I want to sell my custom made bicycle tshirts through local bike shops.?

Question

My question is.....Since I personally know the bicycle shop owners, what type of business propostion is appropriate? This is starting off on a small scale to see if the idea flies! I mean if I asked for $20 a shirt, could I offer him 10% ($2.00) for every sale? Or should I try and rent a "corner" or a "rack" for the month to see how it goes? Also, I want a website to showcase the shirts and also to accept paypal. But I'm considering a myspace account instead for free. Do you think people will think it is "unprofessional" to have your business site on a myspace? Meaning the public may not take it seriously? I want to advertise the website on the shirts, so I think the name of the website should be something catchy and easy to remember. So the second question is pay for a professional website with a great name, or go the free route with myspace???? Thanx sssooo much!!!!!

Answer 1

You know what ....the beauty of the bike industry is it's totally laid back if your shirts are good any shop will be happy to carry them. My shop currently sells the "Kick gas" shirts don't know if your familiar with them we take 15% of the sale they retail at $25 and $28 cdn half the guys in the shop and their friends bought the first run the guy brought. If people are going to be snobs about where you advertising do you really want them wearing your gear? Good luck and when you get a site going post it i want to see these shirts or message me if there good you might get an order never know.

Answer 2

if you are just starting off with this, then myspace may be the way to go. you can make a pretty professional-looking profile. if you are worried about image, then you can buy a web space for a few dollars a month, i think. dont be ashamed of running a business off myspace- ive seen other people doing it. ever heard of a co. called "One less Car"?. they sell bike apparel on myspace too. its an easy way to increase your profit margin.

since you know the owners, you might be able to get a small corner for free. but if not, offer 10-15% of each sale at first. if he declines, increase the %, but dont go higher than 35%. anything higher than that and its just not worth your time.

when you get this thing running, post back or email me. i would be interested in buying some bike t-shirts.

Answer 3

I agree that you can use ebay, I'm not sure how much they charge for a shop, or just advertise there.

But I like your idea of using a bike shop. You have to be sure how much it costs you to make the shirts, so you don't end up paying to sell them.

Also, if you're doing custom made, maybe some bike shops would like to put their names on your tshirts, so you need to talk to them.

I think you have to figure out a way to charge them. Your idea of renting a rack would be great, but how would you charge the store? not a bad idea, but you have to think it through.

I think it's nicer to have a www.myshirts.com than myspace.com/usert/to/many/lines/usr/123143_axb.htm

Good luck!

Answer 4

Just sell them on EBAY girl...you can keep all the money yourself.

Get a flyer with photos printed and offer those to the store, and tell them to try to sell a few on consignment and see how it goes, and then build your business up from there. Offer a website on your flyer or simply state they are available on ebay and list your seller's name.