[Rodney]

-Firstly how many different designs do you recommend to start off with, so far I have 6, is that enough?

Sure. Some have started out with just one

-When printing the t-shirts approximatly how many should I start out with of each size?

Depends on your budget. You'll get better pricing if you start out with larger numbers, but you'll minimize your risk if you start out with smaller numbers.

25 or so (total per design) is usually the minimum for most printers. I've heard that a size ratio of 1:2:2:1 (small:medium:large:xlarge)is a good way to start out if you don't have a grasp yet on what sizes your particular market wears more (some markets require more XXL and some don't require any Smalls)

-I was wondering how I go about approaching some of the small boutiques and internet boutiques. I can’t afford to send a sample t-shirt to every company I want to approach. Should I send high quality photos of the t-shirt and a sample piece of the fabric, or a catalogue and ask them to contact me if they want a sample, or is it important to have a website up and running before I start sending samples out, so the tee's can be viewed online, (because I was going to set up a website a bit later).

You can go to tradeshows to find stores looking for new product lines (and get contacts).

You can also try to find the buyer's name for various stores yourself and either go in person or give them a call and ask them the process of being considered for their store. They may let you know if they need a sample or if they can just view them online.

I think it's a good idea to *some* type of website up and running so you can send people to who want to learn more about your product (in their own time).

-or does anyone use sales reps to help them out, If so where do you find them?

I haven't heard about any smaller companies doing this. Most seem to do it all themselves (or have an in-house employee that is assigned to "sales")
[/QUOTE]

:welcome:

 

[Rodney]

Thanks for the great info, Raakmo!

Do you know any website/names for the showrooms that you can contact to carry your line and present it to buyers?

Thanks for the lookbook example as well (it's freakin awesome ). Did you design that yourself or have it put together for you?

Any suggestions for what to say to the buyer to get them excited about your product or at least to get your foot in the door?