[snowgoose]

How viable would this be?

Is it something that would work or not, and whats the best way to approach manufacturers?

Thanks

Jake

[rogercbryan]

Jake, I’m not sure what the question is. Do you want to sell clothes produced by someone else via your site? This is done all the time. Are you thinking about having a clothing line produced and then shipped by the producer? This may work, but you’ll still have to pay to have the product produced. One misconception is that you can place individual orders with a manufacturer for a small quantity items and make a profit. Manufactures will charge extremely high fees if you are not placing a large volume order.

Please give a little more info as to what you are trying to do.

[snowgoose]

i am planning to contact 'big name' manufacturers such as Armani, and D&G etc to sell thier items on my site.

We will be starting of only selling womens clothing ( as thats where the most money would be, due to women shopping online more than men.)

[ADVERTISE HERE!]

Originally Posted by snowgoose

i am planning to contact 'big name' manufacturers such as Armani, and D&G etc to sell thier items on my site.

We will be starting of only selling womens clothing ( as thats where the most money would be, due to women shopping online more than men.)

I don't mean to be negative or discouraging, but I think you'll find that these "big name" manufacturers will not be interested.

Why? For a number of reasons. However, the main reason is that they have very strong brand images, and they will not associate their name with a company that has not yet proven itself to have a similar brand image.

Does that make sense? I just want to try to save you some time.

[jasaunders]

Beat me to it...

Yes, these manufacturers will not work with you. Besides, how would your site be better than bluefly?

[stand856]

Also more then likely you would be required to keep an inventory on hand, so no dropshipping.

[snowgoose]

Ok thanks for the replies and that idas now out the window

[dfveteran]

Originally Posted by jmenq2

I don't mean to be negative or discouraging, but I think you'll find that these "big name" manufacturers will not be interested.

Why? For a number of reasons. However, the main reason is that they have very strong brand images, and they will not associate their name with a company that has not yet proven itself to have a similar brand image.

Does that make sense? I just want to try to save you some time.

Exactly...Most Major name brands for clothing dont usually deal with small businesses. They dont want to take the chance of a small business ruining their reputation.

I would say try and sell and underground or up-and-coming brand name. They will be more likely to deal with you.

If you really want to sell a major name, you will have to find a wholesale distributor that will work with you. The problem with that is, most manufacturers for major clothing lines give their wholesale distributors strict rules not to sell to small businesses.

Goodluck

[ADVERTISE HERE!]

"Exactly...Most Major name brands for clothing dont usually deal with small businesses. They dont want to take the chance of a small business ruining their reputation.

I would say try and sell and underground or up-and-coming brand name. They will be more likely to deal with you.

If you really want to sell a major name, you will have to find a wholesale distributor that will work with you. The problem with that is, most manufacturers for major clothing lines give their wholesale distributors strict rules not to sell to small businesses.

Goodluck"

I too also like to look for up-and-coming brands. If you can help them establish themselves, not only are you helping your bottom line by increasing the value of a line you carry, but you are building loyalty with the supplier, where they will likely help you more in the future.

I have used a similar approach with my publishing company, and you have no idea what working to satisfy your suppliers can do for yourself.

[snowgoose]

So how would i go about finding small, new and up and coming brands?

[rogercbryan]

I think there are a few clothing manufactures making posts on this site. You can also market niche clothing lines by attending events such as concerts, sporting events, or conventions. Almost every industry (extreme sports, rock concerts, or even fund raising events) have people at them selling clothing. You should be able to find a few producers who would be glad to let you market their clothes. You may not be able to sell as many items, but you should have decent margins on items like this.