Thread: Things I wish I'd known from the start.
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Old August 27th, 2007 -   #1 (permalink)
dmm26
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Default Things I wish I'd known from the start.
I realize that this may not be relevant to everyone here but here are somethings that I wish I had know from the start that probably would have saved me time, money and a lot of frustration.

I'm trying to start a new mid priced skate and snowboard clothing line.

Research EVERYTHING I thought I had done as much research as I possibly could, but just when you think your done there's something else.


Here are some questions to ask yourself before you start dive head first into the t-shirt/clothing biz.

- How much will it cost me to start my business?

Once you have a number add another 1-2000 dollars onto that.

-What type of printing method do I want to use?

I went with heat press and I like it, but now I'm kinda wondering if I made the right choice.

-Are you going to order things from overseas?

I'm getting hats and have had a few other things made overseas. Count on getting samples made and paying a lot for shipping.

Also make sure that you make your address VERY clear. I've waited and waited for packages only to find out that for whatever reason the address got screwed up and it was sent back to China. This has also happened to me right here in Canada from one province away!

-What type of blanks do you want to use?

I wish I had used my time more wisely and ordered blanks from all over the place in advance before I got my transfers. Instead of just rushing out and buying whatever was close to me and cheap.

Order lots of different types from different places and find the one you like before you get started that way when you do get going you know what you want and where to get it.

-If you are applying for a government grant

I applied for a young entrepreneurs grant. I got the run around from day one. If you really want to use the government be prepared to jump through an ton of hoops. I've been working on getting a grant for the last 4 months and still won't get a penny until I'm fully operational for 10 weeks.

-how are you going to fund this new venture?

Lucky for me I have parents, family and friends that believe in what I am doing and want to loan me money. Like I stated before find a number that you think it will cost you to get going and add at the minimum $1000-$2000 more. I figured about 4-5K I'm now approaching 6K and still need more money.

A few other little hints,

Test your product before you put it out there. I thought this was common knowledge but to some people not. Once you have product make 2 of the same shirt, keep one unwashed and new, and wash the other one 20 times and put it through the dryer if you want (i personally hang dry all my shirts) but test it out and see what happens.

Don't get frustrated if things don't always go your way, if you really want this you'll always be thinking of other ways to make things better for you and your business.

Don't get pissed off if your not rolling in the dough over night. Things take time and most new businesses take 3-5 years to start making any kind of profit.

Don't forget that the money you make in sales isn't all yours for the taking. You'll probably be broke for the first little while due to investing every cent back into your new company but persevere and things will fall into place.

Ok this is the last thing I'll tell you don't do. Don't forget that this is supposed to be FUN!

With all this said I hope that this will help someone not make the same mistakes I have and give you somethings to think about that you may not have otherwise.
 
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