I’ll give you an example.  Recently, I met with a sewing contractor.  Initially, I was told that there was no way to give pricing on cutting and sewing the garments without first making the pattern and sewing the sample.  I was also told that although the minimum production amount was usually 300 units but for my type of garment it could be lowered to 150.  I thought about what I considered “fact” for some time until my husband made me realize that is what they want.  He then pointed out that I hadn’t even asked for what I wanted.  Well, today I asked for what I wanted and soon enough I shall receive it.  I stated that I couldn’t move forward without knowing the pricing for cutting and sewing and I need flexibility with the minimum requirements.  To my delight, I will have pricing by the end of the week and am no longer pressured to meet the 150 minimum requirement.  Hmm, who knew all you had to do was ask!

ShareThis

Every manufacturer, importer or private labeler of a product that is subject to a product safety rule or similar rule, ban, standard, or regulation, must now furnish a General Conformity Certificate (FAQ and sample in pdf) to the downstream distributor or retailer of the product, included with each shipment. The General Conformity Certificate requires nine specific pieces of information:

1. Identification of the product covered by the certificate
2. Specification of each CPSC product safety regulation being certified
3. Identification of the foreign or domestic manufacturer certifying compliance of the product.
4. Identification of the U.S. Importer certifying compliance of the product (if any)
5. Identification of private labeler certifying compliance of the product (if any)
6. Contact information for the individual maintaining the test results
7. Date and place where this product was manufactured
8. Date and place where this product was tested for compliance with the regulations cited above.
9. Identification of of any third-party laboratory on whose testing the certificate depends.

It is not exactly clear when the requirements will go into effect or exactly who in the supply chain needs to comply.  We do know that the punishent for noncompliance is extremely stiff; penalties include imprisonment for up to 5 years and fines up to $15,000,000.  This is serious.  The testing to comply is costly and could effect profit for many businesses in a major way. 

I don’t want anyone to be alarmed, I just want everyone to be informed.  This is a link to more information on Fashion-Incubator.  If anyone has more information, please pass it along.

ShareThis

The author Jason Campbell, points out that people are slowly awakening.  There has been more of a focus on social issues including global warming, organic produce and fair trade and this is trickling over into the way people shop.  Consumers have not stopped shopping but the mass consumption has slowed and people are actually considering their purchases, they are putting more thought into what they are buying. 

Managers and owners of boutiques, brick and mortar as well as e-tailers, note that women are purchasing more daring items and focusing on quality.  Shopping is a form of escapism during hard times, it always has been and always will be.  Sarah Easley of e-tailer Kirna Zabete even noted that “price is less of an issue if the pieces are a perfect match for the client.”  I haven’t heard that statement in a while.  Of course, this article focuses on a wealthier demographic.  I’m sure those employed at GM and Ford or those working in the mortgage or construction industry are definitely concerned with price. 

However this article shows there is a segment of the population still spending money.  In fact Michael Mente, co-founder of RevolveClothing.com states that “many of the economic stresses—concerns over gas prices, the need to spend more time at the office—are bypassed by a hassle-free online shopping experience.”  Consequently Mr. Mente is not altering his buying strategy for Spring.  It will be interesting to see if online spending increases during this downturn. 

People that commented on the article agreed that special items, those that make the buyer feel as though they stand out are selling regardless of price.  What a nice ray of sunshine peaking through the clouds of doldrum.

ShareThis

I prepared a list of questions before leaving which was a great thing because I definitely asked more questions of him than he did of me.  Out of respect for Kathleen Fasanella, the author of The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sew Product Manufacturing, I won’t go into detail about all of the interview questions as that’s where I got most of my information.  My advice is to think about all of the different components and steps that will need to be taken into consideration when manufacturing your product.  You will definitely come up with a list of questions you need answered.  Ironically enough, I forgot to ask an important question that of course, wasn’t on my list.  No worries, that’s what email is for.

This particular company does everything from pattern making, sample making, grading & marking as well as production.  It makes things easier when everything is kept under one umbrella but it’s always best to get multiple quotes to ensure you are getting the best prices.  The next step is to get quotes from a few other contractors, then order fabric to produce samples.  Slowly but surely, I’m making progress.

If you have any stories about working with contractors I would love to hear them!

ShareThis

Pattern Makers, Sample Makers and Sewing Contractors are not in the business of wholesaling or marketing finished goods, so why would they change.

Why not ask the contractors to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement before seeing your product?  Well, some say that you risk alienating your collaborators by asking them to sign an NDA.  I suppose they would be offended and wouldn’t want to work with someone so distrusting.

Someone I spoke to who previously worked in manufacturing said I must have manufacturers sign a confidentiality agreement.

With so many arguments on both sides of the fence I figured I would write a post here to see what my fellow entrepreneur’s on SUN thought.  I eagerly aniticipate and would greatly appreciate your comments!

ShareThis

Godin proposes that all marketer’s must be story tellers and darn good ones at that.  What exactly does that mean?  Well, anyone marketing a product must have a story that their target market wants to hear.  The story introduces what the product is about, it’s core values.  The tale must be authentic and must be delivered consistently on all levels.  You must live the story.  One of the reasons celebrity brands are so powerful is they are the story, they represent a lifestyle that consumer’s aspire to have and want to be a part of. 

Consumer’s purchasing decisions give them a sense of belonging to a community.  In fact, Godin proposes that marketers call their target market a community instead, a group of people with similar values and beliefs.  This concept is perfect for today’s online world, there are online communities springing up constantly.  People want to communicate with others that share their world view and purchase products that convey this identity.

Examples the author used to illustrate this concept are a glass manufacturer that proports wine tastes better in their $20 glasses than a glass that costs less.  Consumers will pay the extra $40,000 for a Porsche Cayenne when the VW Touareg is manufactured in the same facility with some of the same parts.  Fiji water is one of the best selling bottled water brands on the market.  Is their water any different from Dasani or the one I drink that is tap filtered by a Brita water filter?  No.  It’s the story or in other words, branding that consumer’s identify with and aspire to be a part of.  So, even if you do not consider yourself a marketer, think of the story you want to tell, then hire a marketer to actually write the story.

ShareThis

First and foremost, female shoppers that normally buy at the designer price point from the likes of Donna Karen and Ralph Lauren are now trading down to smaller, newer labels that offer lower price points.  To be exact 26% of shoppers are turning to retailers other than where they would normally shop according to consulting firm TNS Retail Forward.  Note, they are tightening the belt but not closing the wallet as may be the case with purchasers of lower priced apparel.  Also, women shopping at higher price points shop more often.

What kinds of retailers will carry moderate priced goods vs. contemporary/better priced goods?  Well I’ve been hard pressed to find small stores or boutiques carrying moderate priced goods.  I suppose one could sell private label to catalogue companies.  However, there are many more boutiques and specialty retailers such as Barney’s New York or Henri Bendel that take a risk on new designers.  Of course your product has to be of a certain caliber and price point to sell at those establishments.

Apple just recently released the latest financial numbers for the company and Steve Jobs who is somewhat of an industry guru thinks Apple will be fine.  Many thought Apple would lower prices considerably or offer low price alternatives.  However, the only concession to a downbeat economy was the lowering of the entry price on a  Macbook by a $100.  Of course, a startup entrepreneur is not exactly Apple, however if there is still a market for electronic accessories costing hundreds of dollars consumers are not that bad off.

Are you debating what price point you should enter the market at?  I would love to hear your thought process…

ShareThis

Following, are general tips for making the most of your time in NYC.  First and foremost, try to dedicate three days in the city.  That way you will have some appointments prearranged but will also be able to make more once you are there.  Not only are there numerous mills that have offices but many store fronts sell wholesale as well.  You could probably spend two days just going to all the store fronts.  If necessary you could also see pattern makers, sample makers and manufacturers that do small production runs.  However, be prepared with designs in that case because you won’t make any progress if you are unable to show them what you want made.  The Resource Room at Gibbs as I mentioned in the previous post is a great resource.  Susan Powers, who developed the library, is very helpful and she has a room full of swatches from suppliers all over the country.  Definitely stop by there first if you want examples of what some vendors offer.

Now that I have been to a couple of fabric shows and to the individual fabric suppliers in NYC I can say, without a doubt, I made more progress in NYC.  It’s possible that if I went to a smaller show, such as the LA Textile Show that is coming up, I may have a different sentiment.  To me, the textile shows are a little overwhelming.  It is convenient that vendors are lined up one after the other, but I found it was nice to see the office of where you are ordering from and have someone speaking to you without many other people vying for their attention.  On the other hand, the shows are a great way to see the upcoming trends and the seminars are invaluable, so I will be combining the two methods of sourcing in the future.

I hope this helps and would love to hear other experiences about sourcing components whether they are fabrics or industrial materials…:)

ShareThis

First off, I have utilized a book called The Designer’s Guide: Fabric & Trim Resources, which lists fabric suppliers whose minimums range from 1-500 yards.  This has been a great starting point to discover suppliers that I may be able to partner with.  I have located some great vendors through this book without leaving the comfort of my “office” :).  The publisher, Susan Power has also created the Resource Room at The Katherine Gibs School in NYC which is an all fibers, fabrics and trims sourcing library.  The Resource Room is open to designers/manufacturers of apparel, accessory and home furnishing products.  Designers can make appointments with Ms. Power, who will then assist in your search for fabrics, trims, etc. 

Another great resource which I have mentioned before is the Fashion-Incubator blog and member forum.  I have gotten some excellent assistance from members of the forum.  They have suggested some really great vendors and definitely kept me moving forward.  Fashiondex is another website I have utilized to contact fabric vendors.  They maintain an on-line listing of fabric and trim suppliers.

The Fashion Center Source Book is an on-line guide of the Garment District in NYC.  It explains the exact boundaries of the district, lists fabric, trim and pattern stores and reveals insider tips on how to make the most of a trip to the Garment District. 

By utilyzing the above noted resources I have not only made a few appointments with fabric vendors for my trip to NYC but I have already requested and received swatches from multiple companies.  It has taken some time, but this methodology has worked for me and it is my hope that the information here will help someone else.  You know what they say…pay it forward. 

If anyone has any last minute tips I’m all ears!  Stay tuned…next week I’ll be reporting on my trip.

ShareThis

I had actually been thinking about this concept of mass consumption and spending recently as a result of the economic disaster that has unfolded over the past couple of weeks.  The country if not the world has come to a tipping point.  I truly believe that the spending habits of people can and will change because underneath most people are inherently good.  It is just a matter of removing the blinders and educating people about more responsible ways of consuming.

I recently came across an organization called Co-op America that is very much in line with my values.  Their mission is to harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.  So, at the end of day I am able to check one more item off my to do list.  Find a non-profit to reinforce brand values, check!

ShareThis