How to get started clothing line

G'day all

Just toying with some ideas with the Mrs and basically we want to do something for ourselves and after some info on how to get going

We have talked about having our own business for years but the actual business type has varied as we continually move but also can see a number of potential areas and things we could get into. We have the mindset ready and know that we can do it and will work well together at whatever we do but now it's time to get things in motion!

Current example of something we found to have a play with is making earrings. We were in Queensland last year and where we were there were these earrings everywhere, so we found out how to make them and ordered the gear and have sold ($2 to make, sell $12) some to two stores as there is nothing like them over west. We have only come across 1 store with them in Albany charging double what qld was. So we're onto that little project. Looking at setting up a market stall with more stock and a few other items over summer.

But as for serious stuff my wife has an idea for a niche market in ladies clothing. A close friend is a national sales manager for high end clothes line and 10yrs experience so has been good for info so far and thinks we're onto something.

We arent "settled "so we would be looking at selling to established stores around Perth or at markets, if we get it up and running while we're here. But I see the next 6 months mostly planning, designing and getting stock ordered, then some small sales. Basically a practise run getting things sorted and while we are on the move we can pause as we need.
Then if /when we get back to Sydney look at opening a store with our clothing plus other products.
Before store stage we'd look at setting things up online if some of the intial sales prove promising.

So... Does that make sense??

Basically after any links or pointers you have. My thoughts are
Choose some designs and talk with alibaba (or similar??) to get prices and lead times.
Basic logo, keep it simple to begin with.
Business cards, Facebook Page, email
Initial order of perhaps 5 styles x qty??
Footwork to find stores and contacts that would be interested in our product

Any info very much appreciated!

 

I can't help with much but I know the Upmarkets and Vintage markets are very very very popular for selling hand made items like jewellry and clothing

http://www.perthupmarket.com.au/
http://thevintagecollectivemarkets.net/

There is also etsy.com and madeit.com.au

 

@Westminster I'll add them to my book, thanks.
my wife has done a bit of shopping on both of those sites! I've seen the invoices
From people we've spoken to spring is when markets pick up, then summer is busiest around Perth.

 

@Ace in the Hole has done this I believe, might be worth asking him nicely

 

I'll be going back over the ss thread a number of times.
I'm looking at a more back yard operation

 

Ladies will never stop buying clothes, why not get a cut!

 

If you want a niche market to fill ... then seriously ... decent, flattering, stylish and comfortable casual ladies clothing from age 40-55 is desperately lacking.

Everything is either 16 year old short short ... or frumpy granny. Us 40 pluses that like to look good on weekends, but don't have Twiggy figures, really struggle to find anything decent.and flattering.

 

I will speak to my mate who is/has starting his own clothing brand, he has also opened a few gyms in China which he will sell his clothing at as well. His brand is called archer sthletics, not sure how far along he is with it yet. I will ask where he gets his clothes made.

 

Might as well make back what we are paying for

 

Can assist with the import if you need it.

Have customers importing out of Vietnam, Malaysia & Indonesia. We have a current free trade agreement with these countries so minimal duty payable. China FTA due later this year, early next and info we have so far is that it will be a sliding scale, 1% reduction each year for the next 5 years.

If you need any other info pm me.

 

I may be a bit obtuse but I think @geoffw was talking about a line to hang clothes on

 

If you do go to Alibaba make sure you talk to a real manufacturer. There are thousands of people purporting to be manufacturers but they are usually only agents i.e. middlemen. Don't expect fast replies to emails from the chinese if it all. Good luck

 

Bahaha I'll need a drawing next time 
I actually looked at the title before reading your post thinking it sounds like I'm talking about a "clothes line "

 

That's out of my league until the wife hits that bracket, I just follow off her ideas and complaints and then look at the nuts and bolts to make things happen

 

Ive got no advice but im intrigued.

When im looking for something specific And niche i look online and overseas. Is it the kind of thing people will buy online or do you really need to try it on? Is it the kind of thing people would search for on the web or more something people might buy if they are browsing in a shop?

If its something people will buy online i would be concentrating my efforts on a decent website and someone to make it come up in searches. Then the whole world is a potential customer.

Clothing would be a tough market in australia though. Lots of labels are disappearing. Are you sure there is demand for this niche? Have you done any market research?

Good luck, sounds like you are both excited and passionate.

 

@Esel good points!
It's in line with what Lizzie was saying, there's plenty of clothing out there but it's rubbish and poorly thought out. My wife has first hand experience looking and being frustrated with what's out there... and I've had to endure the pain also!

The sizing is a tricky part. I would like to make it easier, so I'd look at a sort of sizing like mens pants - the "regular" and "stout" (stout being shorter leg length). Plus make measurements available and easy to follow plus incorporate stretchy material and even adjustable, but they may be to complicated

A simple online Page- Facebook would be simple enough to begin with as that's where a lot of conversation (and frustration!) take place.

One product that has online cult following is "tulas" is like a baby bjorn baby carrier and they go for $thousands! It's madness really, and mum's collect the things to get that limited edition prints and fabrics (all still work the same)... I want a piece of the niche insane market! But the criticism needs thick skin!!

 

@bob shovel Ive had 4 baby carriers in my time but ive never heard of tulas. Are they going for thousands with the retailer or on ebay?

I agree though, people go a bit crazy spending on anything baby related. Especially if its DINKS or their parents shopping.

Is it something maternity or nursing related? Ive had plenty of gripes in this market. Either way, im pretty sure no woman wants to buy pants for 'stout' legs?

 

Haha yeah a nicer term than stout! just have 2 of each standard size. It's along that field yes, and mum's don't want to be mucked around so if it's good it will be bought!

Tulas are great! I use it all the time for our 10mth old. falll's asleep 9 times out 10!. They are more reasonably priced, similar to ego's. Just that they caught onto that following and brought out different colours, fabrics and limited edition prints - limited edition panda fur with polka dots! I better learn to ease up on the moking!

 

I also got a baby ring sling made, have you seen those? Same thing, cult following going for huge $$, I told wife I could make that! So I got someone to sew it (no sewing machine) and I found the rings online. only slightly cheaper than online due to labour cost for a one off