Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hey everyone,

Does anyone think there is still a market for a clothing business that custom makes shirts and other apparel?  I look at myself (6`4") because that is what got me started.  Making island style shirts for myself that would actually fit.

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Cabo Loco- Paradise is closer than you think.

I think there is. You will need to some research.

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Tony

Those who care teach.

I did a quick search and didn`t find much. WHat kind of cloths?

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Tony

Those who care teach.

Hey there, Bill... :-) Long time no see...

I think there always will be a market for custom-made products. The issue is being found by those people with the money, time, and desire for something unique. The increasing disappointment with cookie-cutter and "big box" stores, creating "Mall America" sameness everywhere you go is going to drive the return to customization.

I think the e-commerce and cottage industry boom taking place partly is a result of the outsourcing and layoffs, partly due to Baby Boomers wanting to have their own business, but also a result of this desire for something personal and customized.

HomeGurdian,

I make Island style (some say Hawaiian) shirts and other apparel.  I am also looking at expanding to tropical home furnishing accessories like throw pillows, pillow shams, bed spreads and curtains.  I live in Tampa and the stuff I see out there is pretty generic and bland.

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Cabo Loco- Paradise is closer than you think.

Hey Craig,

Yeah it`s been a while.  My wife and I are planning on sending a shirt to a very well known local athelete.  I am going to guess on his measurements but include a letter telling him that if the shirt does not fit in any way to please give me a call and if he likes it and knows others that may be interested, to please pass on my information.

My thinking behind this is the fact that we are all built differently.  Some have a long torso, others a short torso, long legs, short legs, etc.

I guess my biggest inspiration is my grandmother.  She used to work for two women as a seamstress on the east coast of Florida that had their own boutique and had one in Niagra Falls.

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Cabo Loco- Paradise is closer than you think.

I think it`s a terrific idea and far more productive than cold-calling. You might possibly have a problem selling Hawaiian shirts, but I don`t know much about them. Aren`t they supposed to be loose-fitting and not tailored? That being said, and again, you`re the designer and will know for sure how to tailor a shirt like this.

Much more important is the incentive gift. If I understand it, reading threads here on SuN and elsewhere, the hardest part is to find the address or the right way to get your product into the "famous person`s" hands. If you`ve got that, then I`ll bet this will be a fabulous opportunity. :-D

And what`s the worst that could happen: They get the shirt, never wear it, and you never hear from them. So? You don`t hear from them now, right? LOL!

The best that could happen is you become their personal designer. Maybe we`ll see your company name as the credits roll. "Joe Jackson`s wardrobe provided by CaboBill Inc." :-)

Craig,

You`re right that the shirt should be loose fitting, but too a point.  If you`re a football player (hint as to who I`m sending the shirt to) with broad shoulders but a thinner waist line, you may have to buy a XXL shirt to fit the shoulders but it is way too baggy around the waist and the shirt winds up looking like a tent.

As for getting it into his hands, I figure I will try sending it to the team and address it to his attention.

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Cabo Loco- Paradise is closer than you think.

Go for it! :-D

Bill,

I really like this idea and think you can do a great deal with it.  The first start is approaching locals who appreciate local businesses and who benefit from your product line.  Go for it!  I`ve found one morning news reporter who wears a clients shirt on-air every chance she gets.  It`s fabulous. 

Think outside the box to not just this individual but many.  Sometimes you have to give out a lot of product to get any exposure, and there is always the chance they`ll wear it but not when they`re on TV.   Also, it`s a heck of a lot easier for you to give away product then out a ton of money into an ad campaign.

Have you attended StyleMax or any of the MAGIC shows?  These are dedicated to fashion and filled with sales reps and retailers looking for new products.  One of my clients has had tremendous success in the last two years at these shows. 

On a small budget, a PR campaign will help you tap into men`s mags and online, but you can also capture women (who buy for their men) in holiday gift guides (too late to get to now as they work 3-6 months out - look at for 2008).  And of course there are celebrity gift bag opps, but they`re pretty pricey. 

I`m curious to know what the ABCs of your marketing plan are.  Feel free to contact me if you`d like to talk further. 

Best,

Jennifer