New Clothing Line, CA

[revevis]

Hi everybody!

I am thinking to start my own clothing line. It will be a line of casual dresses/ tshirts, the kind of stuff you see in Southern California.

My question are: do I need to register the business, from the llc/ s corporation ( didn't decide which way to go yet), file the trademark/ before I actually start production?

All I have right now are my designs, need to look for pattermakers Downtown LA and a production factory.
I would like to start small and keep everything local and not outsource anything.
(grow like Juicy Couture-- after they sold they company, no more made in the Glamorous USA:-)

I am kind of confused with the steps I need to take.

I am european, but living in Hollywood for acting/ was in the fashion business for a number of years but this is my first business attempt, so I want to do it right.

I would love to find a mentor on this website, or, if not, just nice people that know business more than I do, willing to answer my questions from time to time.

Thank you:-)

Revevis

[Jersey Angels]

It's a tough industry to break into. So much of fashion is social, political, and beaurocratic. My small piece of advice to you would be to find thought leaders (ie. important people to wear your stuff), and get people talking (in any way you can).

I'm no fashion expert, but I think that the actual quality of the product isn't that important compared to how it's marketed.

[CEOoT]

quality is very important. but id say marketing is a notch above it on the importance meter. as far as goin with LLC/s i cant answer but I would definitely register your companies name before any production. who knows....someone might have bought the rights to your name already and poof there goes $ down the drain. be careful and do a lot of research before making any real decisions. good luck to ya. ALSO A WEBSITE IS VERY IMPORTANT to have in the clothing industry
aloha

[zlad]

Hey Ive thought about this venture for myself recently. You say you have designs so I guess your fashionable. In terms of the business aspect here are some things to cover...

- Business registry... id say sole proprietorship

- Copyrighted... every design & logo that'll be on the shirts or website needs to be copyrighted

- Trademarking... same thing as copyrighting (i think..)

- Shirt supplier... find who will supply the shirts for wholesale. If its just t-shirts so far Id suggest American Apparel

- Shirt printer... these people will screen print or silk screen the shirts for you, easy to find many but find the right one for you design needs and such.

- Website... set up a website with an online store and hype it everywhere you can, remember a website with an online store isnt limited to your Malibu community!

- Lastly care for your customers like kings and queens, Id explain why but I think this article does a better job...

How to Start a T-shirt Company, Starting a Business Article - Inc. Article

..also check out his website, he has his entire story listed there with helpful links!

Hope I was of some help!

Zlad.

[revevis]

Thanks so much for your advice, I appreciate it.

I also contacted a SCORE advisor, I find them really helpful and they are free. Check it out: score.org

Yes, I am more on the fashionable side, that's why I am here, to learn more about the business side and learn from other people's experiences, even if they are in different business than mine.

I know that marketing would be extremely important, and hopefully, bc of my job/ location I would be able to have some celebrities wear my line, which would give me a great exposure without spending too much money.

Thank you again for you replies, and you are welcome to contribute some more :-)

Revevis

[inle]

I wonder..
do you have a business plan?

[revevis]

Inle: Yes, I do have a business plan, but I make changes here and there every day, so I would not consider it done.
Thanks for asking:-)

[Ergo1]

I have been developing a unique clothing line over the last year and have learned a lot of very valuable information along the way. If you have any specific questions on the business side feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to help you out.

[revevis]

Sure, I would like to know any tips anyone could offer.

I think I will go with sole proprietorship, once the company grows I understand that I can change the way it's incorporated.

I won't be starting with print tshirts, I want to start with casual lifestyle dresses (that could be worn as tshirts too).

But, I would think the rules are kind of the same.

Does anybody know a good factory Downtown LA that would agree to do a small scale production?

Thank you.

[Ergo1]

Sure, I would like to know any tips anyone could offer.

I think I will go with sole proprietorship, once the company grows I understand that I can change the way it's incorporated.

I won't be starting with print tshirts, I want to start with casual lifestyle dresses (that could be worn as tshirts too).

But, I would think the rules are kind of the same.

Does anybody know a good factory Downtown LA that would agree to do a small scale production?

Thank you.

Yes, you can change the legal status of your company at any time, however, I guarantee you will regret it if you have to. I had to restructure my company from sole proprietor to s-corp and definitely found it to be more expensive and troublesome than if I had done it from the beginning.

Just my 2 cents, but I would suggest not rushing the legal status. If you are still looking for a factory then I'm sure you still have time to consult a CPA or legal representative.

Furthermore, I would also advise working with current production garments if you are not planning on spending a good deal of money up front.

[inle]

Good to know you got a plan in hand..
I am helping companies to generate profits..
Maybe I can add value to your start up..

Btw just to check..
Have you consider doing your productions or importing products from Asia? I mean quality productions & products?

I figure it will be less costly & should free up your budget..

[customtshirts]

I think you are working as a consultant for the profithold companies