How do you sell your clothing
designs? The answer is to get them off of paper, produce them, and
then put them on the market with local retailers. To do this, you
will need to make them yourself or hire a manufacturer to make them
for you.
Start with your favorite design and have a sample created. When
hiring someone to do this step for you, you need to provide the
following:
· The sizes you want your item to come in
· Your budget
· The colors or variations you would like to produce
· The compromises you are willing to make if your drawing does not
translate well into reality
When you have the sample in your hand, call the stores, boutique,
and department stores that you have targeted as a potential home for
your item. You will have to rely on strong persuasive skills,
creativity, and ingenuity to get an appointment to show your product
to the store buyers or decision makers.
As you show your sample, explain that you have other items
available, and are willing to cater future designs to their needs.
In order to gain any real interest in your ability as a designer,
your sample must be original and of obvious quality. You will want
to try to read the buyer. If it appears the interest level is high,
try to get an advance to help out with initial costs. If the buyer
seems like he's not sure what he wants to do, try to at least get a
contract for your items. If it appears there is no interest at all,
consider offering to place a couple of your items in his store on
consignment, so that he can more accurately measure the demand for
your item.
Work with only two stores at a time, so that you can get a feel
for your capabilities and for which of your designs to invest in.
Once you get a few sales under your belt, you should consider
getting your own website to help market your creations. Start up
costs and profit are all variable in this business. Although
progress can be slow at first, it has the ability to grow
exponentially.
