[Islandfever]

I guess it's probable, maybe not likely but here's the scenario that spooks me a little.

I'm creating a t-shirt line by myself, doing the graphic design and outsourcing the screen printing. Also working on a website, a line sheet/catalog and learning accounting software (and that's the toughest part for me right now). Say I give my line sheets, business cards, website link, etc. to a handful of sales reps then within a week I've got more orders than I can possibly imagine filling. Not even sure my screen print buddy could handle that b/c he works by himself as well. I'm guessing I could spread the screen printing out among anyone else willing to do it for me. What would YOU do?

 

[Fenrir]

You would have to do a cost analysis of outsourcing vs expanding your in-house capabilities. In most cases, you would outsource until you have a decent amount of profit and cushion against emergencies before expanding your own shop. I do wonder how often the bigger shops end up outsourcing just because it'll take too long to do it alone.

Also remember if you outsource then switch to in-house your own capabilities cannot be of lower quality than the company that was doing it for you.

 

[scdesign]

In addition to everything that Fenrir said, you will need to find a shop that is capable of handling volume if you do get big and still choose to outsource. However, if the shop is too big, you may possibly be considered as a "small" client who is not a priority and doesn't get the attention and service you need.

 

[drdoct]

What would I do? I'd pinch myself and then wake up

 

[kimura-mma]

When the sales rep writes an order, they will set a start-ship date and a cancel date. You will need to deliver the goods between those dates. So make sure the reps know what your expected production timelines are so they set those dates properly. If you start getting so many orders that you can't keep up with your original timelines, then communicate with the reps so they push back the start-ship and cancel dates.

It will be your job as owner of the clothing brand to manage your production timelines against the expectations of the retail store in terms of delivery. But most reputable retail stores that work with reputable sales reps will place orders several weeks/months in advance of their expected delivery. So they will understand that you may need time to produce their order.

 

[dptk]

sounds like a good problem to have.
My contract printer can do 30,000+ prints per day, so it would be a huge order to not make delivery date.

 

[Red Leaf]

What would I do? Smile and love life. Most clothing cos don't ever run into this "problem"

 

[PackMan81]

You definitely need to have a solid contract printer to handle your large orders. Make sure that you set a limit on pieces that you will take for in house jobs.

It is much better to make a little less and make the customer happy....this should be common sense.

 

[beanie357]

We had this after a trade show.

Prioritize, schedule, work with your strategic partners, and replan on the fly. Usually a matter of logistics.

Have a plan a,b, and c in your head before triggering this event.

It is no shame to say you are Maxed, and may I contact you when we catch up.

 

[mr rudy]

bite off more than you can chew....and then chew like hell! or overpromise and then deliver, its an absolute state of mind. i look forward to this challange myself