Discuss the process of getting your t-shirt line into brick and mortar stores and selling offline. Topics include industry tradeshows, events, line sheets, sales reps and other retailing tips and advice.
Hi I was hoping that I could get some direction and suggestions on how to find reps to sell my branded line of shirts? I'm in Arizona but I want to take this nation wide. I currently have sold some shirts to a surf shop in Maui and a casual wear shop at the OBX on the coast of NC so that is exciting but it's baby steps. I want to grow and fast. Thanks for any advice!!
I will try that search too. I am desperate to find some reps that can beat the streets and sell my shirts. I have created what I think to be a very cool new design and brand and have it trademarked and ready to roll but now I don't know quite how to roll. If you have some time and wouldn't mind giving me your comments I have been researching and researching and feel that I have a unique product and intend to grow this brand until eventually I can have my own retail stores and run with the BIG DOGS! One of my favorite brands as well as LIFE IS GOOD. I am dreaming of having a company similar to those. Anyway, just stuck as to where and how and when but think that if I had some good reps out there all over the country that sure would be awesome. I do have shirts in Big Kahuna Adventures in Maui and a store at the OBX in North Carolina so it's a start but tiny baby steps. I'm still under construction with the website and the designer is in the process of putting a blog in place of the contact us page and a few other minor touch ups anyway, sorry to ramble just can't help it. Thanks again.
Last edited by Rodney; May 31st, 2007 at 03:51 PM.
Reason: removed link to website as per forum rules - feel free to add it to your forum signature
Finding a sales rep will be the hardest thing you do. I am not trying to be discouraging to anyone, but a rep won't take a new line unless they see enough potential in it. For starters, it cost a lot of money these days for a traveling rep. You have hotels, gas, food, trade shows, etc.
You guys are all much better off selling your shirts yourself. For starters buyers tend to be more receptive to the person behind the line. If best case scenario you did get a rep, they are going to push the lines that make them money first.
I am personal trying to find a showroom now and its the biggest catch 22. The showrooms won't take you unless you already have proven sales and you can't get amazing sales without a showroom. Even if you do get a showroom, they will want about 1000-2000 dollars a month fees and then you have to pay for shows and give out a commission on sales.
And lastly, even if you do get a rep, its not like you just sit back and let the orders roll in. They have hot months and cold months.
How do I find reps? 
