Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have an idea and a design for some articles of clothing and am wondering if anyone can help me with the next step i.e., finding someone to help me with prototype, manufacturing and distribution.....I live in the San Francisco Bay Area which may or may not help. I really don`t know how to launch my idea, but I do know there is a need for what I have in mind.

I am hoping some of you might be able to help me with information on how to launch my product or even direct me to someone-someplace-or even a book. I must say, I am afraid to get too excited about it as I don`t want to be let down, but I do know creating it would fill a need.
Thank you in advance.  qbee

well if the clothing is custom designed then you`ll need a clothing deisgner to design it, this also includes the materials used. I would think in your area there are lots of custom clothing designers that you could talk with. Look in the yellowpages for them, hit some trendy little custom shops, or even try a college that specializes in it. I guess without knowing what the idea is, it`s hard to direct you to that specific person or company.

I wouldn`t we worried about being let down, thats always half the battle. You gotta roll with the punches and move on. If my wife and I just sat back and let ourselves be let down, we wouldn`t be doing an entire salon build out. We`ve had our shares of let downs but theres just NO WAY I`m letting something like that stop me from succeeding, and you shouldn`t either. You can do it, there`s always a way.

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He who gets greedy like a pig, gets slaughtered like a hog!

You might want to speak with Ashton, who has a company that facilitates this type of situation.

Another possibility is Core International. They couldn`t help us with our signal flags, but I think it`s because they`re a much more tradtional design and manufacture company for textile products.

Probably the first step, though, as Todd said, is to find a good designer near you. This should be someone you can easily go back and forth with on ideas, because no matter how well you`ve planned it out in your mind, there are going to be changes brought about by the fabric, cut, shape, and so on.

Then when you`ve got a working prototype it`ll be a lot easier to move into the second phase of having it bulk manufactured.

As for getting "too" excited for fear of disappointment, that`s a risk-free life decision. :-) Y`know? We can go through life with no ups and downs, smooth and straight like a Nebraska highway. Or we can drive along a narrow mountain road, in danger of plunging to a horrible death at each corner. But those mountains sure are cool to look at!

Besides, what`s life if not an adventure? And what`s an adventure if it doesn`t have triumph and loss, terror and joy? Who`d want to read a book that had no drama?

Craig:

Thanks so much for the information!  I am so excited to have a next step.  I will contact both Aston and Core International.  Thank you also for your words of wisdom.  What you say is true, but when I think of all the time and effort to do things these days and then to have it not work out it is discouraging.  But I do know it will fill a need if I can get my product out there. 

Thanks again, qbee

Todd:

I like your attitude and your ideas and will pursue them.  We do have the Academy of Art college in San Francisco and they do have a fashion department.  There really is a need for the product and I think if I can get it together that it would sell.  Then there is the worry that someone else might beat me to it.  One step at a time, right!  Thanks so much for your time and ideas!  I love this website!

Good luck to you and your wife, your salon sounds fantastic!

Thanks again, qbee

:-) Remember that the universe isn`t broken. You`re where you`re supposed to be, doing what you`re supposed to be doing. Don`t worry about what *other* people are doing, who`ll beat you to the product, who`ll get there first, and so on. That`s all "distraction."

Focus on what YOU want, what you`re doing, what interests you, and most of all, what seems to be the most Fun at the moment. :-) Life`s supposed to be  fun! Not filled with worry and anxiety, y`know?

Craig,

I think we forget that sometimes.  I guess that`s why it so much fun to be around children, `cause they still know how to have fun!

Just another quick question....during preliminary discussions regarding my idea, how much information can I give?  I want to get my "foot in the door," but I don`t want to give out too much information, right?

qbee

Actually, although it may come as a shock to many business entrepreneurs, nobody really cares at all about their idea. :-) One of the biggest reasons businesses don`t ever get off the ground is an unreasonable desire for secrecy.

As often discussed here in the forums, there ARE certain times where secrecy is critical. These usually involve *very* easily copied items, such as recipes. Or, they involve highly unusual science and engineering devices.

But for the most part, nobody really cares about a new idea. They have plenty, they`re busy doing their own thing, and there are thousands of ideas in the world.

So what I`d suggest is that if you want to get some real business done, explain what it is you want, send along an example, maybe hand-sewn, or some drawings that include various parts and views.

People like Core make their money by manufacturing other people`s designs. If they stole those designs, the word would get out and they`d go out of business. They haven`t the slightest interest in being "first to market" with a new idea, but would much rather help you get your product on the shelves.

Never forget the old California Gold Rush. Only a very few---miniscule percentage---of people who went out panning for gold became rich. On the other hand, a lot of people became very wealthy selling flour, sugar, hammers, pans, wagon wheels, candles, and so forth.

There`s plenty of business for the infrastructure that supports creative ideas. So there aren`t all that many people who are lurking around, waiting to steal a new device. Just be *aware* that it could happen, but examine what would be the consequences.

Another example is that Kathy and I make signal flags into banners. So what if someone "steals" the idea? First of all, we have a price advantage. But far more importantly, few people have even thought of navy signal flag banners. So the more companies who put them out on the shelves, the more the idea will spread.

We then get free advertising and marketing. We don`t need to have a corner on the market, 100% under our control! All we want is a strong level of sales. The more the idea is out there, the more we`ll sell. :-) Y`know?

CraigL

I had a two day seminar this weekend so just now getting back to you.  What you said makes so much sense!  .....and I can do that....sew it and draw it.......so now I just have to get someone to listen!

Thank you - you have been tremendous help!