paragonx

Hi everyone, still pretty new here.

I am puting together my business planwhich involves a meetign with a small business counselor in Boston tomorrow.

My ??'s are: Is $6,000 a legitimate amount to start the business up with? I have to settle on a maunfacturer who has a designer in house who will sharpen my main (2) designs. I am hearing that he will produce my black, 2 color shirt for about $6-8 each, maybe a break for bulk. I plan to sell locally and then set-up a website and hopefully draw attraction to it through advertising provided through a 'GoDaddy' advertising package. I also will try to sell through Treadless and CafePress although I am dubious about their trademark toughness on national dealers.

Also, in your opinion, since I'm a one-man show for now, can I file as a DBA or do I have to incorporate? (Boston). Also, is it legal/possible to print your website on the clothing tab?

I really appreciate the help - thanks!

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Grizzly

I ant comment on the start up part of your question....there are way too many factors I just dont know in your circumstances.....I'm not sure anyone can...ACCURATELY.

As for the DBA....yes...you can set up as sole proprietor...you do not have to incorporate...that is a decision for you to make which way you would like to set up your business
There are advantages and disadvantages to both.....I advise you to read the tax laws on both....they are not that hard to understand and worth reading up on.

just one more piece of advise.....I would test market your ideas and graphic designs before pushing alot of money at them. Its just my opinion, that alot of us fall in love with our ideas...or designs....but either not know how to market them, or the ideas and designs just dont hit as we thought they surely would.

again...the start up $$ for each business is entirely dependant on a million factors, and circumstances that are in some cases unique to us all.......

Good luck!!

 

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Grizzly

PS......testing your market locally ....FIRST...would be a good idea to test market your product. Ask yourself.....Who is your customer? Young? Old? Involved or interested in..? etc..etc.. Define your ideal customer and then research where best to find them.....printing up some marketing materials such as a promo flyer, business cards, etc could help .... I personally wouldnt spend alot at this phase tho....see if this "HITS" as you feel it will.....let it progress and pay your way to where you want to take it.....=)

 

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paragonx

Quote: Originally Posted by Grizzly PS......testing your market locally ....FIRST...would be a good idea to test market your product. Ask yourself.....Who is your customer? Young? Old? Involved or interested in..? etc..etc.. Define your ideal customer and then research where best to find them.....printing up some marketing materials such as a promo flyer, business cards, etc could help .... I personally wouldnt spend alot at this phase tho....see if this "HITS" as you feel it will.....let it progress and pay your way to where you want to take it.....=)

Somebody gave me an idea as I'm definitely marketing to a younger audience. She told me to hit up every major soriority leader in the Boston area and give her a shirt 'free' for advertisement and then she could give me contacts as others asked to order. But she also suggested I change the color scheme to match the school's colors. This seems expensive and possibly unfruitful.

My main two shirts are black, white, and green (clover image) and Black, pink, and green. (The pink would obviously appeal more to the ladies.)
Do you think this idea of catering to school colors would be beneficial? I also don't know how a green or different color clover would look with the main shirt color.

Have you or others had this experience?

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Grizzly

Think I would have to see the design to tell you.....however....from a marketing only point of view....your friend has a good point....and a very good target.
As for the design and colors...this is for you to decide....if you were to invest the little it would take to transfer shirts yourself....to start out....you could test all your questions out .....if inkjet transfer is not suitable....go to plastisol transfers ....you could have them made for you ....and still you could print them yourself.
Heat presses dont have to be that expensive for you to get started.....

Just thinking out loud...=)

Younger targets.....Boston is a great area to test market products to younger potential customers.....and the many many colleges and schools in the area are fantastic testing grounds!
School colors makes sense...not sure the expense would be more or not....not sure why it would in fact..?

Side note.....2 designs.....even if great...is not alot in the way of selection. Kinda like putting all your apples in one lil basket.....not saying it wont work....but at least limiting. Seems like your gonna have to really be able to isolate your target and put it right under thier noses....if you have a really unique product that hits....you can do it!

I have 4 main lines......each having numerous graphic images ....and new ones always being created. Our graphic catalog grows and grows to appeal to more and more kinds of customers.....one graphic may bring em in.....to find several others they just gotta have...=)

 

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