going on over here…I’m pretty sure a lot of them are t-shirt companies or what not and have experiences to share.
thanks for reading
April 4th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
my name is tony and one of the biggest mistakes that i made first time out was over pricing. I really didn’t understand how the whole pricing for wholesalers worked and i almost lost one of my first accounts. luckily i was on the web and i came across a great site (dobizo.com) and i had a quick lesson on how to price my line of shirts to make it appealing to the retail buyer and also appealing to the consumer. and i thank god to this day that i was able to save this account. this store was one of the stores i shopped at as a customer and now i also sell to and i can’t thank them enough for the support. a piece of advice get out there and get to know the people that you are wholesaling to these people will give you endless support if you show them that you are serious and you have pride and dedication on your line. and you are not just a bunch of friends trying to sell some t-shirts.
April 5th, 2007 at 6:35 am
Not ordering enough samples…Without enough samples, you can’t hire sales reps. If they don’t have any product to show, you’re out of luck til next time….now i know better!
April 5th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Creating samples for tjhe clothing line and meeting with buyers for a huge retail store. Unfortunately, the buyer inquired if we had ever visited their store, walked around, and seen what type of clothing they sell. We lied and said that we had. Suffice it to say, we never got an order from that store…but that doesn’t mean we ever will.
April 5th, 2007 at 9:52 am
Thanks for all the mistakes keep them coming and let others know about it…so they can post..I will posting more myself today!
fred
April 5th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Hyping up your line while not prepared to deliver yet. It’s worse to have somebody actually interested in your stuff with money ready when all you did was finish the design because not only did you lose a customer but you lost some of your reputation
April 5th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
A huge mistake many labels make (and are making): Don’t model your brand after another brand! Simply put, don’t copy someone elses niche. Carve out your own niche! It’s very easy to fall into because we often get inspiration from others, but inspiration is not imation. Stay true to yourself and do what you love!
April 5th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
good one 2fresh 2clean…I was going to post that one also…like don’t follow the leader, because you see so many lines copying whats selling as far as a brands aesthetic and design…so many lines want to be in lrg clothing position right now…you can’t follow the leader by the time you catch up….the trend will have died!
April 5th, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Here is a rule I personally follow. Walk into Against All Odds (or any other urban/street clothing store) and take a good look around, and anything you see in there, DON’T DO OR COPY!!! I seriously do this on a regular basis.
April 6th, 2007 at 2:02 am
Another mistake is starting late in the season. That can mess up your sales. u gotta come out with ish the same time or right before everyone elses line is coming out.
April 6th, 2007 at 7:26 am
You are most definitely right Jordans, because you can miss out on potential salesfloor time and buyers also have budget for every season and the later you go into production the less likely a buyer will have money left over for a new clothing brand.
April 6th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
I believe the # 1 mistake is procrastination don’t just talk about doing something, get out and do it. I’ve heard something recently that got me more motivated which was one of the most precious and plentiful places on this earth is a cemetary and this is because they are filled with millions of great minds who let great ideas go to waste instead of acting on them. We’ve all got to go but don’t let those great ideas go with you. Get out there and make things happen.
April 6th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I don’t know how I found this website but I thank god I did. Like most of our readers I am an up and coming designer. It is very hard for me right now because although I know that I am very talented, I feel that I do need a mentor. I took a long hiatus from designing in 04 after my plans for a line extension. I could have sworn that the deal was going to go through after various meeting with Tony and Shaka. Finally, Lando Felix stated that he loved my ideas but if the company wasn’t broke why fix it. ( my ideas were a little different) So, after my broken heart I quit altogether. BUT I BACK! And I really do thank you for your creation of this great blog. It is energizing.
April 6th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
all i have to say is thank the lord for myspace cuz thats how i found this site
April 6th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
I’m still learning about everything and havent started on any actual “business” per se, but from what i’ve learned I guess you can say I’m an over-achiever. I wanted to hand print shirts myself, while designing the site, while doing all the work for promotion, while shipping out the orders. I think sometimes its alright to say that you can’t do it all. I mean if you feel like you can, by all means, but I think it will show up in your work. If that made any sense. =)
April 7th, 2007 at 7:49 am
one thing to is to get the business side right. everyone in thier own way is talented and we all have a certain flavor to bring to the table but make sure you have the business side tight. that is one thing that can make or break your business. and it makes it a whole lot easier to get things done when you are legit. there is money everywhere ready and waiting to be thrown into your business and if you have your business side right it’s all down hill from there. one piece of advice try to do it yourself as far as incorporation, licenses and so forth. (you can save alot of money)
April 7th, 2007 at 8:54 am
Thinking people are going to imvest in your clothing line is a fallacy . Not going to happen. You might think it’s great and cool and everything, and so they might as well, but showing the money is another thing altogether.
April 7th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
All great input guys…keep them coming and Thom glad to see you back thought you left us…lol.
To everyone who are glad you found dobizo.com I’m definitely glad to have you here and any input that you would like to contribute to the blog as far as post, articles or anything I’m open to all suggestions you can find me at dobizo@dobizo.com…we can all learn from each other.
April 8th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
I’m young and in college, bouncing from one major to the next… I started out in graphic design than I wanted to do fashion design… now I’m enrolled in the radiology program @ a community college… I work @ the hospital as a unit clerk and hate it… I wanted to start a clothing line for so long but things get it the way… My biggest mistake is having the fear of failure… lacking the courage to chase a dream and settling for second… I play it safe but gain little.
April 8th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Hey most are like that at some point …rembrandt…just do it and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Don’t look back ten years from now and wonder what if?…that would be worse than failure to me…at least you can say you tried.
April 9th, 2007 at 8:29 am
HI,
Im new to this clothing group, as we are one of the knitted and woven garments manufacturer and exporter of al kind of knitted and woven garments,we are a leading sourcing company here in south india,
its so nice to gets an outline and more helpful info related to this clothing industry, its great,
im seeking clothing importers/wholesalers to starts the long and solid business transactions
April 9th, 2007 at 8:31 am
if any onw wants to contact me this is my mail id- fashionbayclothing@gmail.com
April 9th, 2007 at 11:24 am
Ok Ceo , but only because you asked…. I just got back from Hong Kong and mainland China to tweek the finishing touches on the sole of our sneaker. (Drops on 08.08.08) I think the biggest mistake that people make in the clothing business is that, they call themselves “clothing and apperal ” companies when they are only screen printing shirts. Those who just screen prints shirts only make custom shirts and that’s it. Clothing designers make cut-n-sew items. The prices were so low at the factories in China that I almost considered getting into clothing myself. Maybe in a few years . My advice to some apperal companies is the old cliche that ” You only have one chance to make a first impression”. So get you money and up and go make so denim , hoodies, and button ups. Its ya boy Hussel Premium signin off
-what ever your Hussel, keep it Premium”
-Hussel Premium
http://www.myspace.com/husselpremium
June 21st, 2007 at 10:17 am
[…] Top 100 Mistakes Clothing Lines Make […]
July 4th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I would like to thank everyone,cause man, im gonna need all that information and more.
July 16th, 2007 at 11:48 am
hi there everybody…im just 22 years old and im realy into fashion design.I love clothing and some other stuff and likes to look glamorous all the time. Before I wasnt reli thinking about getting into fashion designing worlds.I used to won few beauty pageant compitetion and dream to be a model but im not that tall,at the age of 20 in into the music world and had a band as a lead singer/vocalist so then i dream to be a singer but the competition is too tuff at the music industry..it started when my husband bought me this cheap junk sawing machine and when i tried it, i made my own design without any patterns. i just do it whats in my mind and it did reli works and look awesome! SInce then I open my mind into fashion world. So now i made few dresses but copied from other branded clothes..next month i will enroll to take a class in fashion design.Im planning to open my botique and build this dream and i will make it,,ill do it…ill do it…and ill do it….No one can ceased me….
July 24th, 2007 at 7:41 am
Hi everyone!my name is gata writting from tanzania ,east of africa,one mistake i did is i spent a lot of money in designing and printing,being proud of my fulfilling my dream i distibuted them for free to friends and celebrities in my country.couldin’t be able to get returns.another mistake is though the promo was succesful couldin’t have enough money to continue with my project,am rite now working hard to have enough fund to retrive the project,CEO hook me up with advices and whatever u hav.
July 24th, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Great comments!!!
Do I have to have formal training (class room environments) in fashion design in order for me to work toward designing my own lines and starting a clothing boutiques business? I have had 2 degrees in a different field altogether, but I am very passionate about clothing design. How difficult it is for me to make it without a formal training in fashion design? Do I even have a slightest chance. What are the things that I should start getting involve with as a starting in fashion designing?
Thanks you so very much everyone, and God Bless!
July 31st, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Hey Everybody, I just stumbled across this blog and i’m not mad at that at all. I’m in the middle of starting a clothing company and I’m happy to see so many other people out there pushing to make there own dreams happen. So far the stories and lessons people talked about on here come close to home. I’m still working out the bugs of my company as well. I hope to more of you all in the near future.
September 16th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
[…] finding manufacturers to getting celebrities to wear the clothes you designed. My favorite post is Top 100 mistakes clothing lines make. All in all, it’s like Problogger for young designers. Definitely worth […]
September 16th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Awesome list. Some great info there. Although I would have liked to see a few clothing networking sites that you were talking about
September 29th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
i really enjoy creating prototypes off dresses ond other clother and i want to sell them i just don’t want to own a company. I’d rather work for someone creating clothes, and yet i don’t want to go to a design school to do this because i find it kills my ambition. I know how to make clothes and i know what i like to make i don’t need a high price school to tell me how to be good at it.. any advise?
October 4th, 2007 at 6:53 pm
Wow!! half of all I’ve read on here pertains to me. I found this site a while back and bookmarked it… i was going through my bookmarks, and I’m mad i didn’t pay much attention @ first. I think this site is about 2 b my new religion.
In any case, i just started my clothing line 2 fill what i think is a void in the market but i made the mistake of giving out promo items to friends for free and now i don’t have any money to continue
I plan on reading everything on here though and taking any advice i can find.
Keep up the good work!!!
October 4th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
I’m glad you are enjoying the website so far Nii and decided to return. You should definitely read the article the Top 5 Ways To Sabotage Your Clothing line and 10 reasons you will never be successful. Both are really great in my opinion….well I wrote them lol
October 9th, 2007 at 9:46 am
i am 17 yrs old and i am dedicated to the wrld of design n couture fashion…. im more than driven n devoted n i kno alot for a person of such age… i am blinded by the business and i have no idea on wat my first move should b… im pretty confused and in need of help…. fashion is lookd to b my ne found religion… all i need is feedback on my many questins thnks!
October 9th, 2007 at 9:52 am
That is why I have the Dobizo Answers page..you can ask any question you want.
October 11th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
where can i get the trends of 2009
October 11th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
thanks for all the awsome info
October 14th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
[…] Your Apparel Business Fashion Industry Harsh Criticism Lesson 2: Leave Your Feelings At Home Top 100 Mistakes Clothing Lines Make My First Order Ever Which I Processed With No-Money Upfront! Where To Start? Online, Retail, or […]
October 23rd, 2007 at 2:34 am
Thank God i found you.I am an upcoming designer in Kenya,East Africa.And i have been having Questions that today ive gotten answers.Thankyou for the inspiration.An deverybody else where who is struggling like me ,may we find the right path.
Thanx.1
November 12th, 2007 at 7:26 am
i am working on starting a small scale clothing line and ill be glad if you can put me through..
November 20th, 2007 at 8:23 am
There’s some great comments on here varying from the positive to the downright negative. Don’t believe everything you read peopes view points differ and you’re always going to get someone who’s had a bad day before posting on the site. However here’s my tip for all you guys out there,before you get anyone to do any work on your behalf get it all down on paper,costs,timelines and what you expect in the way of results.There are way too many people out there who will bill you for their time without producing very much.Written agreements will save you a lot of time wrangling in the future believe me!! Don’t stop believing and even when it gets tough never ever give up! Good luck to you all
November 27th, 2007 at 11:54 am
All the info here is very very helpful… Like Matt says, take what the advuce you need and leave the rest cos everyone has different opinions. I will definitely vist the site more often.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:56 am
All the info here is very very helpful… Like Matt says, take what the advuce you need and leave the rest cos everyone has different opinions. I will definitely vist the site more often.
December 5th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
This is really great, I agree the fear of failure could be sometimes greater that failure itself. Dobizo is really a wonderful blog.
December 16th, 2007 at 12:54 am
I WAS WONDERING IF ITS A GOOD IDEA TO START WITH 2 OR THE DESIGNS FOR T SHIRTS AND GET MY DESINGS READY FOR SPRING AND SUMMER OF 09 WHILE THE T SHIRTSHELP GET MY NAME OUT THERE. IM NOT A DESIGNER BUT IM A GOOD BUSINESS MAN WITH A LOVE FOR FASHION. I MEAN I HAVE IDEAS IN MY HEADBUT I CANT DRAW. PLEASE GET BACK TO ME. I HAVE 1 MILLION QUESTIONS!
December 16th, 2007 at 12:56 am
IS IT COMMON FOR BUSINESS OWNERS TO HIRE DESIGNERS FOR THEY CLOTHES? WERE CAN YOU FIND GRANTS FOR YOUR CLOTHES?
December 24th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
a Laron it seems like me an u are in the same boat, maybe we partner up and get somethin started. 2heads r better than 1 ,hit me up dwilson3395@yahoo.com
January 4th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Well, I guess i don’t have to write anything else. Everything is in here already.. Great post!
Keep up the great job :))) God bless!
Regards,
Stefanie
January 15th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Sup, Starting a clothing line in the Miami area of florida, im looking for like minded individuals willing to put in their efforts to gain the pay off. I will be opening stores this fall. if interested contact me clarderight@yahoo.com serious inquiries only.
January 20th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
im in the process to starting my own clothing line and very pleased to find this site
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
great comments guys. i wish i had this site when i started. i kind of lucked out by designing my line around my style, what i wanted to wear. it will be more fun for you that way.
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:12 am
oh just thot of a dont or do whatever. the biggest mistake you can make is by skipping the development and sample stage. and heading right to production. i see alot of start-ups kind of giving in to the ways of printers here (usa). that have minimumss and the end result is you get maxxed out on mistakes. i was lucky enough to find some printers that would do sets of 12. so shirt by shirt i would sent my tees to the printers. i would get them back wash/distress them(if need be) and sell all but 2. not at crazy prices but enough to cover the price of all 12. the end result would be a flippin cycle i got into that allowed me to produce samples for free. when i had a few samples i went out and sold. all the while continuing to develop and sample. so dont skip the development/sampling stages
January 25th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
I’m a first year college student majoring in animal science and business. Ever since highschool I’ve dreamed of starting my own clothing line. Nothing big at first just something something small that I feel I can eventually grow into an elaborate business. Unfortunately i’m not the best drawer and that many might say is three strikes against me. However i am very creative and feel that maybe by enlisting people who can help me where i lack in skill, i can still be successful. I’m just too determined to let one minor setback hinder me from all the wonderful unprinted ideas i have stored in this big head of mine. Your website and advice have been wonderful and i believe if i put my mind to it i can achieve it and my dream can become reality.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
My partners and I were wondering what the stance on using fonts on shirts is… If I were to find a font that I like and it’s free, could I use it on our clothing line or would it be copyright infringement?
January 29th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I am really glad that I found this site. I am a college freshman and fashion merchandising major. I’m most definitely not feeling the whole college thing. I’m tired of school, I do realize that I dont have to have a degree to start a line. So right now I am in the reasearch phase for my business plan. I am not a designer, but I am looking for designing partners. Any takers? This will be a streetwear brand. If you would like to know more you can contact me at tmurray89@sbcglobal.net.
February 1st, 2008 at 8:47 am
Am really glad i found this blog…am just starting a custom made clothing company in East Africa and was finding it so hard to figure out which manufacturer to use…..and so many other stuff. This blog is the most helpful ever!!!!!!
February 3rd, 2008 at 10:25 am
Very interesting site i definately will be popping in again , keep up the good work guys!!!
February 3rd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Great website!!
February 6th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Great website, excellent advice!
February 11th, 2008 at 2:24 am
Like many others I have found this site to be very resourceful. I have a lot of the same problems as a lot of you. I have a lo of talent that will help me to be successful in this industry but the fear of not being prosperous is whats holding me back. I am currently in my research phase of this whole process and my advice to anyone who is reading this is to give it your all, find out as much as you can about the market and your potential customers, look at other product but DO NOT COPY THEM, they are your competition so see what it is that is about their product that is making the customer want to buy it and try your best to provide a better product but in your own unique way. Have a plan, samples of your product, a professional and productive attitude. Find the best deals on what ever you may need whether it be for a t-shirt company or a denim line and maintain good and healthy relationships with the people you do business with and remember that you cant do everything on your own you need help. GOOD LUCK to my future competition because my fear is going out the back window!!!!(I’ve learned a lot so if there is anything that you may not be able to find an answer to write me and maybe we could find out together(dont have a site for my line yet but try me on my myspace page)
February 25th, 2008 at 8:15 am
I never realised how many others want to start thier own line also. I started mine a few months back and am so far too chicken to go forth to any buyers. If anyone wants to take a look at what Ive started and get involved, let me know. http://www.myspace.com/laurengunit and either message me or email me at laurengolio@yahoo.com
February 26th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I am an up and coming designer. I currenty have a boutique but haven’t launched my first line yet. I have alot of advise to offer pertaining to the business aspect. First copyright your design/logo yourself (regis. as visual art) using the site http://www.copyright.gov (cost about $45 and about 6months appox.). Second try to do your own business registration by forming a LTD,LLC,LLP etc.. to save money using your state website. EX. http://www.nj.gov/treasury/revenue/gettingregistered.htm (cost me $125). Third find a location you can work out of for little to no funds.ex. Extra room in parents house, garage, commercial sublet in your city(vacant space over another store or business building is ideal to start!! Caution!!!! STAY AWAY FROM LEASES they lock you into payment for 1-2yr time periods ask for a month to month agreement!! (Leaves space for exit/relocation strategy). Fourth learn to sew (its not that hard and guys your not a sissy because you do) or find a friend who can help you (usually harder because you have little help to offer your friend for their clothing line. Fifth COLLABORATE!!!!, find other designers(dobizo.com hint hint!!). And my final #… Six. Start buying from other up and comers. Major labels don’t support you so why make the MORE RICH!!. Better to support your own and build your network/contacts which will BENEFIT you and others of your kind. Much love to dobizo.com for this wonderful site. Fellow UP-N-COMERS contact me at yourfavdesigner@yahoo.com and see you on top!!!!
February 27th, 2008 at 1:17 am
These 3 things I learned very quickly when I started to meet with Boutique Owners.
1. Make sure they are excited to have you call on the. Appointment is a must.
2. Never seek a customer’s business before earning the customer’s trust.
3. Demonstrate appreciation for the opportunity to earn their business.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:58 am
I wanna start a clothing line up so so bad. To tell you the truth I don’t know where to begin. I don’t know if I wanna try doing it alone or with a partner…… All I know is that I want this so bad that I cant sleep at night. I’ll be 24 less then 3 months. I told myself that I want to be known by my 26 birthday. With the rate I’m going it will never happen!!! Two heads is better then 1. Email me @ havefaith_1@yahoo.com if you have any advice for me.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
havefaith_1@yahoo.com
February 27th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
what if u want your line to exclusive like BE BE? they dont sell ther close to vendors. i was lookin on the line of that for my womens line.. can you tell me what you think? thanx peeps..
February 27th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
WOW…I am also starting my line. I am in South Florida, and its great to see so many of you following your dreams. It is true that money, dedication, and business insight is really important when starting up. I do recommend doing all the licensing, incorporating etc..on your own, as you will save money. Try and be a savvy as you can when it comes to the business aspect, I am telling you its even more important than the actual designing. We all know we are talented and have a passion for what we do, but the ultimate goal is to sell and make money right? Unless, you have a partner that will take care of the business side, just research as much as you can. Learn how to sell yourself.
BTW- Lauren I took a look at your line on your myspace, and it looks good. I would create a look book and go for it!! Do your market research and find the stores that sell to your target market. =)
February 27th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Oh..and don’t forget Project Runway tonight!! Season Finale part 1, so excited!
February 28th, 2008 at 12:50 am
SO CHIC- thanks for your advice and looking at my stuff. I did live in New York and just moved to Dallas, Texas a month ago. My dresses are selling, but not as fast as I would like them to. Hows your line doing? After watching project runway tonight it stressed me out that Cristian is so young and ahead of the game. When’s casting for next season? Did it already start?
February 28th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Hey Lauren,
No prob, and it may not be selling as fast as you want, but you are at least getting your name out there. As far as my line goes, I have the company set up, and now I am researching stores in the major cities and designing the collection. I am planning for a Spring 09 line, hopefully. I am going to start out with 5-9 pieces, so that I can get the feel, and not over do it in the beginning.
I dont know when the next casting is, but everyone wants me to at least try out.. so well see. I know here in Miami the castings have been held between March and May, but they usually post it on the bravo website, and I havent seen anything up yet. From the beginning of the show I knew that those 3 would be the final 3. They are the best out of the group, and I like all of them. Christian is a real diva, and very talented, and so young. Anyone of them deserve to win.
March 1st, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I’m in the process of starting a t-shirt/clothing company. I’m designing t-shirts with my logo to brand my company. In the near future hopefully from my t-shirts sells and branding efforts start a clothing company. I need advice on getting my t-shirts in local stores and on the streets.
March 2nd, 2008 at 3:11 am
I guess the biggest mistake I made when I first started, I made a few haha, was ordering too much stock. I overestimated how much I would sell with my second line. I did really well my first one, so I was a little bit over confident with my second line. What I learned from the lesson was 2 things. First that it is best to do most of my orders through retail stores. That way I know that most of my stock will be sold before I manufacture it. The second thing I learnt was to set my personal and online sales predictions by how much I sold previously. If someone sold really well in a previous season, don’t over do it, set a 10-20% increase, then if the orders keep coming in, you can always order more.
March 3rd, 2008 at 4:57 am
POSITIONING YOUR BUSINESS AND PLANNING YOUR BUSINESS
Trout and Reiss wrote THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK ON MARKETING EVER WRITTEN titled POSITIONING: The Battle For Your Mind you can buy it from Amazon for $12.00 and it will teach you a lot about how to POSITION your product in the market and how to STAND FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL.
You need to determine what arena you want to play in, what price point, what quality level, what taste level, in what stores will your customers be shopping. Then go to some of those stores and look at prices, quality and fashion…………this is the standard you have to beat! YOU HAVE TO OUT SELL THOSE COMPANIES SELLING YOUR TARGETED CUSTOMERS.
In the beginning———–if you believe your product is hotter and better, maybe you have to put in 4 styles 8 pieces each, 32 pieces over a long weekend F-Sa-Su and see how many pieces you sell. 3 or 4 okay——6 good, very good,——-20————the store will be paying you for the peices you left them and aksing when they can get another 40 pieces in those styles that sold well. That’s how you open a new account when your product is right!
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:05 am
Great posting, thank you very much!!! I think I shiould read more of the older stories on these blog
March 3rd, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Ps… is there a website I can go to that offers a contact list for manufacturers? The textile industry in Oz all but died in the 70’s so I need to have my items produced overseas and don’t know where to being looking.. help!
March 3rd, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Hi guys, i’m just starting out in Australia and have no idea what i’m doing! I’ve noticed that most of the posts relate to streetwear and t shirts and, given my novice status, I’m not sure if that makes the advice a little different from my own goals. I design evening gowns and cocktail dresses mostly - which makes each pattern/sample cost a couple of hundred just to have made. The recommendations that new designers should have enough stock on hand to ensure turnover kind of leaves me looking blankfaced and stunned as the thought of tens of thousands of dollars in stock that may not sell makes me nauseous! Can anyone tell me if the norms differ for my position at all or do i just need to suck it up and invest through the nose?
March 4th, 2008 at 1:16 am
Kat I think you should focus on less pieces which are strong and memorable. Saturate the market with your product and it will not be appreciated, which will kill any long term goals for your brand. Aim at reaching people who can make your brand “The Talk”. The biproduct being a lot of request. Then serve those request with decretion(Choose who wears you beautiful gowns). Show that your brand means more to you than money sometimes. REMEMBER dont stretch yourself thin keep some substance to your brand!!
March 4th, 2008 at 11:12 am
[…] and Angela Simmons Pastry Shoes CollectionTop 100 mistakes clothing lines make! A must read Updated! More Mistakes AddedWhat Is The Business You Are In? Making Retailers Money- Key to Building a Sustainable Clothing […]
March 4th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Thanks for that mate, I’ll be able to sleep now! Keeping production limited was kind of what my common sense was telling me, but when you’re a dreamer common sense can blend in with everything else in your head, making it very hard to identify! :P. Do you have any recommendations on production? At the moment I’m having the patterns and samples made by a dressmaker but it will cost a mint to have her make each gown and probably sink me before I set sail. Are there any websites that list companies I can contact about manufacturing my clothes?
March 5th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Testing comments!
March 5th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
ARE YOU NEW TO THIS SITE? Well get comfortable, because this will not be your last visit. I’m a fashion school drop out. Always blamed my failure on NO MONEY!!!!!
NOW I plan on going ALL the way with my long lost dream of having my own clothing line.
I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on going to seminars, “How to start your own clothing line” (etc.) I come out broke and learning exactly what I already know. My suggestion to those who have plenty of questions. Write them down, and eventually you will come across your answer at Dobizo. If you can’t find your answer, ASK! Best part is, it’s FREE!
THANKS guys for your input and saving me some moneY!
Thank you!
March 5th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Kat:
Every business is different. What is expected of a jean maker or t-shirt maker is not what is expected of a gown maker.
Here are my recommendations:
Line should consist of 5 gowns. Two are solid classic items your two SIGNATURE pieces that are reorderable…maybe you stock these two items each offered in 2 or 3 colors. Maybe you have fabric in stock and you offer these styles with 30-40 day delivery.
the 3 other styles, the more novelty styles you sell 120 days before delivery and you accumulate orders for 60 days and then you buy just the fabrics and trims you need to cover the units you sold and then you put those pieces into work.
You try to continue your signature pieces season after season, only dropping some colors and adding other colors.
I presume there is gown making in Australia. If Australia is like America, they have the country the garment is made inside the garment. Shop some stores and see where the gowns are coming from. China is too difficult to do starting in business for proably 50 different reasons.
The gown business is a very difficult business to start as it probably requires the most capital of any type of apparel business. It has the most comlicated manufacturing requirements and the most delicate fabric and trim requirements. So this is a challenging business.
I recommend you work hard on sourcing starting with fabric and trim sourcing. You have to find who has in stock fabrics in Australia that you can use for your gowns. Youneed people who stock finished fabric or greige fabric that can be dyed in small quantities for small companies. There has to be other small and start-up gown companies in Australia. Your business will depend on finding these resources In Australia……….
Fabric
Trims
Pattern Maker
Sample Sewer
Factory (factory may make samples for you)
Of course as you know, fitting is critical in gowns. Drape and fit is everything. So the pattern maker you use must understand gown fit.
Starting with a dress maker is very common but expensive. Once you have a direction you should move forward. For many designer/entrepreneurs they want to design, but success in business is about bringing all the elements needed together in a harmonious and effective manner.
For gowns sourcing locally is everything.
Secondly money is important. Your product is expensive and if you maintain even a small inventory of fabircs and a few gowns, you could have real money tied up in inventory. It is not a business you can start on a shoe string.
As for a resource that can help you here is the best resource on the planet for things textile. Apparel search. This address will bring you to the Australia section of their resource listings.
http://www.apparelsearch.com/World_Clothing_Industry/Australia/australia.htm
http://www.tex.in/fabric/fabric.html one of a number of global resources for everything garment related
http://www.tfia.com.au/ Australia’s fabric and fashion association–resource for everything.
http://www.ggcreations.com.au/tafta/ Source for Textile Magazine published in Australia a resource for leads to fabric resources
Good luck.
Billy
March 6th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Kat: Well I faced a similar problem with how I would manufacture recently. After much frustration with manufacturer prices I decided to get better and sew my own garments. What I suggest you do is purchase a dressform with a book on draping techniques. With these two fundamentals you can practice as well as produce your own samples that you can sell( just take your time!!!). In America fabric is not extremely expensive ex. $3-$10/yard. Dresses require no more than 3 yards($9-$30/dress) In Australia prices may vary but example is still the same. In the beginning your designs will consist of template designs from the book. However the selling of these pieces would put money toward the purchase of more fabric and the cycle begins again(thus you are in business!!!!) Remember dont listen to people telling you “you need million”, because intellect with $10 can do more than ignorance with $70. Good Luck!!!!!
March 7th, 2008 at 1:54 am
im goin to start out with t shirts first. maybe 4 styles with different colors.
I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION AND U I NEED YOUR OPINON!
1.WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO COME OUT WITH YOUR FULL LINE? SPRING /SUMMER OR FALL WINTER
2 QUESTION IS SHOULD GET MY CLOTHES IN A FASHION SHOW.? WHAT ARE THE BENEFIT FROM IT?
March 7th, 2008 at 3:41 am
Iaron:
If it is the t-shirt business, Spring/Summer is the larger season. (February through June in the stores) for short sleeve.
Spring lines are launched in August which is the timing required for big companies and companies that import to begin selling merchandise. Major stores (Macy’s, Saks, etc.) buy Spring in August/Sept/Oct and specialty stores buy Europen brands at that time and a few of the big brands that they have a track record with and that cannot turn quickly. But 50% or more of boutique or specialty stores dollars are not spent for Spring until January market. Most stores go to New York or Los Angeles in January and buy for February, March and April delivery. When you begin your business (since you are an unknown commodity) the customer will want to buy it today and get it tomorrow or as soon as possible.
If you make 4 styles each in 2 or 3 colors the question is, can you afford to put some in stock, let’s say 200-300 pieces of each style? And then go out in January offering the merchandise with a next week delivery? This would be the right way to start. But before you commit to the production, you should show the merchandise in Oct or Nov to some retailers to get a reaction to the designs. You want to know you have something they will buy when it is the season. Then with that encouragement, you know you can put it into work in advance and have the ability to get merchandise in the store days after the sale.
I hope this answers your question.
Billy
March 7th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
hey billy thanks for the advise. the only thing is that i want to be exclusive like the BEBE STORE! i only planned on dealin with 3 big stores such macys, bloomingdales, norstroms, other than the i was goin to sell online until i can get my own store. no i cant afford bulk production in those 3 or for styles… do u think i should particapate in a fashion show?
March 7th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
this message is for Billy.. ANSWER YOUR PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL
March 8th, 2008 at 4:13 am
Iaron:
1. You will need money to be able to make the quantities that Macy’s or Bloomingdales will buy and you will have to wait 45 to 60 days to get paid. So you have to finance the merchandise.
2. Dealing with those big stores is very treacherous. They do not give you a “confirmed order”. They give you an order, unsigned by management and then days before the ship date the buyer reviews their outstanding orders with small vendors and if they still want the goods management signs the order. They could push off the order 30 days or 60 days or just cancel the order.
3. Big stores can take deductions off your bill for labeling the cartons wrong, shipping too early or shipping too late or a dozen other things. If you are going to sell these stores you must have someone who knows these stores and how they treat small vendors before you get involved. Nordstrom’s is a little easier. They treat resources better but they don’t buy nationally, they only buy regionally.
4. NO, I do not think fashion shows have value beyond PR (public relations). I think to begin, when you don’t have a lot of capital, the only route is to sell small boutiques. Any time you want, you can stop selling those boutiques and open your own store and become the exclusive source of your merchandise.
5. A store, even a small store needs many styles. As I said, they have to turn every 4 to 6 weeks with new styles coming in so customers keep coming in. This takes serious money. What can you sell through one store? A printer will want what minimums to make screens and print for you? One store will not be able to sell very many pieces.
6. Without big money backing you and without a strategy of what to do with the merchandise that your store can’t eat, you need to start small and give yourself a chance to prove your product has demand and to prove you can reach to the time where you have your own store.
This is my advice.
I am not aware of anybody who started with their own store and their own designs. Not the GAP, not Bebe, not Abercrombie, only when there was big money behind it like Old Navy did they start with their own merchandise. Even The Banana Republic started with other people’s merchandise, they put their labels on other people’s merchandise and started with one store, then two stores, then three and when they had five stores the GAP bought them and buildt100 stores and put their own product in those stores. Diesel, Lucky Jeans, Guess, and I could go on and on first had a wholesale business before they had exclusively their products in a retail store. Guess actually started as a retailer carrying other people’s merchandise and then added their own. The same with the GAP. They were retailers first and their own brand came later.
This is the best I can tell you.
Billy
March 8th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
laron:
Please e-mail me directly at billy@kand.com if you wish to talk.
Billy
March 9th, 2008 at 3:45 am
thanx billy u are awsome man! im a little upset but im still gone go after it. im just going to sell maybe 3 designs online until i can get enough capital to do bigger things. maybe get into a couple of fashion shows just get the name out a little bit and move from there!
March 13th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Hi guys, I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back online - but what a surprise when I did! This is brilliant advice. The first quote for my first cocktail dress is $750- $1000, fabric alone costing $250. certainly not cheap in this neck of the woods! but I’m thinking about doing a business course to learn a lot more about how to run a business. I’m also applying to bridal shops to get some understanding of how the gown business works and hopefully gain a better understanding of dresses per se. Thanks again for all of your advice, it’s coming with me on this little adventure, though I’m sure I’ll be back soon with more questions
March 13th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Kat:
Great!!!
You are going to want to sell your gowns for AT LEAST twice what they cost you. If you are selling a gown for $750.00 to $1000.00 I think fabric, trim, labor - everything should cost somewhere around $250.00 to $350.00. So you are working on 65% profit. Then if you have any gowns in stock you need to get rid of, you can either have a public sale or you can sell them to stores at 50% off wholesale and still be covering some of your expenses beyond raw costs.
HAVE FUN - FOLLOW OUR HEARt AND GOOD FORTUNES.
Billy
March 14th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Hey Fashion06, i’m knew to the website but i would love to chat with you one-on-one to get personal advice from you. I’m young 17-years of age, trying to learn the business, take all the right steps, play out everything carefully so I dont make mistakes and take in as much information as possible. I’m not sure how to send messages or anything on here but yeah, my email address in mangaka_hakim@yahoo.com
March 14th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
WheresMyCouture?? hey wassup I’m 17 years old too. Maybe we can talk and try to learn the industry or something i guess. I’m new to this myself so I’m pretty much clueless or where to begin but my email is mangaka_hakim@yahoo.com
March 17th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
ONE MISTAKE I MADE IN THE PAST WAS SPENDING ALOT OF MONEY ON PRODUCT
WITH NO AVENUE TO SELL THEM. I PAID ALOT OF MONEY FOR ITEMS I COULD HAVE GOT CHEAPER AND WHEN I TRIED TO SELL NO ONE WANTED THEM SO IWAS STUCK WITH THEM.
March 17th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I’m still very new to the fashion biz. I’ve been reading nonstop on the business aspect and am trying to make designs. My biggest problem right now is making good designs for my urban streetwear clothing line.
March 18th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
DOES ANYONE KNOW ABOUT THE CA GARMENT Registration Certificate? It is confusing and not sure if it is required…. the shirts will be purchased from a supplier as a finsihed good and will be relabeled and screen printer…toddler line… Does a CA Garment registration be needed? What else licenses are needed besides the resale permit??
March 18th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I’M GLAD I FOUND THIS SITE LOTS OF USFUL INFO HERE. MISTAKES ARE GOING TO HAPPEN. AND ITS GOLDEN TO HEAR SOME OF THE ONE’S HERE BEFORE I MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE. THANKS FOR HELPING ME STAY ONE STEP AHEAD.
March 18th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
The biggest mistake that I made is not having an actual business plan. Not only could I not attract investors, but it really hurts both the day-to-day operations and the long term outlook of your line. I think its the biggest mistake that most entrepreneurs make.
March 18th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
not spending enough time planning, and thinking you are ready when you are not fully ready
March 20th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Ads and cost of product should be working hand on hand. It should be proportional .
March 21st, 2008 at 10:13 am
One bit of advice for those in the US: Don’t neglect the business side of things. Many a designer has failed due to not knowing how to manage a business. It really isn’t as hard as you might think. Take a look at the Small Business association website at http://www.sba.org/
There’s a ton of info available there to get you rolling. I’ve had a business (in another industry) since 1994 and started a second one a couple years ago for my fashion-related ventures. I’m dabbling in a lot of areas and plan to start small with my clothing. I designed, sewed, and showed an evening gown last September at Boston Fashion Week, which was quite exciting for me, especially since I have little experience with the fashion industry. Heck, my degree is in electrical engineering and I write software in my “day job” while pursuing my fashion interests off hours. The good thing is that the hi-tech job market pays well enough to fund whatever I decide to do in my business.
To Kat from Oz:
You’re having the same problem a lot of small designers are in that there is a distinct lack of manufacturing available for small-scale production. I’m looking to do my production locally in the US, since I won’t have the volume required to deal with overseas manufacturing and it can be quite a hassle. Also, given the weaker US dollar these days, it’s not the cost-saver it once was once you factor in all the shipping and related costs.
Your location closer to Asia might be advantageous, though, since there is a lot of garment production available there. You might try to find a production rep - kind of a middleman that can be an interface between you and the production facility.
Otherwise, you might be able to find some local stitchers who can do some production work for you. There may groups of immigrants who worked as stitchers in some of those factories and who set up small shops to do similar work. The resources Billy posted may have listings for some groups like that.
Another thing is sourcing fabric. The gown I did for my show was made with gorgeous silk that I got from Hong Kong via an online site. The generic chain fabric stores don’t carry the kind of quality I like and the independent shops are too expensive, so I get most of my good stuff online. http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com is one site from which I’ve bought in the past. They aren’t the cheapest you can get, but they’re cheaper than shops. (not sure if they’ll ship to Australia or not).
Good luck!
March 26th, 2008 at 10:37 am
My partner, in business, and I have some great ideas. We are about to embark on a t-shirt line, like no other. What 4-5 pieces of info do I need to know to efficiently start, and keep running, what will become the top line of t-shirts in the world??? Also, how much $$ should I have in a business account to make things run smoothly? Thanks and look forward to your feedback.
March 26th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
wahoo,that was create. i have learned a lot today ,i am so happy to have visited your site ,i have a clothing line in my country called intche jeans it is a ethnic clothing line that ’s fight for unity in diversity ,yes we are different but we are all the same. as the pioneer of street wear in gabon ,i promise to be present in all majors cities of Africa,thanks GOD bless.
March 26th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
TooBigToNot:
1. Know how you are going to sell your product to retailers and/or consumers. Sales is the oxygen on which businesses live. You have to have a solid sales plan that delivers orders consistently.
2. Know who your customers are and get feedback on your product from your customers. (both retailers and consumers) You are in the consumer product business and you have to look for HONEST feedback to KNOW you have a product that will achieve consumer acceptance and sell in the stores you get to buy your merchandise.
3. Have a story. Design is a part of the mosaic that makes for a business. The story, who are you, what do you stand for, why are your designs important, what community do you connect with and how will people FEEL when they buy your story and product is the biggest piece of the mosaic. You need a good story to CONNECT with consumers.
4. Money varies based upon how you approach your business. You should start tight, try to have little to know fixed expenses, use freelance help initially, outsource as much as you can until you have some traction with your product. It could take months and months to get the right product into stores, get stores to reorder and establish yourself as a company that the market responds to. There are litterally thousands of competitors and you don’t want to burn money too fast. Start small, simple and let the market success force your growth.
GOOD FORTUNES…
Billy
March 27th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Billy, Thanks a ton.
Some follow up questions:
Do we talk directly to a department stores sales manager to pitch our products? Does, like Macy’s….have a specific title to the person we see?
Also, should we consider doing surveys that are specific to our product and will help define our customers?
Our vision and energy is solid. This is our dream, we are just going to wake up and live it!!!
TBTN
March 27th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
TooBigToNot:
Department stores have buyers by category, so it depends on what category you are in as to which buyer you need to contact. The easiest way to learn which buyer is for you is to go into a store and ask someone on the floor where you think your merchandise would be displayed if you sold them, “What department is this?” It should have a name and a department number. It won’t be just men’s or junior’s, it will be “designer” or “jean wear” or “main floor knit tops” but it will have some title beyond the gender. Macy’s West buys out of San Francisco and Macy’s East buys out of New York. You could ask if they know the buyers name for this department, sometimes you find the right person who can tell you the buyers name. You can do this in most every major store and get the department name and number. The buyer will expect you to come to them, they only go to major vendors, the rest come to them. Some have a day a month, “open Tuesday” where anybody can come without an appointment and show their merchandise…………it goes quick, but if they are impressed you can get an order. You can see on the web where they are based and that is where the buyer is except for Nordstrom’s and Dillard’s. They buy in several locations throughout the country. tMajor stores are not likely to test and unknown brand. They will want to hear that you are selling well in specialty stores, in boutiques……..”XYZ and ABC and RST have reorder 4 times from us………..our product is hot in those stores” this is what they want to hear, then they will see you and take a look at your line.
Today customers are defined by life styles mostly and price points. There are brands targeted to skateboarders, surfers, 20 somethings/30 somethings that are modern and cutting edge, others are focused on street wear and the street cultures……….so you need to identify who you have a feel for, which customer segment, who will your product best communicate with…………..where does this person shop………..you will see similar products to the kind you want to do in those stores………….so those people and those stores become your targeted market.
If you don’t have a feel for a market then I would say you have a problem. Your designing needs to be market sensitive and appeal to a specific community, specific values of a consumer group. You should read POSITIONING Trout and Reiss and EMOTIONAL BRANDING Marc Gobe……………these two books will explain to you the key elements in developing a product for a market. This is very important and these are 2 great books even though POSITIONING was written a long time ago, it has extremely important marketing concepts that still apply. I think it is a MUST READ for anybody in business!
Once this is clear to you and identified, then you just show product to the sales help in those stores or the owners in those stores (boutiques, not major stores) and they will give you feedback. They will be too nice and too gentle so you have to ask for candor, “what do you really think?” When they LOVE it they will tell you and as a NEW GUY IN THE MARKET or almost in the market, THEY HAVE TO LOVE IT initially because nobody needs another supplier with nice merchandise, they are looking for someone with a FRESH POINT OF VIEW——A NEW SENSABILITY like Monarchy brought to the contemporary market or Ed Hardy brought to the same market or RVCA brought to board sports or The Hundreds brought to streetwear all t-shirt suppliers but all targeting different markets all pursuing a “culture” or a “community”.
You want to be a leader in a market. You want your designs to REDEFINE the look going forward whether that be about fit, graphic design, colors, washing, dying and printing effects and techniques, you want to be MAD FRESH for the market you are aiming for so people say——-WOW this is GREAT!! I like it and it is YOUR LOOK, you are different from what they have in the store…………..not just different graphics, that is easy…………but a different feel…………look………….Ed Hardy made it with tatoo type graphics…………..that is his look……….you need to find yours.
I hope this answers your questions.
GREAT SUCCESS!
Billy
March 28th, 2008 at 3:03 am
You will have two best friends in business: your lawyer and your tax accountant.
Paying these people money, saves you money in the end. The reason they command what seems like such a high price is for keeping up with what you don’t want to such as new tax laws and contract law. Don’t scimp when it comes to legal and accounting fees. Pay a lawyer to incorporate. You may be able to do it on your own for a much smaller price, but it will cost you ten times what it should have when you walk into the lawyers office with a problem with the articles of incorporation that you did up yourself to save a quick buck. If you’re really pressed for cash ask for a “shelf corporation” these are already done up and just litterally sitting on a shelf waiting to be purchased.
in short IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW, PAY A PROFESSIONAL TO DO IT! it saves you time, it saves you money.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Billy, thanks again…love to pick your brain, as I feel it is well worth the time.
So, should our apparel line have (for example) t-shirts and jeans….then wait to drop our other items/products such as accessories? OR should we drop 10’s of thousands into an apparel line that we drop all at once with a web-site, e-bay,…and hope our customers buy, buy, buy….??? Which concept, of the 2, sound better and which way do you feel is actually better? We are doing alot of research and feel we need to strongly understand all aspects of the business, before we actually start anything…thoughts on that?
March 30th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Thanks Fred, I am thinking about starting a clothing line. Your information is somthing we
should have on a big board to look at all the time.
Johanna
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Hello everyone,
My brother and I have brainstorming for the last year and just got the courage to go through with this. Someone on this blog mentioned “don’t expect anyone to invest in you”. I’m a little shaken by that, because we are not just trying to start a clothing line, we are trying to impliment a new line for an existing line (tommy, ann klein, phat farm,etc..) Does anyone think that is not a good way to go?
April 4th, 2008 at 12:06 am
thank God I have discovered this site because i was procrasinating about the idea of starting my own clothing line but now after reading so much of the mistakes and advices given on starting the business and with the help that i know that i can now get i will now seek diligently to make that first step.thank you again.
April 6th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Hello! I am new to this site, which I think is Great! I have a question for billy, you are very knowledgeable, I am trying to get my line started with active wear, although I have tried so many times, your advice and knowledge has really encouraged me! I have a few sample started, but I don’t know where to go from there, it is hard to get my designs into a sports store, or should sell on line, also can you tell me the time lines for my line of clothing.
Thanks!
Lavious 1
April 8th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Hey, im new to this and want to take in as much as i can, im 16 but really want to start a new trend and ive got to start somewhere right?
I mean, this idea only came into my head a week ago and im struggling
But i guess this is the best i can do now.
Also can 1 person make a clothing label BIG by themselves?
Cheers,
April 8th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Im at the beginning of the start of my clothing line should I trademark the logo or should I just copyright, I ask because I’ve heard that copyrighting still isn;t fully protecting your work….What should I do???
April 9th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
http://www.uspto.gov/
It is best to search for your mark and register your name and mark even though it is not a guarantee. Copyright and Trademark law is modeled after British common law which says that FIRST USE AND CONTINUED USE determines ownership. So if someone used the name or mark before you on similar products and is still using that mark at the time you begin using that mark or name, they have rights to that mark or name. But to minimize the risks, it is smart to do a search and to register your trademark. It is not a guarantee, but it will help to reduce your risks of duplication or theft.
April 9th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I’ve been searching my mark and name for a while now, I wanted to know wich would be better to protect my work the copyright or the trademark?? and another qustion if someone has the same name or similar but are selling different products than u are, would that be something tO WORRY about ?? OR SHOULD i JUST CHANGE IT TO SOMETHING ELSE??? THANKS FOR THE HELP !!!!
April 9th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Ivfresh913:
There have been a number of cases where the brand was registered for some apparel but in time as it became well known the court protected it for all apparel and even fragrances. The rule is “will the consumer be confused” by the use of the name by some other party thinking it is from the already established name. As brands in fashion have broaden their product offerings more and more, the courts have protected names more and more even if they were not listed as registered in that particular item. If the name were in window cleaner or shoe polish, it would most likely not be a problem as your products and those are not related, thus unlikely for there to be confusion. If you have a name that is already in the market you can often add a word to that name to distinguish it from the brand already in the market avoiding “confusion” and separating your brand from the existing brand. This is done quite often when people find the name they want is in use. When you say, “protect my work” if you mean your designs, unless they are graphic designs you will have a very difficult time protecting them. Body designs, garment shapes, stitching, cannot be copy protected.
I trust this answers your questions.
You are welcome.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Some of the many things i have learned…
Start-up
1 - If you dont own the TRADE MARK of your brand you own nothing… Its happened to me with fashion business version 1 i was shut down… I own the Trade Mark now.
2 - Own the domain name in a .com… I own http://www.xyz.com even though there is nothing up as yet crucially important…
3 - Niche - Focus in on a Niche… I have mine which is huge…
4 - Demographics know the demographics of your Niche… even better belong to the niche this way you have insights other can not have unless they belong to the niche… Think Quicksilver and RipCurl or even snowboarding brands…
5 - Outsource as much as you possibly can afford…
6 - Trust no-one with your creative ideas… There is many people with more money than you can make your ideas redundent…
7 - Build an amazing team around yourself…
8 - Think above the box in design, technology and production…
9 - Case Study amazing business which have a similar product…
10 - Ask questions to everyone…
11 - Participate and share you knowledge with people that share hence participation my this blog…
12 - Plan what your are doing so you can plan your finances… You are in business to make money after all and do what you love…
13 - Follow your instincts with people and deals… you know when you know… if you dont know its a no… The best deals you do are the ones you walk away from…
14 - Select the boutiques you go in… You have the right to say no… (I think not sure about the legalities)
15 - Research everyone and everything you be surprised the scammers you can bust i have been approched by many… do a google search on them…
16 - Anything anyone agrees too can be put in writing and should be without it means nothing… If they have a problem with putting it in writting alarm bells should go off… It doesnt matter how good the deal seems…
17 - You can teach skills you cant teach loyalty… value those who are loyal and reward them accordingly…
18 - Cut your losses fast in people and deals… Losses can be like cancer they will eat you from the inside and your energy… sometimes its better to pay for people to go away rather than face the ultimate drain being court…
19 - Get your product out there and see what happens… Remember “He/She Who Dares Wins”… “Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained”
20 - Love the game and get in the game… Play… worse case scenario if things dont go your way you can always get a job they have been around for centuries and always will be… Imagine what will happen if you play and win…
Biggest Single Regret & Learning Lesson ever i didnt start playing sooner… Age is no barrier if your young or old… its just a perception good design with a good business model = success irrelevant of color, education, religious background, weight, height, type of car you drive, where you live, how old your computer is, age and any other excuse you can think of such as what you had for lunch… you know and i know the excuses you use… hell i used a lot of them myself…
I have many more but that is it for now…
Thanks for a great blog…
MaxNYC
April 10th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Max
Great advice!!
April 10th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
On protecting my work i was talking about the graphic designs and logo that I have created for my T-Shirt line, which I can expand into forming into a full clothingline,but taking my time on it…I really appreciate the knowledge that you pass on to others wanting to see everyone suceed….Im going to be needing alot more info in the time to come……..
April 11th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Setting up a LLC…what is the costs, and what am I paying for (or should be paying for)when setting up my LLC??? I have a lawyer that says it will cost around $2000 to set u