First curveball in the Spring ‘08 season schedule!
May 16th, 2007
I’m happy that I’m miraculously starting the planning for the Spring ‘08 season relatively early - because we’ve just been thrown our first curve ball.
I have a very focused vision and the fabrics I need to make this vision happen have a longer-than-usual lead time because they are knit-to-order. I’m SO happy that the rep took the initiative to follow-up and call me back, and that she just happened to mention that because I have to get on the ball now. I have to narrow the selection down, make sure the finishing process I want to do is going to work and then get the sample fabrics ordered.
On the plus side of the whole knit-to-order side is that it enables me to make this a ‘forever’ baby line for us - I know the fabrics will always be available. As long as I’m prepared for the lead-time.
On the negative side, it means that I have to plan for orders well because if I have a 4 - 6 week lead time to get the fabrics, and a 4 - 6 week lead time to get the items cut & sewn, then I’m at least 8 weeks out from product-in-hand at any given time. So, I already have to adjust the “order sample fabrics” milestone on my project schedule.
And yet, I don’t want to over-order just because I think this is a brilliant idea. That’s why, the sales for this first round will be traditional - show the salesman samples, take orders, order the fabric (based on actual sales), and then place the production order. Once the collection is rolling, I visualize a contanst flux of production. Visualization followed by action makes dreams turn into reality.
Entry Filed under: Design Project Schedules, Sourcing
2 Comments Add your own
1. Kerry | May 17th, 2007 at 11:11 am
I just wanted to thank you for doing this. I am considering starting up a line of high-end baby and toddler quilts and find your site AMAZING! You are so generous with your time and information! After reading some of your posts, I feel like I have a better handle on what I may be getting myself into.Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
-Kerry
2. amber | June 2nd, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Oh my gosh, - No Problem. You would not believe how much of a therapeutic part of my day it is. And I hated being on my own, with any insight into the reality.
And by reality, I mean something beyond the business how-tos and into all the real day-to-day experiences. So here I am, treading the best I can, and just trying to share as much as I can.
I believe that if we all help each other we can all be a greater success and have a greater impact on our little world - for the future of our children.
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