[aggieeight]

What would a new tshirt brand company like to have in a distribution company?

 

[kimura-mma]

My top three would be:
1. Sales
2. Sales
3. Sales

 

[Victoryclothing]

I would have to disagree with Kimura. I think that you would really have to look at 5 things instead of 3.

1. Sales
2. Sales
3. Sales
4. Sales
5. Sales

 

[aggieeight]

Thanks Kimura, But I'm looking for information that can help start up clothing lines. Example: A distribution company an social media plan for the customer.

 

[aggieeight]

Although sales are the end result. How does a new start-up get there? I'm trying to find out what new commers what/need to develop a complete distribution company. Thanks again for your help.

 

[kimura-mma]

I think you're confusing marketing and distribution.

 

[Enrique]

It doesn't matter how the sales happen, as long as they happen. So ultimately, what we want from a distributor is a proven sales record.

 

[aggieeight]

I think you're confusing marketing and distribution.

No marketing is one aspect that a distribution. My idea of a distribution network is a group of stores willing to commit/sale the clothing brands. For example: I have three stores in one area that sell my tees. If victoryclothing has three stores and kimura has three stores. We could develop a network where I sell in your area and you sell in mine. We became a distribution network.

 

[aggieeight]

A proven sales record is very important. However, for a new clothing line, getting a seasoned sales rep to take a chance of your brand is difficult. So how do we solve this issue?

 

[kimura-mma]

No marketing is one aspect that a distribution. My idea of a distribution network is a group of stores willing to commit/sale the clothing brands. For example: I have three stores in one area that sell my tees. If victoryclothing has three stores and kimura has three stores. We could develop a network where I sell in your area and you sell in mine. We became a distribution network.

Marketing is different than distribution.

Distribution is the overall process of getting your product to the retail market. This could be done through wholesale, direct to consumer, drop ship affiliates, etc. There are many methods.

When a brand looks to use a distribution company (which was your original question), they should be looking for a proven sales history. Because the purpose of using the distribution company is to utilize their resources to help get your product to market at a time and place where consumers are ready to buy your product.

Your example is another method of distribution. Not sure I would refer to it as a "distribution network" though. It's more of a network of "retail affiliates." Because it's still just one part of the whole distribution process.

Anyway, now that you have given an example of what your looking for, it's a little easier to understand. If you are looking for other retail stores to partner up and sell each other's clothing brands, then I would say you should look for stores that have similar products and consumer interests. The more you have in common, the more likely it would be for each store to generate sales with each other's clothing brand. It's also a good idea to collaborate in marketing efforts. Social media is certainly one area to accomplish that. The more consistency you create within the different stores, the better connection the stores will make with the consumers.

 

[kimura-mma]

So how do we solve this issue?

By gaining trust. Start small. Get a few local shops to carry your brand. Then use that as leverage to work a deal with a rep who can distribute to a wider network of retail stores. It's not easy. It will take time.

 

[aggieeight]

Great information KIMURA. I should have explained my question clearly the first time. For the sake of argument. Let's say the distribution company has a proven track record. What would be some of the services, besides distribution of the products, that the company should offer? Website. retail affiliates, contract printing, art section, drop shipping. etc... I guess would i'm trying to do is: Connect the artist, to the printer, to the stores.

 

[kimura-mma]

Are you a clothing brand looking for a company that does all those things? Or are you trying to be the company that does all those things for other clothing brands?

 

[aggieeight]

I've been selling tees since 1988. In the last five years, I've become a screen printer. Since I've been on both sides of the spectrum, I'm trying to help those newbies (clothing brands) from lessons, I've learned. One of the main things is getting your product out to the masses. I've researched company's like cafepress, etcc.. but I feel that there should be an alternative that gives the designer more control/profits. I've been to several stores and see the products are (let's say) less than impressive. For example there are alot of impressive shirts on this site. How can we help designers get there product to the stores. I have a few unique ideas, but i'm looking to this site (because of the knowledgable like yourself) for things I might not have thought of. Again thanks for your input.

 

[Enrique]

There's a lot of facets to this situation that are all interconnected. As a brand, if someone comes to me and wants to distribute me, I have to know that they can do what they say, hence a proven sales record.

But you're right about distributing new brands, it's a tough sell. Someone suggested starting small, which is what all the majors do, they test their products in select markets and then determine whether to increase the market or ditch the product.

How you can help the startup brands is one of two ways. Work on your distribution network, do what you're already doing and expand on that. Six stores isn't going to cut it, but 60 might. Then you can either 1) hand-pick which new brands you'll be carrying, do test markets before committing full on, or 2) create a catalog where it's pretty much a free-for-all (you can be selective as well) and let your stores pick what they want to buy.

This is how comic books are distributed, all retailers get the Diamond Comics catalog, which is like a phone book of just about every comic book being made, and so every publisher wants to get into that catalog. Anyone can submit, they just have to fulfill certain requirements before appearing in the catalog.