sell something unique or what the competition sells?
My company is brand new and I am torn between an important decision. You see, I am only interested in selling Organic Cotton, Hemp and Bamboo shirts.
It seems like every freakin' company on the planet that chooses to sell Organic Cotton tees gets them from American Apparel. With the exception of the fact that they just screwed over Woody Allen, they are obviously a very good and strong company with wonderful products.
That being said, they are not the only one. I found a few other suppliers (all based in the U.S.A.!) who also make organic cotton shirts. I admit that they do not look or feel the same as the American Apparel shirts. In fact, that's what I LIKE about them.
But would other people like them? They are slightly heavier. Colors are more "natural."
Will customers freak out because they will expect a shirt like American Apparel?
For the record, I am willing to spend a little bit more money to buy from the other companies jsut so I can be different from the competition ... but is this smart?
Last edited by campfire; April 8th, 2008 at 11:03 AM.
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
Great post, I'm in the same boat with my startup, in the process of choosing shirts before going to print.
I would rather not use AA particularly. They are nice shirts, but a bit too thin for my tastes and maybe a bit too slim fit. I don't mind paying a bit more for a heavier shirt, but I want one that is better quality than the standard blanks too. My line will be limited to higher end street fashion boutiques as far as distribution, and my price point for regular tees will be in the $40~$50 range depending on the design. I'd like to align my product with brands like MHI, Mishka, Triumvir, 10Deep, OriginalFake, The Hundreds, etc.
It seems like if I want a shirt that suits my discerning tastes, I'll have to get one made specifically, but as a startup, I can't afford that luxury yet. I'll be watching this thread to catch other's input.
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
Quote:
Will customers freak out because they will expect a shirt like American Apparel?
Not if you don't market them as American Apparel.
Don't believe all the hype Not everyone knows who American Apparel is. I mean, they have a very strong brand and some customers may request them, but at the same time, if you're talking about the "general t-shirt buying public", they don't care whether your t-shirt is American Apparel or not.
Customers just want a quality design on a quality garment.
The rest is up to you. You decide how your brand is marketed. You set your customers expectations by your marketing materials.
You don't have to use the same brand your competitors are using. Nothing wrong with being different.
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
Do a survey man.Get both styles of shirts and ask people some questions to see if they like the heavy feel or colors.Beying different is what sets u out from the 600000 thousand other clothing companies.For example mines is about DrUgS we dont put a shroom or a plant on the shirt like others..we sell the imagery u see under the effects..always do something unique and it will sell
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
How are you selling your shirts? If online, the design is important and a name brand shirt "eg beefy tee or AA" so the customer has a frame of reference as to what they're getting.
If selling retail, "feel" is paramount with design, and the actual brand of blank less improtant.
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
Though it's important to some people, I would expect that the large majority of buys would choose a t-shirt because of the design or if it's part of a known brand e.g. Johnny Cupcakes rather than what the make of the base shirt was. Yes it is a good point of reference to name the make of t-shirt but this would be a minor point for most. Good designs and marketing are much more important.
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
While AA has a big hold on our type of business it's not the only thing out there. I use Jerzee blanks cause I love them and it's nothing against AA but I like Jerzees. If people didn't expect different non of us would be in business.
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
I do not like American Apparel at all. I think their stuff is so over rated, fits terribly, and is no where near as soft as they claim.
I would go with the other companies. You're in small business, sometimes its nice to give other small (er than American Apparel) companies a shot, too!
If you don't mind sharing your organic USA made shirts with me (PM), I would appreciate it. I've been on the hunt and don't want to use Alternative Apparel for organics because they're a large company.
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
Ha, that's funny. I feel the same way. Given a choice, I prefer little restaurants to big chains. After all, it's always great to support alocally-pwned biz. Shoot me a PM, and let's chat. Maybe we can combine our orders with my wonderful supplier and get organic cotton shirts at a better price.
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
yep, dont worry about what people think they want. people are always more comfy with what they are used to BUT, besides the fact that most people that wear shirts dont know AA (i was one till i found this site), those small companies that compete with AA for the market would probably be working double to overthrow them (which will mean better products) and consumers wont discover something better than AA unless someone brings it to their attention. if you think the one you've found is, then do it.
This will help set you apart as a brand.
i think consumers should be given what YOU think is good not what they necessarily want. (they change their minds everyday)
Also, dont mention who you use for blanks on your site. it looks unprofessional and screams amateur/starter company.
just my opinion
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Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
I like the Anvil organic cotton T's, you might check them out. American Apparel has had a lot of negative press related to their founder. Some people I know will not have anything to do with them based on his behavior and the ads that they run with the sickly looking models wearing very little.
Re: sell something unique or what the competition sells?
The thing that bothers me about large companies offering organic products is the fact they're a large company! Its total greenwashing- you KNOW the harvesting methods, the factory, the logistics to get it to you are not energy efficient whatsoever. Their heart isn't in it, but their pocketbook is.
Small steps lead to big change. I have to keep telling myself that, but its hard not to be cynical.
Campfire- I sent you a message, not sure if you got it or not.
This is a discussion about sell something unique or what the competition sells? that was posted in the General T-Shirt Selling Discussion section of the forums.
sell something unique or what the competition sells? 
Not everyone knows who American Apparel is. I mean, they have a very strong brand and some customers may request them, but at the same time, if you're talking about the "general t-shirt buying public", they don't care whether your t-shirt is American Apparel or not.
