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 see a lot of threads about people asking about this trade show and that trade show. I have done project and pool, both in New York and Vegas and exhibited by myself and with a showroom.
The bottom line is none of these shows (including Magic) are worth the money. By the time you add up your show cost, travel expenses, marketing expenses, hotels and everything else it just never really makes sense. Yea, it has some upside like getting in front of overseas buyers, but the bottom line is with some hard work you can save the money and write the orders off the floor.
There were over 400 brands at Project, you need a map just to get around and it will make you sick to see how many people are out there trying to start a clothing line. I am not trying to be discouraging, but you are better off taking that 10 grand, and throwing a huge party for your brand in LA and NY.
If anyone has any questions, I would be more then happy to try and answer them.
The thing to remember when choosing a trade show is that every person on the planet wears/uses the products we sell, thus everyone is a potential buyer. When I choose shows, I look for the highest projected head count for the least amount of money. Big, high dollar trade shows are frequented by retailers looking for new inventory suppliers and manufacturers. That does me no good since I cater to the end user. I've done all sorts of shows. Car shows, bike shows, horse shows, dog shows, racing events, tractor pulls and craft shows.
Animal shows are a pretty good deal. People spend money on their animals and will buy a T-shirt, mug, mousepad, etc. with a photo of their horse on it. Car shows and bike shows are OK if you take the initiative to go photograph some nice cars, print some product and then go sell it. A $12 mug is an easy sell to a guy showing a $60k street rod.
High end craft shows are probably the best deal. Sometimes vendor fees are high, but the attendees are apt to spend more money. The plus side there is that I am always the only person doing what I do. No competition + fair prices = a pretty good day.
Hi Ross, I think Twin85 is specifically talking about "fashion" tradeshows where retail buyers go to find new products to add to their lines, not the event type tradeshows where you sell to the public directly.
I see a lot of threads about people asking about this trade show and that trade show. I have done project and pool, both in New York and Vegas and exhibited by myself and with a showroom.
The bottom line is none of these shows (including Magic) are worth the money. By the time you add up your show cost, travel expenses, marketing expenses, hotels and everything else it just never really makes sense. Yea, it has some upside like getting in front of overseas buyers, but the bottom line is with some hard work you can save the money and write the orders off the floor.
There were over 400 brands at Project, you need a map just to get around and it will make you sick to see how many people are out there trying to start a clothing line. I am not trying to be discouraging, but you are better off taking that 10 grand, and throwing a huge party for your brand in LA and NY.
If anyone has any questions, I would be more then happy to try and answer them.
I knew that...The trouble with those shows is that you have to be a major player for the show to pay off. A proper booth display alone can cost $10,000 or more. Then when you do get a large account, you have to be prepared to do large volume and have the finances to give the client net 30 terms, which usually means you get paid in 45-60 days.
Getting a large order that you cant fill should be the last of your worries. Any bank would give a loan for production and use the PO as collateral.
hummm...hard to say, may be not all banks. Some are allergic to t-shirts. ....For sure they would use your assets as collateral. Like your house.
but there are Factors that provide these types of financial services and often used in the garment industry (firms that take over your receivables etc.) under certain terms and kickback a few points off the top.
I see a lot of threads about people asking about this trade show and that trade show... throwing a huge party for your brand in LA and NY.
If anyone has any questions, I would be more then happy to try and answer them.
I am not sure if I can agree with such a general statement. I know some people that have gone to magic (smaller guys in business 2 years or less) and received much profit once the show was over. There are quite a few factors involved that will play into the final result.
-How hot is your line?
-Where is your booth located?
-How is your booth designed?
-Did you promote (postcards, myspace, letters, etc.)
-these are just some of the many contributing factors on what makes a successful tradeshow run.
Yes this is a saturated market, but nowadays what market isn't?
I am looking for trade shows that cater to sellers, a place where I can go as a newby and get ideas, meet other t shirt sellers, I want to meet face to face others like myself just starting aout. At these shows I would like to see and touch the printing equipment. I am very new at this, I don't have any equipment, I just bought 40 shirts from Jiffy, and put my own designs on them, and I sold nearly half in a day at a fiber art show. I wil be buying more this way untill I can afford to buy my own printing stuff, so--- a trade show would inspire me! Any thoughts? Carolyn
I am looking for trade shows that cater to sellers, a place where I can go as a newby and get ideas, meet other t shirt sellers, I want to meet face to face others like myself just starting aout. At these shows I would like to see and touch the printing equipment. I am very new at this, I don't have any equipment, I just bought 40 shirts from Jiffy, and put my own designs on them, and I sold nearly half in a day at a fiber art show. I wil be buying more this way untill I can afford to buy my own printing stuff, so--- a trade show would inspire me! Any thoughts? Carolyn
Hi Carolyn, I would suggest visiting an ISS tradeshow (see: www.issshows.com). That's where you'll find lots of blank t-shirt, equipment and supply vendors.
I'm not sure where you're located at, but there's one coming up in Long Beach California, in January.
offering fashion trade show advice 
... or used to. 
