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.
I was wondering if you are just starting a t-shirt company, how would one apporach a retailer in order to get them interested in your product for disturbution?
I ask to talk to the owner or manager, introduce myself and my clothing line, show them some samples, really try to sell them on why they should carry my product line, leave them some business cards and some stickers.
Things you will need or need to do before you approach a retailer.
1.) Confidence
2.) Reasons why they should stock your line
3.) Have samples ready
4.) Business cards
5.) Test your samples
6.) Confidence
I've found that to be effective you need to really know your product and make other people "retailers" excited about your clothing line.
If you look at the ground or some where else other than their eyes and say "well you should carry my line because it's cool." no one will give you the time of day.
Remember people love people that are confident. If you are passionate and confident in what you are doing other people will get that vibe from you and it will carry you a long way.
I'd say more if I had more time but i hope this helps!
I think that if you are just starting out....trying to get into retail at first is dreaming. You should perfect your product first..how good is your product, how will it hold up, will you or can you afford screwups...as you will certainly have. Retailers will want a supply that is certain Can you afford to preprint/stock the material. As in a lot of things, walk before running. Get your designs ready, do some marketing to the gen public to see which will sell. Then when you are experienced enough..go for the gold
make sure you are giving the pitch directly to the person who will make the decision, huge waste of time if you are pitching to anyone else. at the end of it all if you still have no sale ask for feedback about your presentation and/or products.
I think that if you are just starting out....trying to get into retail at first is dreaming. You should perfect your product first..how good is your product, how will it hold up, will you or can you afford screwups...as you will certainly have. Retailers will want a supply that is certain Can you afford to preprint/stock the material. As in a lot of things, walk before running. Get your designs ready, do some marketing to the gen public to see which will sell. Then when you are experienced enough..go for the gold
Excellent advise. Even if somehow you got a major order how to you know you could fill it?
Marketing your product to a major retailer 
