AboutArthur Viente Expertise I can answer most questions related to B2B and B2C retail/wholesale operations; both online and offline. Very knowledgable in merchandising, buying, planning and allocation, store operations, e-commerce (set up and logistics of operations). For more information visist my website at www.merhcnadiseplan.net
Experience OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Retail merchandising, E-commerce, operations, planning and allocation. Wholesale product development, sourcing, sales and marketing.
Expert: Arthur Viente Date: 5/16/2008 Subject: Swimwear
Question Hi there,
I am looking to start my own swimwear brand. My background isn't in fashion nor design but rather marketing and brand management, i already have a successful PR & Events agency so i am pretty business savvy. I am currently working on my business plan and sourcing suppliers. My question to you is, i am on the right track?
I found a company in Brazil that will produce the production prototype for $150 a design (excluding fabric. this includes the hygiene sticker, all tags and labels. I am looking to create 3 collections (each collection with 15 pieces) so it will be quite expensive, but then i will find a cheaper manufacturer that will copy the designs once i receive the orders. The next step will be to create a website, catalogue and contact buyers.
Am I on the right track? Should i look for a cheaper supplier to make my samples? Am i also paying for the pattern? do you know other companies that take a sketch and do everything in the middle?
Answer Abby,
Sounds like you are generally on the right track. It costs to develop products, and don't be surprised if you have to pay more than the $150 to get them right. You have to have product before you sell, so once you solidify this, you can begin promoting. As for a website, catalog, etc.; these are all tools you can use to promote the business, but you will also need to consider trade shows and hiring qualified sales reps. I would worry less about finding a cheaper supplier and more about making sure you have a solid production the channel the first time where the quality is good. Here is what you should remember, Price, Quality, Delivery - pick two. Don't look for the cheapest source and expect to get good quality and delivery; conversely, if you get good quality and delivery you will pay a price. When you contract for a design you can stipulate what is included, so ask for the patterns, any drawings and specifications for your files; this way you can work across different sources.
