BEatMaKeR

My business partner and I are at a point where we feel it is necessary to hire an independent sales rep or sales agent to get our clothing line into retailers and boutique store shelves.

We both have families, and full time jobs so we can't put in the time needed to initiate leads, close sales and maintain buyer relationships. We want to contract that out to someone reliable and more effective than us. At this point it may be the only way we can get into stores. We simply cannot invest the time to do it ourselves.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Leads? Links to places that might help me in my research? Horror stories of past experiences? Positive stories of past experiences?

I'm looking for some research info here.

Thanks so much in advance!

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Shaun // graphic design // apparel brand owner // entrepreneur

 

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shersher

All I can say is to get an EXPERIENCED SALES REP. One that works with other lines currently and has relationships with stores. Getting someone brand new is not going to cut it, I tried it and it didn't work for me.

You need to contact some showrooms in NYC and they have sales reps and at the major trade shows sales reps are there as well looking for business

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Funkey Flash Back Designer Apparel
http://emergtradeshow.ning.com

 

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BEatMaKeR

Do you happen to have any leads or suggestions you wouldn't mind passing along? Feel free to IM me.

Thanks!

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Shaun // graphic design // apparel brand owner // entrepreneur

 

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Cindyparker

www.repsearch.com

There is a whole industry of reps that call on retailers, gift shops and clothiers. Find ones who has well established lines and contact them. Ask them for good reps outside of their trade territory (most work within a specific geographical location). Make sure you have pricing structure in your line that alllows them to be profitable representing your line and also the retailer.

 

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BEatMaKeR

Thanks. I tried that site but it is awful. No results for apparel > agent, distribution, or otherwise in the US.

What I really need is someone who has worked with a company and is willing to offer information on them. I trust word of mouth from someone with real world experience over a blind search on internet resources any day.

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Shaun // graphic design // apparel brand owner // entrepreneur

 

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