Realizing the dream of creating a clothing line with little money is difficult, but not impossible! To get started, calculate the starting capital you will need, set yourself a goal and start earning by doing some jobs. Borrow money from family and friends, take advantage of private loans, or make a well-thought-out proposal to someone you know who is willing to do business. Start production by advertising and selling a few items of clothing online.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Earning Money to Start Business
Step 1. Research your new business
Before embarking on a new business venture, analyze current market trends, the pros and cons of clothing production and the success stories of other designers. Read fashion magazines to stay updated on new trends and issues specific to this sector. If possible, contact a successful fashion entrepreneur and ask for advice for your new project.
Step 2. Set a goal
Before starting to raise the money needed to start the project, set an economic goal. Realize how much you are missing to reach your goal by keeping track of the money you manage to collect in a booklet, an Excel spreadsheet or on a slate. The start-up costs for an independent and self-managed clothing line are around 400 euros for an initial inventory.
Step 3. Do chores
Do some homework to meet your start-up cost goal. Taking someone in the car with car sharing, writing as a freelance, dealing with data entry, working as a tutor, cleaning in someone else's house, looking after children or giving tutoring, are very popular activities that neighbors, friends or acquaintances I can pay you to do. Make your skills and availability known through ads, sites like ProntoPro or even social networks, so that your relatives and friends can share them.
Step 4. Take advantage of a peer loan
If you want to avoid borrowing money from loved ones or close friends, use a peer loan. The sites that offer this service connect those in need of a loan with potential investors more quickly and easily than a bank, and with fewer problems. Consider joining a well-known site where your proposal can be seen by a good number of potential investors.
Part 2 of 2: Produce a Small Quantity of Clothing to Sell
Step 1. Find a local manufacturer who can make a small amount of garments
Look for lists of manufacturing companies online or in specialized magazines. Get in touch with businesses and ask them if they are willing to take new customers, what prices they charge and if they have minimum production limits. If you find a company that's right for you, send them sketches, samples or any other material to see if they can meet your request.
A "small amount of garments" generally means 500 pieces or less
Step 2. Negotiate the terms
Once you have decided which company to lean on, negotiate the terms of the agreement. Define a production schedule and estimate the time it will take to make the amount of clothing you want. Expect a very small profit margin, as small-scale production generally costs more than large-scale production.
Step 3. Find cheap fabrics and materials
Compare the prices of the fabrics and other materials needed to produce the first batch of your clothing line. Ask the manufacturer if they can supply you with the fabrics - this could save you money on the purchase of the material. As a general indication of profit, the cost of materials should not represent more than 30% of the total cost of producing the garments.
Step 4. Sell your clothing line
In the beginning, selling your clothes online will be the winning choice, as it will give you the ability to take reservations while maintaining a limited inventory. Create a site, advertise your clothes on social networks and make good use of the network to avoid advertising expenses. Ask family and friends to share your posts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
