Learning When to Hire the Professionals
When I first decided to start a clothing line I thought I would be able to do the designing, technical specs, patterns, samples, marketing and business administration all myself. Now that I am a few months into it I am realizing that if I want to have a viable business that makes a profit I am going to have to spend more money in the startup phase than I initially planned. In the long run, however, these initial costs will be minimized.
I will still be designing, developing the technical specs and handling business administration but I have learned that I will need someone to make the patterns because having unprofessional patterns is just too expensive. There are a few options as far as hiring a pattern maker. First, I have looked in the local yellow pages and have come across a few pattern makers but nothing that makes me believe these people are able to make patterns for production. I then checked out a website called Dobizo which is a actually a very good resource for startup designers. There are quite a few links to pattern makers but the websites are rather intimidating and their clients include national chains such as Arden B., Bebe and Moschino. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m quite ready to step up to that level. The last two options are on either end of the professional spectrum. One is to contact companies advertising pattern making and production services in WWD and see what that turns up. Second, is to place ads at the local sewing and fabric stores in hopes that some former industry professional will be interested in freelancing. I keep telling myself there are thousands of clothing lines in this country and what one man (or woman) can do, another man can too. I will figure it out, I just have to be patient and remember that I am working on my dream…things could be worse! 
Kristin, Self Assured
August 16th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
We have someone here on SuN who makes patterns & seems to have a terrific business. Can’t remember her name but someone else will certainly. Just throw the question out to the larger community on a forum.
Good luck.
Cookie
August 29th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I too am coming across this problem. We are opening our first language school and it is a headache by itself but its also time to start bringing on help. I know that it is important but its seem to be an overwhelming task to find the right person and to get them trained when I have so many other things to do.
August 29th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
I use to be a ladies fashion buyer and I have another tip for you. Contact FIDM (The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising). They cover all aspects of the design market from teaching designers to merchandise marketers like me. I’ve been out of the business for four years, but I’ve worked for companies such as Fredericks of Hollywood, Hot Topic and Torrid (Which I help start), Brighton Collectibles, and others.
I know there are pattern makers all over the place. Most companies I worked for had a freelance pattern maker to work with us buyers to get the cuts just right for our size charts and specs.
I know there are other specialty colleges around, but FIDM is one of the best and they can help you find what you’re looking for or point you in the right direction on finding the person you need.
August 29th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Hey there Kristin! Best wishes on the venture.
Dont forget about the free classifieds of craigslist.
If your area charges for the ad, then go to the “gigs” section and thats usually free.
Jefftatwood(at)yahoo
August 30th, 2008 at 4:50 am
Hi Kristen,
Great to see another woman sharing the same business as myself.
Are you going to sell directly to boutiuqes, or concentrate more on private customers? For boutiques I`ve found that generally all the buyers go straight to the trade fairs and pretty much buy all their stock for the year from there.
My business is going forward well, but I find that I end up concentrating so much on developing the product and trying to find designers, that I don`t have enough time and money to put into marketing, and without marketing it`s challenging getting sales. I too have spent about 3 times more than I initially thought I would on the strat-up phase.
Just remember you`r going to need a heck of alot more finance to grow too, as I`ve now found out!!!
I`ve found a few designers and graduates that have been happy to work with me, I`m in England, U.K - Europe by the way, if you need any tips I`ll try my best to help.
Thanks, My sincere best wishes for you and your business,
http://www.ethikaboutique.com
Rubana.
August 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I am also starting up a leather accessories company and wish to find a pattern maker, and manufacturer to finish the products once the hardware is made. I know the start up costs are going to be tough, but I think I can get an SBA loan once I can get some samples to market and make some sales. I would also be open to partner with another leather accessory company. Any suggestions?
August 30th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Thanks for all of your comments and recommendations!
Tina–Regarding your start up funding I would recommend applying for a loan or partnering with someone before going to market with your samples. I have just returned from Magic where I went to many educational seminars regarding sourcing and starting an apparel/accessories business. If you go to market and get orders you will not necessarily qualify for a loan to produce. Being unable to find capital would force you to cancel the orders which would be terrible for your reputation. All of the experts advise having the funding beforehand. There are companies called factors that provide financing but be sure to research these thoroughly.
As far as manufacturing, I’ve learned that if you contact the trade commissions of a country that you would like to produce in they will recommend businesses that provide the services you are looking for.
Good Luck!
August 31st, 2008 at 8:41 am
One of my clients actually teaches classes on how to start a fashion company - including manufacturing, pattern making, distribution, etc. here in NYC. She’s also in the midst of writing a book on the same topic. You might want to check it out: http://www.lizadfashionschool.com.
September 1st, 2008 at 10:42 am
Kristin, thanks for the direction! I think the hard part for me right this minute is to find a manufacturer domestically that works with leather. I need some kind of costing information for my business plan to even apply for a loan. I’m going to LA to take a class on fashion business start up. I found it through mshopnyc.com.
I checked out the lizadfashionschool.com site given by Chris, and that also looks good!.
I really appreciate everyone’s input.
Tina