Discuss the fun task of marketing a t-shirt shop. Where to advertise, local marketing tips, word of mouth, press releases, search engine marketing, keyword advertising, magazines, etc.
I wanted to get some opinions and see what people think. I am currently about to launch my new tshirt line which is part of my company Studio Six Five. I have done years of research, read tons of forums, as well as startup stories of similar successful giants I wish to emulate. But, I have one question that is debatable between my inner circle. Should I hold out and keep control over the entire sales or should I sell out to big retailers. One of the most important things to me would be keeping my brand around for a long time. I dont want to get really big and die out just as fast as I started. What do you guys think.
If you're talking about selling product to big retailers, fine and good luck. If you're talking about "selling out" by selling them the rights to your line and for them to control it, big retailers couldn't give a rat's behind about what you have until it's known.
Or, if it is so super unique only they can have it but if you've done research you know in order to build brand awareness takes big bucks and time....so until it's known, figure you have a lot of hard work ahead.....especially in the tee shirt industry.....lots of competition out there.
Start out wholesaling to boutiques and move your way up.
Believe me, selling to retailers is not all that it's cracked up to be. They have the authority to cancel any order they wish or charge back something to you if it does not fly off their shelves. Not to mention the annoying compliances that you have to adhere to when packaging and shipping garments.
Take time and incubate your master plan/brand and keep the sales to yourself.
While the economy is in a lull, it's your time to shine if you have the capital to do so. There's a phrase in the fashion industry that implies this: "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful".
Usually when you're starting out, it is very unlikely you will find any retailer willing to stock your products. You're thinking too far ahead,just start by selling your products and when you are confronted with the problem then only should you be thinking about it.
Start out wholesaling to boutiques and move your way up.
Believe me, selling to retailers is not all that it's cracked up to be. They have the authority to cancel any order they wish or charge back something to you if it does not fly off their shelves. Not to mention the annoying compliances that you have to adhere to when packaging and shipping garments.
Take time and incubate your master plan/brand and keep the sales to yourself.
While the economy is in a lull, it's your time to shine if you have the capital to do so. There's a phrase in the fashion industry that implies this: "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful".
So true. I worked for a company a couple years back, we were shipping out 20 pallets to Macy's retail store one day, the delivery made it to Macy's 20 minutes late. They canceled the order!!! Yep, they do it all the time. And if you don't place the hangtag in it's correct precise location, they will return it.
Such a pain to work with large retailers. They'd probably steal your idea first before they buy from you anyway.
Start out wholesaling to boutiques and move your way up.
Believe me, selling to retailers is not all that it's cracked up to be. They have the authority to cancel any order they wish or charge back something to you if it does not fly off their shelves. Not to mention the annoying compliances that you have to adhere to when packaging and shipping garments.
Take time and incubate your master plan/brand and keep the sales to yourself.
While the economy is in a lull, it's your time to shine if you have the capital to do so. There's a phrase in the fashion industry that implies this: "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful".
This is great. All your help and advice thus far has really helped me make some major decisions. With the shirts on their way and the start of a new era coming within a week there is so much to prepare for. After reading and realizign the terrible misfortune in dealing with large retailers it is now easy for me to say that I will control the ball in the court and make sure my brand succeddes even ten fold now.
Holding Out or Selling Out 
