I've been thinking for a while about what kind of business I could start on my own. Everything from retail car audio, mobile car detail, watch store to a clothing company. These are only a few of the things I thought up and all of these things I use and know enough about that I could actually find a way to start the company and have access to information I need for help.
They all have things and limits that I can see. Things that deep down inside I would rather not do. Its just not for me.... Now, the clothing co, thats different. That I can actually see myself doing! So here I am, looking for more info and trying to learn more...
I have experience in online retail. I use to manage a website for the last place I worked for. I did inventory, setting up items, minor web updates, some marketing and was the customer service manager. Before being promoted to the online division I worked in a store at my local mall for them and did pretty good so a brick and mortar store could be a possibility for this co in the future. I've also done graphic art for spot print purposes so I'm pretty good with Illustrator and ok with photoshop.
Along with what experience I have I also have 2 friends who I can trust and help stat this up with me. 1. first hired me to work at a shoe retail store with him and he is now one of the head buyers for that co. He does very well and could be a big part as far as inventory and marketing. Between him and I we could figure out all of the operational, sales, marketing and branding. 2. is another friend who is currently working for a silk screen shop that his uncle owns. Together they run it, do custom work and print. I know they would help with tests, supply's and printing info. As a bonus 3rd person I have a cousin with a degree in fashion design. She now has her own show room and sells baby clothes to boutiques and other retailers. She may be someone I could use as an adviser or expand into a womans line.
Now... what holds me back are the legal aspects that I need to figure out, funding and start up costs, and a graphic artist as I have a vision and can do the graphic work myself, but Id rather have someone else to do the art for me so that I can concentrate on the other areas.
I want to build a big brand and have no problem starting small if it means getting it right. I'd like something along the lines of Affliction, Diesel, Ed Hardy etc. It seems like most people here are using regular t's? nothing with a special wash or distressed finish? Anyway, is there somewhere else where I may be guided better or am I on my way to finding what I need here?
My ultimate goal would be to develop a high end brand with an online store, retail stores in local malls and also sales through stores like metropark or Nordstrom etc.
Anyone have something specific you may be able to point out to me that you wish would have been pointed out to you while you were starting?
thanks everyone in advance... I'll be around the boards and look forward to talking with you guys more.
Last edited by wsgycstmz; July 29th, 2007 at 02:38 AM.
Welcome to the club. If it's t-shirts you are into you better have a passion for it. It's not as easy as you think. There's alot of little things to consider that are not glamorus, shipping,emails,printing the shirt, and thats just the tip of the iceburg. Designing the design is the fun part the part I enjoy, but the rest goes with the territory. There's is going to be times when you don't want to do alot of the nonglamorus things but that's the business part, a big part.
I started selling my own designs on Ebay. Since your just starting out that's the way to go. It's not the cheapest but it will get your t-shirt out there, worldwide. If you have the right designs you could really clean up! It's also a good way to test market a new design.
The most cost efective way to go is the transfer route. This way you dont have 50 designs that no one is buying if you have them preprinted. If you sell a shirt on ebay for example you grab a blank and press the design and ship it out. It's alot cheaper for the beginner.
Just remember have a passion for whatever it is you do. DO NOT, do it for the money.If the money comes GREAT. .I hope this helps, somewhat. Thanks
I do want to do this and need to get into all the "behind the scene" details before I commit and spend time/money. I have no prob doing the non glamorous work. When I helped manage that online shoe store I did from A-Z. Just 2 of us. I did customer service, shipping, billing, inventory, web updates, marketing, take out the trash, write up operational procedures, you name it.... We got to the point where I was running 100 orders a day and finally had the operation stream lined and ready to start training staff when we finally hired people. We were well into orders and operations for every aspect.
Of course, none of this means that I can do it, only that I have something I think I can relate or carry over to this business that might help me out some?
Also, I know that making the designs is the best part. Ive been taking art classes and doing my own stuff since I can remember. Except that after having a graphics art position at my fathers plastic packaging co, I now know that "art" is only my hobby and I cant do it to make a living. I just don't enjoy it the same way. Every other aspect of building the business I LOVE. I guess I'm strange that way. As an artist I cant just NOT be involved in the process... I'll make sure the art created represents me and its a direct interpretation of my vision if not my work already. I just cant do it all, I need to be able to concentrate on building the other areas.
Also, Im aiming for a high end brand (what I enjoy) so seeing any kind of response or profit could be years I guess lol But its ok. I'm not really into just selling funny t's. I've seen my friends shop help too many designers start those kinds of lines and somewhere down the line they all make the same thing and eventually fail... some come back again and do more of the same. Just not the direction Id like to go in.
In other words, I need to be able to take this brand main stream in a few years. Good online store, retail in malls and new stuff every season or so.
I want to build a big brand and have no problem starting small if it means getting it right. I'd like something along the lines of Affliction, Diesel, Ed Hardy etc. It seems like most people here are using regular t's? nothing with a special wash or distressed finish? Anyway, is there somewhere else where I may be guided better or am I on my way to finding what I need here?
If you try the search feature and type in affliction, you'll find out some related info that should help you.
If you are starting small, you won't be able to have the same type garments as affliction, since they get their custom made by the 1000's.
If you search for distressed finishes or different types of washes, you'll find some information here in the forums on how to get that done.
Basically, the search feature will help you find answers to all types of questions Packaging, shipping, high end blank t-shirts, speciality washes, printing methods, etc.
cool, thanks Rodney. I spend most of yesterday searching around the board for suppliers and how others have started. I think I even ran into a few things about Affliction.
Thinking of starting my own company! 
Re: Thinking of starting my own company! 
Packaging, shipping, high end blank t-shirts, speciality washes, printing methods, etc.
