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dmm26 · August 27th, 2007

I realize that this may not be relevant to everyone here but here are somethings that I wish I had know from the start that probably would have saved me time, money and a lot of frustration.

I'm trying to start a new mid priced skate and snowboard clothing line.

Research EVERYTHING I thought I had done as much research as I possibly could, but just when you think your done there's something else.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you start dive head first into the t-shirt/clothing biz.

- How much will it cost me to start my business?

Once you have a number add another 1-2000 dollars onto that.

-What type of printing method do I want to use?

I went with heat press and I like it, but now I'm kinda wondering if I made the right choice.

-Are you going to order things from overseas?

I'm getting hats and have had a few other things made overseas. Count on getting samples made and paying a lot for shipping.

Also make sure that you make your address VERY clear. I've waited and waited for packages only to find out that for whatever reason the address got screwed up and it was sent back to China. This has also happened to me right here in Canada from one province away!

-What type of blanks do you want to use?

I wish I had used my time more wisely and ordered blanks from all over the place in advance before I got my transfers. Instead of just rushing out and buying whatever was close to me and cheap.

Order lots of different types from different places and find the one you like before you get started that way when you do get going you know what you want and where to get it.

-If you are applying for a government grant

I applied for a young entrepreneurs grant. I got the run around from day one. If you really want to use the government be prepared to jump through an ton of hoops. I've been working on getting a grant for the last 4 months and still won't get a penny until I'm fully operational for 10 weeks.

-how are you going to fund this new venture?

Lucky for me I have parents, family and friends that believe in what I am doing and want to loan me money. Like I stated before find a number that you think it will cost you to get going and add at the minimum $1000-$2000 more. I figured about 4-5K I'm now approaching 6K and still need more money.

A few other little hints,

Test your product before you put it out there. I thought this was common knowledge but to some people not. Once you have product make 2 of the same shirt, keep one unwashed and new, and wash the other one 20 times and put it through the dryer if you want (i personally hang dry all my shirts) but test it out and see what happens.

Don't get frustrated if things don't always go your way, if you really want this you'll always be thinking of other ways to make things better for you and your business.

Don't get pissed off if your not rolling in the dough over night. Things take time and most new businesses take 3-5 years to start making any kind of profit.

Don't forget that the money you make in sales isn't all yours for the taking. You'll probably be broke for the first little while due to investing every cent back into your new company but persevere and things will fall into place.

Ok this is the last thing I'll tell you don't do. Don't forget that this is supposed to be FUN!

With all this said I hope that this will help someone not make the same mistakes I have and give you somethings to think about that you may not have otherwise.

Rodney · August 27th, 2007

Great post Derek! I'm sure it will help others both starting out and maybe even some that have been selling for a while

Maybe others will be able to continue this thread by adding their list of things they wish they knew from the start...

cferrari · August 27th, 2007

Everyone always seems to talk about start up relative to printing, designs, blanks etc... Consider this.

When you talk about start up capital, there is no cookie cutter formula. We have considerbly more for our start up funds because we have rolled out 35 designs in one fell swoop and needed to start out with an inventory of 5,000 shirts. You all know how much blanks cost, for us we use Comfort Colors which are pricy. Your start up cost are dependant on your busines plan, there is no easy answer. In addition to the aforementioned, to start up you may want to think about the following.

1. Incorporation
2. Trade marking
3. Fax and phone lines
4. Storage, shelving - bins
5. bags
6. Web site
7. Merchant accounts
8. Business insurance
9. Credit card equipment
10. Stationary and business cards
11. Order forms
11. Marketing materials
12. Shipping account (FedEx etc..)

That is for selling product only. If you are printing then you have the equipment and supplies for that. Just some things to consider because they are often overlooked and can be expensive. How

dmm26 · August 27th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by cferrari


	Everyone always seems to talk about start up relative to printing, designs, blanks etc... Consider this. When you talk about start up capital, there is no cookie cutter formula. We have considerbly more for our start up funds because we have rolled out 35 designs in one fell swoop and needed to start out with an inventory of 5,000 shirts. You all know how much blanks cost, for us we use Comfort Colors which are pricy. Your start up cost are dependant on your busines plan, there is no easy answer. In addition to the aforementioned, to start up you may want to think about the following. 1. Incorporation 2. Trade marking 3. Fax and phone lines 4. Storage, shelving - bins 5. bags 6. Web site 7. Merchant accounts 8. Business insurance 9. Credit card equipment 10. Stationary and business cards 11. Order forms 11. Marketing materials 12. Shipping account (FedEx etc..) That is for selling product only. If you are printing then you have the equipment and supplies for that. Just some things to consider because they are often overlooked and can be expensive. How

I was just going to add all that too! You are so right there isn't a set formula for this or any other business but I thought it might give other people who are just starting out a heads up on things. I wish I had a list like this before I started out. Again though it all comes down to research.
Let's keep this thread going so that we can maybe compile A semi complete list for newbies!

tim3560 · August 27th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmm26


	I was just going to add all that too! You are so right there isn't a set formula for this or any other business but I thought it might give other people who are just starting out a heads up on things. I wish I had a list like this before I started out. Again though it all comes down to research. Let's keep this thread going so that we can maybe compile A semi complete list for newbies!

I've got one. When you have a new idea, like starting your own business, there will be a lot of impulse decisions that come. Understand that good things take time, some times lots of it. By thinking things through and asking all of your questions before you invest money into your idea, and especially before you quit your job, you'll save money, and a lot of unneeded stress. All I could think about in the beginning, which wasn't very long ago, was getting my business started and getting away from my family's business. I made a lot of quick choices and purchases that I very quickly realized that had I taken the time to do some extra market research, and read a few more posts, I could have kept myself from spending some money that I didn't need to spend, and had a little less stress from "having" to find new sales, instead of "getting" to find new sales.

sunnydayz · August 27th, 2007

One that is very very important is to get all of your business license and tax registration in order and learn the tax laws for your state, or you will be very confused come tax time and trying to figure out how much you owe your state or if you need to pay back to other states because of sales made there. Never charge tax to out of state customers as it will be really confusing come tax time. A little lesson I learned hehe.

Bobbie

FSP · August 27th, 2007

A few things I've learned from the 2 business (not t-shrit business) that I own.

1) For all purchases decide if you need the item now or if you can hold off 3-4 months or more. With my first business we jumped into purchasing a few items we thought we had to have to start and ended up not needing them for quit some time. If you hold off it will really help with your cash flow.

2) If you have partners in the business, make sure they are the right ones. My first business started off with 3 people - we soon realized one of them was the wrong one to be in business with. Lucky for me it was an easy separation, but had he not wanted out, it would have been very difficult.

3) Try and pick up a few sales before you quit your job. If you can manage providing top quality service and still hold down another job you will be alot better off then if you quit too soon.

4) Expect suprises - you find plenty of them. When they come just remeber that it is part of owning your own business.

5) Being your own boss is great, well, most of the time. It definantly has some downsides. Biggest one I can think of is that sh*t runs uphil (not down) - when something goes wrong customers & employees want answers from you.

6) Understand your operating costs (fixed & direct), profit margins, estimated avg. sale for your industry and all other financial items (don't forget the cost of your time). Then understand how many customers/sales you need any given month to cover your costs/make a profit. This will help you understand what it will take to get the sales.

Hope this helps someone.

FSP · August 27th, 2007

One more thing. Never be afraid to pass on a job/opportunity. If the margins are too low, say no! If the customer seems difficult, say no (or raise your prices if you can). Its not worth doing if it doesn't make you money or causes headaches!

rejoice · August 28th, 2007

Just adding a message to be in the loop od any updates... great info by the way and exactly what I've been doing. I started experimenting and am really researching everything I do and meeting people and just getting my head around it all and making sure I get the best quality/etc.

Treating it as a long term project is imperative I feel as those rash and impulse decisions become obsolete because like mentioned... it gives you a chance to take a step back and analyze it from different perspectives to see what your final decision on that matter is.

One thing I have noticed is that people are always trying to hurry you up and get the business i guess... best bet is to not be impulsed by anyone else to make a decision on the spot you hadn't even thought about. PeacE!

Cathybun · August 28th, 2007

One thing I've learned in the first six months is to buy your major equipment from reputable companies rather than the cheapest. Someone who can give you the tech support you need if / when you need it.

TripleT · August 28th, 2007

Great post Derek, something else that is needed that really doesn't cost anything is an open mind.

I wonder how many companies go down the drain because the owner was just not willing to make a needed change?

dmm26 · August 28th, 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiGH


	great post derek... thanks. why are you not sure about heat transfers?

I've put a ton of money (like over $2000) into heat transfers and press. I think it may have been more cost efficient for me get my shirts and that screen printed. Also I bought some stock and I have about 30 girls shirts I can't sell.

(To Rodney: You must have some pearls of wisdom. Let's hear them.)

tim3560 · August 28th, 2007

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