Need to Register?

kitchy · January 29th, 2008

So -

I met with someone that has been in the "TShirt Business" for 14 years - I couldn't ever get a 100% feel for "what" he did exactly - but I know that he sells to Walmart - for whatever it's worth...and you'll see why I say that as I explain.

Boy - this guy had NOTHING to tell me good about me wanting to be in this business - in fact I walked away thinking that I, a. - am stupid, and b. - would never want to be in the apparel business in any way - especially TShirts.

So, having said that - he warned me implicitly that I am completely backwards in my thinking - I shouldn't worry about manufacturing and should build revenue streams first, then create the other components to move around those streams. I agree with that to some extint...

however, my idea and goal in the apparel business isn't his - so we are not "like-minded" in our end results - like I said earlier, he sells to Walmart - he doesn't relabel in anyway - doesn't care about branding, etc...he is basically looking for a spread in between the manufacturer and the Retail end... my end goal is to create an apparel branded retail line. I want to start with TShirts - get my brand out there, then jeans to follow, belts and accessories, then finer line garments. No, I don't want to be Valentino, but I am looking to be a big player in the apparel industry (ok....who doesn't, right!?

) - anyway - I'm rambling, but I'm frustrated - he started talking about Channel Distribution - and people sinking a million dollars into it - and having nothing left after a year to show for it but failure. I'm the kind of person who has a high tolerance for risk - but honestly, I walked away very discouraged.... His thinking was that I need to start with jeans, that have a much higher spread for retailers, and then move to TShirts - his idea is people buy highend TShirts because they like the Brand that is already established from another line. He also said to go to Magic - and walk around...the TShirt business is too cluttered. -

So what are anyone's feelings? What about Channel Distribution - PR Firms etc..I'm really frustrated and don't know even where to start to find jeans manufacture sourcing....

Thanks in advance...I know I'm venting tonight!

Catbox · January 29th, 2008

The world is full of jerks...

find someone who is doing what you wan't to do... not a bitter guy who isn't happy... lol It's a short trip... have fun...

Parkwood · January 29th, 2008

I think his suggestion to go to MAGIC was excellent. It was the first show I attended many, many years ago. I can't imagine anyone starting a garment business (not just an imprinted t-shirt business) and not taking the opportunity to attend a few good trade shows.

Stoney Creek · January 30th, 2008

Hi Kitchy

I read your post and it made me reflect back to the past when I had ideas and I’d talked to others who said I couldn’t do it! They knew better! I listened and gave up. Some of the biggest mistakes of my life. Listen to yourself and follow your gut feeling.

I followed others advice and failed. They were wrong. Some ideas I just gave up on because others said it would never work. I’m now 58 years old and wish I had listened to myself. Seek advice but listen to yourself.

I wonder if this “Johnny Cupcakes “ guy had approached your “expert” and told him about his idea of Cross bones & a cupcake….Anyway, if you get my point, after you gather all the advice of others…think about it…and then make your own decision!. Follow your gut feeling.

At the end of the day, if you succeed, you will pat yourself on the back If you fail, it will have been a learning experience! But you will have tried! No regrets! Regrets come from letting others make life decisions for you!
Hope this makes sense.

Mike G

Matto · January 30th, 2008

I fel you need to have a passion for what you do to be successful. That guy definately was short on that.If you try hard and market your brand you can/will be producing the "popular" brand name with time. For the most part the big "popular" brands started the same way you are starting. some take a year to catch on others take ten years and the rest fade away. Do what you can with your ability and ignore the negativity spewed from the mouths of those who create their own heartache and listen to those who are grounded and give information you can use. MOST of all trust yourself and as stoney said trust your gut. Good Luck!

brickyardd · January 30th, 2008

I cant imagine this guy being the business for such a long time and being that negative and successful. So that leads me to believe that he's not being very truthful with you about your opportunities in this industry. I agree whole heartedly with some of the last replies that you need to have that burning desire and passion, sort of that Im not quiting til you knock me out attitude. But with anything in life there is going to be an equal measure of positive feedback and negative. Take from them what you will and keep it pushing.

prometheus · January 30th, 2008

He views things from a profit point, you probably come from a creative point. Don't get me wrong, we all need to make money, but his is strictly profit and therefore slants his view. Is the business tough? Yep, sure is. But what is stronger, your desire to design or create, or your desire to make money? If you work for the joy of creating AND you have some great designs, you'll make it. If not, you'll either learn from your mistakes and alter your work, or dust yourself off and move on.

BRC · January 30th, 2008

If he is selling to Walmart I am not surprised that he has very negative feelings. They have put so many suppliers into bankruptcy it's unbelievable that anyone still sells to them. I personally would rather have 10 small customers than 1 big one. That way if you loose one you still have 9 left. If your concern is about the art, sell to those that like your work. If your concern is about the money sell to those who will bring in the most money for you. Then if you are a success at least you will enjoy it.

INKSCREENS · January 30th, 2008

The man has some good points, but like someone said above, it's from a business stand point. Yes TShirt companies are everywhere, even young highschool students come to us asking for help with their apparel line! So in business, too much competition is not good. Yes consumers buy high-end tshirts mostly due to their brand name. Yes many people fail. From what you told us, his interest is more into manufacturer to retailer, meaning raw material straight to profit.

From experience, I've learned that a lot of clothing label start ups have great energy in the creative field, which blinds them of any business sense. Just remember the word BALANCE!!!!!

anjill4you · January 30th, 2008

I just want to say how refreshing it is to see the positive notes on this message board, concerning the same issues that I have been approached with in the past year. I have found that not only when you talk to people that are sucessful in this business, that there is so much JEALOUSY when it comes to competion.

I have found that if you have a good product, that you can compete those that don't want for you to succeed in this business.

I too in the past have given up dreams due to one thing or another and mostly because I have listened to others like that man that you have described.

I too need guidence and have been asking the wrong people. I have also come across those that was to take advantage of me and want to steal my design. So I am having a hard time trying to find someone to create my first designs. There are always those at the events that we do, however I can't trust them not to use my design without them paying a royalty. And from what I understand it is useless to trademark a design because all they have to do is change it 30% and you have wasted all sorts of time and money.

If anyone can give me some good advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

I so want to go out on my own, do fun shows and make a living.

Thanks for letting me get this out.....

INKSCREENS · January 30th, 2008

Anjill, whoever told you about changing the design 30% and getting away with it is wrong. There are look-alike designs all over the market and people do get away with it, but that could just mean they haven't been sent a letter from a friendly lawyer

. What I'm trying to say is, there isn't a specific percentage you can guage it on.

dmm26 · January 30th, 2008

It 2 different perspectives on the same thing. He works for walmart you work for yourself, He does HUGE distribution your obviously on a smaller scale, he's looking a BIG brands you are a small one.

Basically what I'm trying to say is your comparing apples to oranges. Don't give up on yourself because of that, but also don't just go around talking to people till you get what "you want to hear" from someone. People are all different and have different points of view. Don't just think that people are jerks because they don't share the same visions as you. Take what the man said at face value and think about what he's trying to tell you. Granted he could have said it in maybe a nicer/better way but you have to really listen to what people are saying.

I've had people that are experienced tell me that my idea is crazy,will never work,and that I'm wasting time and money. Maybe they're right but I"m stubborn enough to find out for myself.

Hang in there, but be open to criticism.

MotoskinGraphix · January 30th, 2008

I think any advice from someone on the inside of the industry for 14 years is worth a listen. His particular program may not be exactly your cup of tea but the info given is based on his experiences. You cant compare his world to a "Jonny Cupcakes" or even a "T-Shirt Hell" program.

The idea of establishing revenue streams before sinking tons of cash into production is something I wont argue with. He gave you an example of people he knows that did just that and lost big time.

I dont think he was being dour to dissuade you from entering the market. I think he was telling you heads up cause it aint all roses even with a good business plan and capitol.

Only you know how creative, motivated and wonderful you are. Only you know if your business vision is really doable. Fashion is a fickle thing and whats in today as a popular or an indy brand is selling at Target tommorrow. Go to your local discount stores and look at some of the big brands from the past.

These brands either lost market share because of the next best thing or they got corporate smart to earn a steady profit. It really is all about making a profit because without capitol you might as well just create tees for yourself and admire the creativity.

For all the success in the apparel industry and business in general there are countless well meaning attempts that fail. I think the guy was just telling you to pull up your boots and wade into the pool because the water gets deep quickly.

kitchy · January 30th, 2008

Thanks so much to all the comments here! I am feeling better this morning after reading the positive and motivating posts...

There is a fine balancing act that needs to take place - but the main thing is I continue on the path with my own convictions and a steadfast heart of where I want to be in 1 year, 5 years, etc...

Thanks to this forum and the community - I couldn't do it without this!

karlking85 · January 30th, 2008

I agree with every single post on this thread. On the one hand, you have to listen to everything yo are told by those more experienced, but don't always "hear" them. What I mean by that is, there are alot of people out there that are happy to watch those around them fail. Maybe it's jealousy, or fear. I believe in many cases, it is both. But there are some very few out there that will want to see you make it big. In fact, MOST of the members of this forum will be genuinely happy to hear your success stories, and watch you rise from a small startup to a bigtime producer.

We aren't as afraid of competition, because(and I believe many here would agree)we are all in different segments of the overall market. For example, if you are selling snowboarding designs to big chain stores and I am selling racing designs to small mom and pop companies, my success will not cross yours, and yours will not affect mine.

But like I said, he did raise some very intelligent points in his arguments, it's just that I agree he shed a more negative view on the industry than you would like to hear. But that is okay too, like David said, you have to be prepared for the worst, this is a cutthroat industry, and one that is very hard to survive. Only you know how prepared you are, and you shouldn't let one voice dissuade you of your dreams and goals.

Get out there and fight the good fight, and don't worry. Believe in yourself, and we'll be right behind ya!

Need to Register?

Resources

T-Shirt Sites

I was sooo excited - then so defeated today! is the market too crowded?