Hey, I recently started up a clothing line locally, but I want to expand it. But in order to do this I need someone or a couple people to invest in the business so I can bulk order my products. I tried getting a small business loan, but I dont have enough established credit. Does anyone have any helpful hints? I would like to have this clothing line completely developed and maybe into a major store by Spring '07.
Thanks
2006-07-06 05:34:17 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
First of all, how much money are you looking for? Second, are you prepared to share equity in the business? Third, did you talk to any of the small business investment companies in your area?
2006-07-06 06:01:42 · answer #1 · answered by NC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The clothing industry, as you can well imagine, is a very competitive one. To succeed takes knowledge, patience, talent and a bit of luck. As far as the knowledge bit goes, I found some sources that will assist you further.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have about the clothing industry as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
There's nothing quite like research – the more you know about the clothing industry, the better. There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.
Also, here are some book titles that may interest you:
* The Official Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Clothing Line by Jay Arrington,
* The Business of Fashion: Designing, Manufacturing, and Marketing by Leslie Davis Burns
* Fashion for Profit (Revised Edition with Retail Chapter) by Frances Harder
* The Fashion Designer Survival Guide: An Insider's Look at Starting and Running Your Own Fashion Business by Mary Gehlhar
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-07-06 05:41:30 · answer #2 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, good for you, I am in the process of doing the same. Basically, the best advice I can give you is to get out there and network. I used to work at a lingerie store and a lingerie designer came in and talked with us, in hopes that we might buy her design, and sell it, etc. Try having a business fund your line. If they fund your business, they will ask you to promote them in exchange for that. Try finding a company that is known for being a benefactor. Try hitting up small, clothing chains and show them your work, they might like it, have you make it for them, and sell it, and it could go from there. Betsey Johnson and Pat Field are very good companies for starting designers. They feature FIT students work in their NY boutiques. Also, try getting involved in a fashion show...you never know who could be watching. I would expand your deadline though. If you want your line in a store by Spring, your clothing line needs to be funded, designed, sewn, marketed by October-November (the fashion industry works in 6-mo. increments. Spring for winter line premieres, and winter for spring line premieres) Hope this helps!
2006-07-06 05:47:57 · answer #3 · answered by Baby Schott due 8/27/2010! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let me know if u need manufacture info from China..I go there ever month..I live in Bloomington, IN
2006-07-15 04:37:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you want investors? sounds fishy to me.
2006-07-19 07:58:17 · answer #5 · answered by chris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋