Ok, here we go ’round the mulberry bush. New regulations, new regulations, new regulations, we…all…fall…down. No, not really, but this stuff will make your head spin and that being the case, I’m not writing any advice about this - except for this one part:
**You must now issue a certificate of conformity with all of your shipments**
That should raise enough questions in your head. Start at fashion-incubator.com and keep your eyes there. I saw her sending out a request for more info from experts, so if we’re lucky, she’ll be posting even more information soon. Here’s the post to start on:
New product safety regulations that affect all manufacturers (fashion-incubator)
This is all due to the passing of the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act.
Here’s the link to the Consumer Product Safety Commission page that deals with this topic.
Make sure you do your research on this one and that you have all your bases covered. Also note that there are extra special regulations for manufacturer’s of children’s products.
November 12th, 2008
I’m actually going to attempt to answer some questions that I get over and over from people who are ready to sell to their first boutique, but are just a little unsure about what to expect. I had these same questions too, because it’s such an unknown - getting that first order.
How many items will a boutique want to order?
It depends. You set your own minimums. I know companies with a $100 minimum for the first order and I know companies with a $750 minimum for the first order. We have minimums but I’m not completely strict about them. To me, the long term relationship is more important. I want to get in the door and get shelf space. If being a little lenient with our terms is the way to convince a popular boutique to take on a new brand, then I’m ok with it.
I’m also ok with it because I know our stuff sells really really well once it’s on the shelves. This means re-orders and on-going shelf space. A long term relationship is what you want, so make sure you deliver on what you say you will and do what you can to get in the door!
What do I need to have with me when I go to the appointment?
Samples, samples, samples! You also need line sheets, price lists, and order forms. If you have marketing materials to show, that’s a bonus and can only help. Be prepared to talk about what boutiques carry your line - and yes, I mean be prepared to talk about this at your first appointment because it is true you will get asked. If you’re trying to get your first sale, don’t shy away from this question - swing it towards what marketing you are doing and consider how you’re going to get a piece of that shelf space.
Would it make sense to offer consignment to the first boutique? Of course - shows confidence and gives you a better answer to the “who carries your line” question when you’re at your second boutique appointment. Generally, buyers are looking for commitment to your product and a commitment to marketing your product. They like to hear other stores are carrying your line, but also like to hear that those stores aren’t in too close of proximity to their store.
What are line sheets?
Line sheets give the buyers a visual of your line. They include a technical sketch of your garments and the garment specifications - sizes, styles, and colors (prints) available. I’ve seen a lot of different variations of line sheets, but you’ll be fine if you think of setting it up in a table format. Make sure you have style numbers.
A price list is a list of prices by style numbers. We keep our prices separate from our line sheets - and it has helped. Our prices have changed, and when they did we didn’t have to re-print all of our full-color line sheets, just the mostly black-n-white price list. I have seen companies put their prices on their line sheets, so, again, it’s your call.
How will a boutique appointment go?
I think I might have mentioned this before, but I finally started prepping a presentation for appointments. I do pretty much get right into showing the samples, but I have a specific order that I show the samples in and more of an introduction to the company and why they just have to have us. I’ve had buyers who want me to set up in a specific area, I’ve had buyers who want to meet at a coffee shop or somewhere offsite, and I’ve had buyers who want me to show them right there at the register so they can work the store. Most importantly, make sure you ask for the order!!
I’m sure there’s more, but I’m tired after a very busy week. Crazy week is probably a better way to put it. Business is actually doing great, our line is still selling for our retailers and is also selling well online. I hope it stays that way! I have watched a few of our retailers go out of business this year, so I’m not trying to pretend by any stretch of the imagination that everything is rosy. But I am trying to focus on the positive things because it does no good to focus on the negative ones. I also hope you all know that just because I share the way I do things in this blog doesn’t mean it’s the only way, or even the right way. It’s just me wading through the madness of keeping our business alive and growing. I didn’t go to business school and I didn’t go to fashion school, real world experience is how I’m learning. But I am learning..oh boy, am I ever learning! Two years in business and still going…
November 7th, 2008
Wow, how is everybody out there doing? I am happy to say I’m doing good, but it’s been a journey to get here. Sorry that I haven’t blogged so much lately. I’ve been on a mental roller-coaster ride, but I think I need to just suck it up and get used to it if I’m going to stay on this entrepreneurial route (and I am! I am! I am!)
The economy is no joke right now, and no laughing matter. So what do you do? Up your game and keep your spirits up while you’re at it. I know that’s easier said that done, but you have to fight for it. When I say up your game, I mean get up a little earlier and make more pitches to the press, commit an extra 30 minutes each day to business calls, and believe in yourself and your dreams and the good you are doing.
Are you in the starting phases of your clothing line? Are you planning on launching for Fall ‘09? Then you need to be in the sourcing and designing phase. Make sure you are getting your suppliers lined up, make sure you are getting your patterns made and tweaked. Your salesman’s samples, order forms, and linesheets need to be done by January. Fall ‘09 sales will run from February to May.
Are you trying to get sales now - maybe, like our graphic onesies and personalized blankets, you have “seasonless” products? Then you need to be making calls, calls, and more calls. Get the decision maker on the phone. One of the biggest things for me was to realize that I can focus on being a good “local” brand before worrying how big we are nationally. Get those face-to-face meetings. Get some sales reps if you feel you’re ready.
Are you considering starting a boutique? Or trying to keep the one you have alive? Look for unique brands that offer good price points. Consider consignment. I have talked to a few owners who say “I’m trying to get what I already have to sell” - well, honestly, if what you have right now isn’t selling, you better get something in that does. Small local designers might be willing to work out consignment or drop-ship deals with you. You’ll get a refresh on your inventory and you’ll start bringing in some money.
Most of all, we need to keep our spirits alive. I’ve been on a journey to do this and I can tell you that motivational books from the library have helped a lot. Going to a monthly business seminar helps a lot (I have the most motivational, profit increasing, keep-you-in-line business coach if anyone wants a reference. Email me: info@startupkidsline.com). And watching this seminar on happiness, given by Srikumar Rao for google, is one of the best ways you can spend an hour this weekend. It will change your life and your outlook and will motivate you to stay on the path towards making your dreams come true.
Keep your heads up. We can all do this, we can keep each other motivated, we can help each other!
November 1st, 2008