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'd like to share a success with you and then I have a question. I just attended an open house event at a local running shop and the staff LOVED my shirts. They want them in their shop tomorrow and said "the shirts would fly out of there". YIPPEEE! I started this about 2 months ago and I'm not in any shops - I sell online. A couple questions -
I need some quick advice on getting in stores. I have an opportunity to sell in a local running shop but I've only done online selling so far.
How much do I charge the shop for the shirts? I'm paying alot for them because I haven't printed up too many yet ($6 per shirt). How much do stores wanna make?
Do I have to get sku or bar codes? How do I do that?
I know this varies, but how much profit does the shop generally want to make on a t-shirt?
Do you think they care about my garment tag? - I'm not making my own yet so I have gildan and authentic pigment tags.
I'm freaking out (in a good way)! Please advise. Or direct me to the right threads.
Raw materials cost + labour cost + overhead cost (including marketing, advertising, design time, etc.) + markup
You'll need to figure that out yourself or hire an accountant.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bgreaterthan
Do I have to get sku or bar codes? How do I do that?
That depends on the store. Some will require them, some won't care. Best to ask the store, as it's a big expense if you don't need them. If you do need them, a forum search will turn up some threads on where to get them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bgreaterthan
I know this varies, but how much profit does the shop generally want to make on a t-shirt?
I think what solmu means is that if you don't ask the store whether they need them and then go ahead and get barcodes it's expensive. If you ask them and they say they don't care then it saves you paying money out.
Well done by the way.
Lee
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trying to help, sometimes i don't!
I think what solmu means is that if you don't ask the store whether they need them and then go ahead and get barcodes it's expensive. If you ask them and they say they don't care then it saves you paying money out.
Thanks so much, guys. I'm amazed at how much money this forum has saved me so far. Hopefully, in a few years, I can start to return the favors! Good stuff.
Thanks so much, guys. I'm amazed at how much money this forum has saved me so far. Hopefully, in a few years, I can start to return the favors! Good stuff.
Kelly
Also, for more tips on getting into stores and dealing with offline retailers, theres a great group of helpful advice posts and tips here: http://www.t-shirtforums.com/tags/retailers/
Congrats! check out the stores price points. If they sale other t shirts in the store check to see how much they are charging for them. ballpark example: if they are going for like 20.00, maybe you can wholesale some where around $10.00.
You have to decide how much your shirts are worth, how much you want to make, and will your wholesale price still allow the store to make a profit.
And of course if you are going to wholesale in the $10 range (just an example) you have to make sure you are offering a TEN DOLLAR shirt. I've seen so many startups try to wholesale a white 50/50 FotL with a stock transfer printed on it for 8-10.00 We've even had a couple come into the store trying to accomplish this. What's funny is when they started raving about how popular one particular design of theirs was (and that it was so new it wasn't even in their catalog yet,) I happened to have a catalog (2 years old) from another company with that very design in it. Which....I asked them which version they liked better.
I like your designs alot from what I've seen, and I love the good positive message, and I think you'll do great.
Getting in stores 
