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Looking to start a clothing business, need healthy opinions

by cjsparacino123
8 replies
Hi,

I know this idea is unoriginal but it was my first business idea back when i was 16. I remember staying up until 6AM on my computer making designs everyday during that summer. Now that im older and have some cash i want to make it a reality. I guess my questions are, whats the best way to sell these shirts? I plan on doing a mix of online and offline marketing. I guess my first step is to get the shirts made then build a website and social media, but from there what should my next step be? Im guessing PPC and facebook ads?

best,
chris
#business #clothing #healthy #opinions #start
  • Profile picture of the author Barry Unruh
    Originally Posted by cjsparacino123 View Post

    I guess my first step is to get the shirts made
    Chris, I don't know a thing about the clothing business, but that statement scares the heck out of me.

    You are going to make the shirts before you test the market?

    Let me ask you a couple questions...

    What sizes do your potential customers need?

    Which of your styles will be popular?

    I'd want to test my idea BEFORE ordering inventory.
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  • Profile picture of the author SnacksSays
    What type of area do you live in?

    What type of clothing? Men's, Men's casual, Men's Streetwear, Women's, Dresses?

    What does your ideal customer look like?

    These are things you need to know 1st before anything. Each one of those will have a different type of approach to the marketing I would do.
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  • Profile picture of the author cjsparacino123
    wow, thanks for the feedback, great stuff, so yeah i guess im going to run some ads with some pre-orders attached, it would be a mens streetwear line, as far as sizes, im just going to order a bell curve's worth, if they end up doing well, styles, i have no idea, just going for the gusto here...

    my ideal customer would be a kid/adult who is in to brands like supreme and zoo york, and is willing to pay at least $35 for a shirt
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  • Profile picture of the author mktmaverick
    Another advertising / sales area you could really benefit from is designing an affiliate program. You invite independent promoters to sell your merchandise in exchange of a % of the sell.

    It is really powerful to extend your marketing reach and it might even take care of the sales for you. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    Are you going to make the shirts yourself?
    If not, get the reputable manufacturing part lined up.
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  • Profile picture of the author cjsparacino123
    "Another advertising / sales area you could really benefit from is designing an affiliate program. You invite independent promoters to sell your merchandise in exchange of a % of the sell. "

    You guys are the shit, haha, definitely going to do this...

    and yes i will do my homework on a reputable manufacturer
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
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    Originally Posted by cjsparacino123 View Post

    Hi,

    I know this idea is unoriginal but it was my first business idea back when i was 16. I remember staying up until 6AM on my computer making designs everyday during that summer. Now that im older and have some cash i want to make it a reality. I guess my questions are, whats the best way to sell these shirts? I plan on doing a mix of online and offline marketing. I guess my first step is to get the shirts made then build a website and social media, but from there what should my next step be? Im guessing PPC and facebook ads?

    best,
    chris
    Pay attention.

    You need to dig in & research Lolly Wolly Doodle their business model is simple & brilliant. The lady went from a small town mom to the owner of the largest clothes business on Facebook.

    The basics of what she does is creates new samples of clothes, shows them on Facebook, If the clothes sell well they go into full outsourced production, If the clothes don't sell well on Facebook, they get discontinued. Repeat with another clothes pattern.

    The brilliance here is dumping all the losers (clothes that don't sell) that will never go into full production & keeping the winners (clothes that sell), eventually you end up with all winners.

    Mimic that business plan, even If it's only on a very small scale.

    More info:
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    Yukon reminded me of also:
    The secrets of Zara's success - Telegraph

    I think Zara's is one that made waves by using scarcity to sell a lot all year round. Limited runs - even on stuff that is liked. (I could be thinking of another company though.)

    The guys below and American Apparel do make their own stuff. I've bought from Union and it seems like he operates from his large garage:

    Long Sleeve Union Made in USA Mock Turtlenecks- UNISEX - Made in USA T-shirts and Sweatshirts, Union Made with ALL USA COMPONENTS!!
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