3 Tips; Sell Your Fashion Line Wholesale to Stores

Join me in my latest video guide where we delve into the essentials of selling your fashion line wholesale. Discover what fashion buyers are looking for - from an actual buyer - the must-haves you need before diving into wholesale, and insider tips on how to sell your fashion line wholesale.

Whether you're a newcomer to the industry or seasoned in the game, this guide is your ultimate roadmap to getting into the wholesale market.

Take my ⭐️ free quiz ⭐️ to get customised tips for your fashion brand

👉 Take the quiz here

Ask about working with me here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/contact

Want to learn how to get an engaged social media following, PR and influencer features? Join The Fashion Marketing Course here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoachlearn.com/fashionmarketingcourse

Timestamps;

00:00 Introduction to Sell Your Fashion Line Wholesale to Stores

00:48 Tip 1; Sell Your Fashion Line Wholesale to Stores

04:37 Tip 2; Sell Your Fashion Line Wholesale to Stores

06:38 Tip 3; Sell Your Fashion Line Wholesale to Stores

09:42 Sell Your Fashion Line Wholesale to Stores Recap and Conclusion

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

5 Marketing Lessons from Usher's Super Bowl Halftime Show 2024

5 Key Marketing Lessons from Usher's 2024 Halftime Show

In this video I explain how Usher's 2024 halftime show is a powerful marketing lesson for brands. I’ll break down five key takeaways that your fashion businesses can benefit from, no matter if it’s big or small. Watch this video for inspiration and free marketing strategies for 2024!

Take my ⭐️ free quiz ⭐️ to get free customised tips for your fashion brand

👉 Take the quiz here

Ask about working with me here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/contact

Want to learn how to implement all of these free marketing methods? Join The Fashion Marketing Course here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoachlearn.com/fashionmarketingcourse

Timestamps;

00:01 Introduction to Usher super bowl HALFTIME SHOW 2024 | 5 key MARKETING lessons for BRANDS

01:11 Fashion Marketing Tip 1

04:19 Fashion Marketing Tip 2

07:13 Fashion Marketing Tip 3

09:20 Fashion Marketing Tip 4

10:49 Fashion Marketing Tip 5

12:51 Conclusion and Next Steps

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

Pickleball Outfits

You might have noticed that pickleball has been growing massively lately and everyone seems to be giving it a go!

I thought it would be fun to create my own pickleball outfits and ideas for the playing pickleball aesthetic, with cutting edge AI technology, so I’ve created all of these pickleball images as inspiration for your look!

If pickleball isn’t your vibe, this looks can also work for inspiration for badminton outfits too!

Scroll for pickleball outfits I’ve created with AI, plus some of my fave items so that you can get the look >>>

How to Design Fashion that Sells

If you want to design a fashion collection that sells, then you need this video! I’m sharing three essential tips for designing fashion products that sell. We’ll also cover a common fashion design mistake people make and I’ll take you behind the scenes as I talk you through a collection I designed that’s primed to sell. I’ll also introduce my signature 'VSP' method (Validate, Sell, Produce) which helps to reduce risk in launching a new collection.

Want to watch the VSP training and learn how to reduce the risk of your business? Register free here;

👉 Click here for the VSP training

Ask about working with me on a Range Review here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/contact

Learn more about the Target Customer here;

👉 Target Customer Blog Post

Timestamps;

00:00 Introduction to Designing Fashion That Sells

00:54 The VSP Method for Fashion Design

01:10 Designing Fashion That Sells Step 1

03:15 Designing Fashion That Sells Step 2

06:39 Behind the Scenes of Designing Fashion That Sells

10:52 Designing Fashion That Sells Step 3

12:59 Fashion Design Mistake to Avoid

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

Best AI tools for Fashion Brands

If you want to grow your fashion brand but there’s not enough time to get everything done, then this video is for you! I’ve tried out a bunch of AI tools and these are the best 3 to help you with growing your fashion business. Stay tuned to learn which 3 AI tools I chose, how you can use them to grow your fashion business, plus stay until the end for a tip that’ll help you to use the AI to it’s maximum potential.

Take the free Fashion Entrepreneur Quiz and find your next fashion move

👉 Click here for the quiz

Want to learn how to make the most of AI? Join my AI Workshop for fashion brands here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoach.thrivecart.com/ai-workshop-playbook/

Want to learn more about Fashion Design? Join the Fashion Design Challenge here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoachlearn.com/fashiondesignchallenge

Try Tailwind here and use my link to claim 50 free Ghostwriter credits (and gift me 50 too!);

https://www.tailwindapp.com/i/thefashionbusinesscoach

Try Midjourney here; www.midjourney.com

Try Descript here (yes this one is an affiliate link, so if you decide to buy I may get a commission at no extra cost to you - this helps me to keep making free videos for you!); Descript

Timestamps;

00:01 Introduction to AI Tools for Fashion Brands

01:25 AI tool to grow your fashion brand 1

03:53 AI tool to grow your fashion brand 2

06:45 AI tool to grow your fashion brand 3

09:22 Bonus Tip: Making the most of AI tools for your fashion brand

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

Fashion Consumer and Retail Trends 2024

Fashion Consumer and Retail Trends 2024.

If you want to scale your fashion brand then it's really important to keep on top of current consumer and retail trends. Yes knowing fashion trends are important too, but knowing how people are spending their money is even more important for fashion business growth.

I've got you covered in this free video which shares 3 consumer trends you need to know about in 2024.....Plus one commonly used method that's no longer working.

Want to get support with your fashion and/or lifestyle brand and grow your profits? See how I can help here;

👉 https://www.vickiwallisconsulting.com/service

Want to get in touch and chat about the options? Get in touch here;

👉 https://www.vickiwallisconsulting.com/contact

Watch my video on the best marketing strategy for 2024 here;

https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/blog/marketing2024

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

Free Fashion Marketing Strategies

Free Fashion Marketing Strategies

Struggling to market your fashion brand and make sales? If you want to get more visibility and more sales for your fashion brand in 2024, but you don't have a marketing budget, this video is just for you. In this video, I'll be sharing free marketing strategies for fashion brands so that you can make more sales online. I'll cover my three favourite fashion marketing methods to get your brand seen for free, plus reveal a method you should avoid; watch utill the end to find out which one 😉

 Take my ⭐️ free quiz ⭐️ to get free customised tips for your fashion brand

👉 Click here to take the quiz

Want to learn how to implement all of these free marketing methods? Join The Fashion Marketing Course here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoachlearn.com/fashionmarketingcourse

——RESOURCE ——

Want to use influencer marketing and find influencers you can work with for free? Try Social Cat, the platform to help make free influencer marketing easy. Get a discount with my affiliate code;

👉 https://thesocialcat.com/brands?promo=FASHION25

Yes, this is an affiliate link meaning that I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you join social cat - this kind of partnership helps me to create more content for you. Rest assured, I only partner with companies that I would be happy to use myself!

Watch my video on the best marketing strategy for 2024 here;

https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/blog/marketing2024

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

Don't invest in PAID ADs for your fashion brand BEFORE you do this.....

3 Essential Steps Before Investing in Ads for Your Fashion Brand

In this video I reveal important insights into when it's appropriate for fashion brands to invest in paid ads. I cover useful tips applicable across various ad platforms, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. This is essential to watch if you’re using (or thinking of using) paid ads to promote your fashion brand and want to avoid wasting money.

Ready to get help to make more fashion sales online? Get in touch with me here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/contact

Grab my free glossary of fashion industry terms to know what ROI, GMROI, YTD and more essential terms mean;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/freeglossary

Watch my video on the best marketing strategy for 2024 here;

https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/blog/marketing2024

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

Grow Your Fashion Brand in 2024; 3 Tips

How to Scale a Fashion Brand in 2024.

If you’re wondering how you can grow your fashion brand this year, then this video is just for you! I’ll cover my 3 best tips for growing your clothing business this year, plus share the method that can make it 3x more likely you’ll make a sale.

Ready to leverage live selling events? Learn how with The Live Selling Workshop

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoach.thrivecart.com/live-online-shopping-event-workshop/

Grab my free glossary of fashion industry terms to know what ROI, GMROI, YTD and more essential terms mean;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/freeglossary

Watch my video on the best marketing strategy for 2024 here;

https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/blog/marketing2024

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

How to Start a Fashion Brand in 2024

Are you dreaming of starting a fashion brand in 2024 but feeling overwhelmed with where to start? Look no further! In this blog post, I provide you with the first 3 steps to successfully launch your fashion brand this year. I’ll share valuable insights and actionable tips to set you up for fashion industry success. So, let's dive in and explore the first three crucial steps you need to take to launch your fashion brand in 2024.

Want to grab video training on designing profitable fashion products from scratch, even with zero experience? I’ve got that for you here >>>

1. Define Your Target Customer

Before diving into the design process, it's essential to get crystal clear about who your brand is for. Doing some online research will help you identify your target customer and understand their preferences, desires, and pain points. By narrowing down your audience, you can make well-informed decisions and tailor your designs to meet their specific needs. Remember, the goal is not just to launch a fashion brand but to have a successful launch, with eager and excited customers ready to buy.

A lot of new brands make the mistake of thinking about things like the target customers, age, location, etc. But this isn’t actually that helpful. It’s much more important to understand their psychology, what they are interested in and what their values are, since selling fashion is mostly about emotion.

2. Discover Your Unique Selling Point (USP)

To stand out from the competition, you must identify your unique selling point. Saying you're a sustainable brand or offering a petite collection is not enough, there’s so many of those about these days! Dig deep into what makes your brand different and why your target customers would choose you over existing options. Put yourself in their position and think about what would motivate them to switch their shopping habits. Having a well-defined USP will not only help you differentiate yourself but also guide your marketing and sales strategies.

Helpful to consider; your target customer is currently shopping somewhere else. Why should they start shopping with you instead? What will make them switch to you?

Do not skip this step! It’ll help you to stand out and get noticed in a competitive fashion industry!

3. Designing and Sampling

With a clear target customer and defined USP, it's time to bring your vision to life through designs and samples. Starting with a small, curated collection is advisable, especially if you're new to the industry or have limited resources. High-quality products and attention to detail matter more than the quantity of items you offer. Keep your target customer and USP in mind during the design process and consider their preferences and willingness to pay for your products. Being specific and providing detailed instructions to your sample maker or factory is crucial to ensure the samples align with your vision.

Important to know; you don’t need to have a big collection in order to be successful. In face, I’ve had several hugely successful clients who launched with just ONE product, so don’t force yourself to make loads. The more styles you have, the more work, risk and cost, so only include essential items in your launch collection. You can always add more later.

Bonus Tip; Marketing from the Beginning

Now, here's where many new fashion brands make a critical mistake – not focusing enough on marketing from the beginning. While designing and manufacturing are essential steps, neglecting marketing until the last moment can result in a lackluster launch with minimal sales. Split your time wisely, dedicating half to product development and the other half to marketing.

Starting your marketing efforts early allows you to build an audience, establish trust, and create anticipation before your official launch date. Aim to begin marketing at least six months before your planned launch to generate sales and build a loyal customer base, the more the better really!

Launching a fashion brand in 2024 can be an exciting and rewarding journey, but it requires careful planning and strategic execution. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to starting a successful fashion brand. Remember, understanding your target customer, discovering your unique selling point, and laying the foundation through design and sampling are crucial aspects of the process. Additionally, dedicating time to marketing from the beginning will significantly increase your chances of a successful launch and long-term business growth.

Are you ready to take the first step towards launching your fashion brand in 2024? Start by diving deep into the target customer research, harnessing your unique selling point, and laying out a solid plan for design and sampling. With a well-thought-out approach and a strong marketing strategy,

What is the BEST FREE fashion marketing strategy 2024?

Best Fashion Marketing Strategy for 2024

In this video, I share the most effective fashion marketing strategy for 2024 and I discuss why this technique is not only powerful but free, and how it can help you increase both new and returning customer fashion sales. I’ll share real life examples plus 5 tips for fashion marketing that creates more sales for your fashion business.

There’s a lot of info online about digital marketing for fashion brands and free fashion marketing tips, but in this video I’ll share a strategy that is rarely spoken about and best of all, it’s even great for fashion marketing on a budget!

Ready to make more fashion sales? Learn how with The Fashion Marketing Course

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoachlearn.com/fashionmarketingcourse

✨ ✨ ✨ Grab my free glossary of fashion industry terms to know what ROI, GMROI, YTD and more essential terms mean;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoach.com/freeglossary

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

How to START a FASHION business in 2024

In this video, I share the first three things you need to do to launch your fashion brand in 2024 and my three best tips for a successful fashion brand launch. Watch the full video for valuable insights and actionable steps to start your fashion brand with confidence and achieve success. Plus, stay until the end when I share the biggest mistakes I see new brands making and how you can avoid it.

00:00 Introduction: Starting a Fashion Brand in 2024

01:12 Fashion Startup Step 1

04:45 Fashion Startup Step 2

06:56 Fashion Startup Step 3

09:40 Fashion Startup Mistake to Avoid

✨ ✨ ✨ Want to join the free Fashion Manufacture Masterclass? Register free here;

👉 https://thefashionbusinesscoachlearn.com/free-manufacture-masterclass

Thanks for watching!

Vicki

Diwali Outfits Inspiration

My hometown of Leicester is famous for many things…..one of the biggest is our Diwali celebrations! So I thought it would be fun to create Diwali outfits with cutting edge AI technology, as inspiration for your Diwali fashion look!

Scroll for outfits I’ve created with AI >>>

Fashion Design Tips for Clothing Brand Start-ups: How to Make Your Idea a Reality

Ever had your head teeming with fabulous fashion design ideas, but found yourself at a crossroads when it came to translating those into reality? You're not alone. As someone who’s been in the industry 19 years and helping startups for the last 7, I’ve seen it all before - and I'm here to share. This guide will share essential fashion design tips, a step in successful clothing brand development.Today, let's delve into how to bridge the gap between design idea and manufacturing and make sure that the designs in your head are the ones that actually get made.

Want a step by step video series to guide you through creating your next bestseller? Click here.

A Design Idea: More Than Meets the Eye

When I chat with budding fashion entrepreneurs about their designs, they often present me with rough sketches or photographs. While these are valuable initial steps, they don't necessarily portray a fully functioning design. This can cause disconnects when liaising with factories, pattern makers, or others involved in the production process. A design entails more than aesthetics; let's unpack these critical elements……

1.Fit is Key

A great design caters to the right fit for the target customer. The challenge here is that there's no one-size-fits-all. We would love it if there was, wouldn't we? But the reality is people come in all shapes and sizes. Our products need to be tailored to the majority of our customers, and for that, we need to know them really well. And yes, it does involve making tough decisions about who our products are for. As designers and entrepreneurs, we'd love to craft garments that perfectly fit everyone, but the reality is that our capacity to do so is limited by a host of practical considerations. We can't cater to every unique measurement that exists within the glorious spectrum of human body shapes and sizes, as much as we'd like to. However, this doesn't mean we should not strive for maximum inclusivity.

In the fashion industry, understanding your target customer's body proportions and preferences is crucial. 

2.Be Specific

"I want it to be good quality." - I can't tell you how many times I've heard this vague phrase. The term 'good quality' is subjective and varies from person to person. Instead, delve into the details – provide picture references, technical sketches, and physical samples, if necessary. Detail every element that you're using in your product, from the fabrics to the trims, the zippers, the labels, construction methods and more.

If you need help with this, head to my ‘idea to factory ready’ info to learn how I can help you with it.

3. Daring to Be Different: Finding Your Niche

A lot of people say to me ‘it’s going to be impossible to get my new brand noticed without a huge budget’ and the reality is, that’s simply not true. Yes, the fashion market is populated, but niching down is an amazing (and often, underused) way, of standing out.

It’s essential for your brand to carve out a distinct identity and create products for a specific audience. While it's important to be aware of current trends, merely replicating other brands' designs won't do. Be 'trend relevant', yes, but always through your own unique lens.

For example, if you’re creating a sportswear brand, zeroing in on a specific sport or workout type can do wonders for your brand. By focusing on a niche, you have the opportunity to become a specialist, catering to a specific group of fitness enthusiasts. This focus makes it easier to develop 'raving fans' who are excited about your brand and products because they cater so well to their specific needs.

We go through the process for doing this in The Fashion Design Challenge, plus I give you an easy to use template to help you. Click here for info on that.

4. Building a Cohesive Range: The Key Increasing Profits

Think of your collection as a harmonious range rather than individual pieces. A well-thought-out range that allows customers to mix and match across your collection can boost your sales significantly. This approach encourages 'add-on sales', my favourite way of increasing profits. This method works because it increases the chances of customers purchasing more than one item, and therefore increases how much the average customer spends.

5. Manufacturing: Choosing the Right Partner

It's vital to partner with a manufacturer that specialises in the kinds of products that you’re making. The unique construction methods and equipment needed for different types of clothing manufacturing necessitate expertise, so don’t consider a factory who isn’t specific to your product.

It’s also important to know that in the current climate, manufacturers often have their hands full. As a result, factories are choosier, making it even more critical for new brands to approach manufacturers fully prepared. Having your tech packs, quantities, and timeline ready before you make contact shows potential suppliers you mean business, and therefore they are much more likely to take you seriously.

Embarking on the journey of starting a fashion brand is an exhilarating experience, with tons of opportunities for creativity and growth. To equip yourself to succeed, consider joining my free masterclass, 'How to Get Your Fashion Ideas Produced'. This masterclass will provide you with an insight into what you need to prepare to get factory ready, plus how you can manage the factory and produce high quality products. Click here to register free for the masterclass and start bringing your fashion ideas to life!

Festival Outfits Inspiration

You might have noticed that festival outfits are the hot trend at the moment and there’s so many people on Instagram and TikTok sharing their festival style.

I thought it would be fun to create my own festival outfits with cutting edge AI technology, so I’ve created all of these festival fashion images as inspiration for your festival look!

Scroll for festival outfits I’ve created with AI, plus some of my fave items so that you can get the look >>>

Note; this post contains some affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Please know, I only choose products I’d buy myself and including these links helps me to keep producing free content for you. Thanks for your support!

Shop the look;

Shop Ibiza Gold Confetti Festival Coin Top here

Shop Chiffon-Winged Butterfly Earrings here

Shop Ibiza Black Festival Coin Tassel Top here

Shop Austin Bodysuit here

Shop the metallic scrunchie here

Shop the Look

Shop the Pink Delight Festival Hairband here

Shop Festival Favourites Biodegradable Glitter Set here

Shop the AMALIE GOLD HEADBAND here

Shop the Look

Shop the Alara Molten Metallic Sleeveless Gilet here

Shop the Jovani M51819 Metallic Halter Jumpsuit here

Shop the Look

Shop the Luna Metallic Shirt here

Shop the Alara Molten Metallic Suit Trousers here

Shop the METALLIC LEGGINGS here

Embroidery Motifs Inspiration

You might have noticed that embroidery motifs and the use of embroidery in the fashion industry has been massively increasing. I love embroidery and am especially inspired by couture embroidery techniques.

I thought it would be fun to combine the centuries old embroidery technique with cutting edge AI technology, so I’ve created all of these embroidery images for inspiration for me - and I’m sharing them with you too!

Scroll for embroidery motif designs I’ve created with AI >>>

Leather Dress Women Inspiration

You might have noticed that women’s leather dresses are the hot trend at the moment and there’s so many people on Instagram and TikTok sharing their leather dress.

I thought it would be fun to create my own leather dresses with cutting edge AI technology, so I’ve created all of these leather fashion images as inspiration for your leather look!

Scroll for the leather dress outfits I’ve created with AI >>>

How to Start an Activewear Business; The Key Considerations

Diving headfirst into the activewear industry is an exciting venture. It's a booming market, filled with potential for budding entrepreneurs. The foundational steps in launching a sportswear brand mirror the ones you'd take for any clothing line: defining your target customer, formulating a business plan, and honing in on your designs. If you're seeking more information on these fundamental steps, the 'How to Get Your Fashion Ideas Manufactured’ free Masterclass and The 'Fashion Startup Online Course' are excellent resources.

As an activewear specialist, I’ve worked with many kinds of sports brands and have found there’s 5 important things that new activewear startups need to remember;

1. You're Not Nike (Yet!), and That's Okay

As a startup, it's natural to aspire to be like the big influencers in the industry—brands like Nike or Lululemon. However, it's essential to ground these aspirations in reality. Developing custom fabrics like these giants do, isn't feasible for smaller businesses. Instead, focus on finding suppliers who cater to startups and smaller brands and working with what’s already available is a much more effective (both time and cost) way of getting started. These days, suppliers offer a huge range of sports fabrics with performance features, designed to meet the requirements of a budding activewear brand.

2. The Importance of Specialised Features and Construction

When starting a sportswear brand, understanding the intricacies of fabric and construction is paramount. Activewear demands fabric that is durable, retains its shape, and in many cases needs features and performance attributes like antibacterial properties, moisture-wicking, and breathability. These qualities ensure comfort during workouts and enhance the overall user experience. Moreover, activewear construction requires specialised methods to prevent seam chafing (ouch!) and provide adequate stretch—important factors in making workout gear that not only looks good but feels good too.

3. Daring to Be Different: Finding Your Niche

A lot of people say to me ‘it’s going to be impossible to get my new brand noticed without a huge budget’ and the reality is, that’s simply not true. Yes, the activewear market is densely populated, but niching down is an amazing (and often, underused) way, of standing out.

It’s essential for your brand to carve out a distinct identity and create products for a specific audience. While it's important to be aware of current trends, merely replicating other brands' designs won't do. Be 'trend relevant', yes, but always through your own unique lens.

Zeroing in on a specific sport or workout type can do wonders for your brand. By focusing on a niche, you have the opportunity to become a specialist, catering to a specific group of fitness enthusiasts. This focus makes it easier to develop 'raving fans' who are enthusiastic about your brand and products because they cater so well to their specific needs.

4. Building a Cohesive Range: The Key Increasing Profits

Think of your collection as a harmonious range rather than individual pieces. A well-thought-out range that allows customers to mix and match across your collection can boost your sales significantly. This approach encourages 'add-on sales', my favourite way of increasing profits. This method works because it increases the chances of customers purchasing more than one item, and therefore increases how much the average customer spends.

5. Manufacturing: Choosing the Right Partner

It's vital to partner with a manufacturer that specialises in sportswear. The unique construction methods and equipment needed for activewear manufacturing necessitate expertise in this specific niche, so don’t consider a factory who isn’t specific to this type of product.

In the current activewear market scenario, manufacturers often have their hands full. As a result, factories are choosier, making it even more critical for new brands to approach manufacturers fully prepared. Having your tech packs, quantities, and timeline ready before you make contact shows potential suppliers you mean business.

Embarking on the journey of starting an activewear brand is an exhilarating experience, with tons of opportunities for creativity and growth. To equip yourself with more tools to succeed, consider joining my free masterclass, 'How to Get Your Fashion Ideas Produced'. This masterclass will provide you with an insight into what you need to prepare to get factory ready, plus how you can manage the factory and produce high quality products. Click here to register free for the masterclass and start bringing your fashion ideas to life!

Creating a Production Plan for Your Clothing Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fashion entrepreneurship is an exhilarating journey that combines fashion design, fashion trends, and the raw thrill of starting your own clothing brand. But it's not all sequins and catwalks. The fashion industry, like any other, demands a solid plan.

Enter the production plan, an essential part of your fashion business that can make or break your clothing brand start-up. Today, I'll guide you through creating a production plan for your activewear brand, swimwear line, or any other type of clothing business you fancy. Let's dive right in, shall we?

1. Choose a Price Point and Design Based on Your Target Customer Needs

Your first step in the fashion business management world involves deciding on how many designs you’ll have and the category (eg; dresses, skirts, trousers, etc) and choosing a price point for your product and deciding how many units you want to order.

Before you put pen to paper with your designs, start by understanding your target customers' needs. Are you aiming to start a sustainable clothing brand that will appeal to the eco-conscious? Or perhaps you're launching an activewear line targeting fitness enthusiasts. Whichever direction you take, always keep your audience front and centre, because, without them, your fashion business might as well be a mannequin in an empty shop.

Design products specifically for your target customer, their style, fit and quality preferences.

2. Get into the Nitty-Gritty of Your Design

Next up, start adding the details to your design that will determine its quality. Decide on the fabrics, construction methods, and features you'll use. Will your swimwear line feature high-quality, chlorine-resistant fabric? Is your activewear brand going to flaunt moisture-wicking material? Get specific here, folks!

Struggling with this? Don't fret! Join my free Masterclass, 'How to Get Your Ideas Produced', where you can learn more about the details you need to provide the factory with, in order to get the products you’ve created made. Click here to register free.

3. Get Your Tech Packs Created

Once you've fine-tuned your design, it's time to make your tech packs. Think of tech packs as your design's blueprint, it contains everything the factory needs to know in order to make the product to your expectations. They include everything from a technical drawing, construction notes, grade rules, tolerance and more. Essentially, they're a must-have for any fashion brand to ensure your design is ready to be brought to life. Click here for a free blog post on tech packs.

4. Search for a Factory

Next, it's time to search for factories based on the MOQ (minimum order quantity) you want to order, the equipment required for your products, and the factory capabilities. Finding a factory is very much like matchmaking. Referring to directories or recommendations from others aren’t usually helpful, unless they are making the same products and have a similar price point and quantity. You need to find someone who has exactly what you’re looking for.

As a small brand, you’ll often find that factories aren’t able to work with you, as they have a high minimum order quantity. Essentially, the more units of a product you can order, the more options that are available to you. That said, don’t order more than you feel comfortable with – if you don’t meet the requirements for working with a factory, you can always try another production option.

5. Get Quotes and Negotiate with Factories

Entering the realm of quotes and negotiations can be a bit like stepping onto the set of Dragon's Den, but it's an essential part of your fashion business management plan. So, how do you go about it? 

First things first, request quotes from multiple factories. Each factory will have its own price structure, depending on their capabilities, location, and specialities. Remember, you're not just shopping around for the best price, but also the best quality and service. You wouldn't buy a dress that's cheap but two sizes too small, would you? The same principle applies here.

Take into account the factory's competency, their communication, and their willingness to work with your MOQ. Be meticulous in your comparison, just like you'd be when perfecting your fashion designs.

Always negotiate! It’s an important part of the process and something that you need to get comfortable with.

6. Create a Critical Path

Finally, it's time to create a critical path to manage each aspect of the production. This is a spreadsheet that includes dates for everything from sourcing materials, approving lab dips, receiving samples, fitting samples, and more. It's a bit like being a conductor in an orchestra; every little detail goes into creating the symphony that is your clothing line. Want to learn more about critical paths? Join my free masterclass to understand this vital tool for your clothing business.

And there you have it, folks! A step-by-step guide to creating a production plan for your clothing business. Remember, starting a fashion brand is a journey, one with its fair share of stitches and seams, but with the right production plan, you'll be strutting your stuff on the fashion business runway in no time.

Whether you're starting an activewear line or launching a sustainable fashion brand, having a solid production plan is crucial. It's the blueprint for your fashion business management, laying the groundwork for your success. So, roll up your sleeves and get your fashion business off the catwalk and into customers' wardrobes!

If you want to learn more about producing your fashion line, click here to register free for my free Masterclass ‘How to Get Your Fashion Ideas Produced’, where I’ll share common mistakes new brands make and how you can avoid them. See you in the video!

Behind The Scenes of a Fashion Brand Launch; With Chocolat Couture Founder Linda

Join Linda - the founder of Chocolat Couture, a sustainable petite clothing brand - and I, as we delve into the fascinating world of sustainable fashion. We discuss the journey of Chocolat Couture from concept to creation and share useful tips for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs.

We touch on the importance of creating a premium product, the meticulous design and production processes behind each garment, and how Linda’s focus on petite sizes allows her to cater to a niche market with style. Plus, we cover how to establish a fashion brand that prioritises sustainability without compromising on style.

If you are interested in the fashion industry and considering starting your own brand, or if you’re a petite woman looking for an exciting new brand, this video is for you!

Get a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of Chocolat Couture’s first collection and learn more about the significance of a tech pack, the careful consideration that goes into fabric choices, and the challenges we faced to ensure premium quality.

Don't forget to follow Chocolat Couture on their journey towards a more sustainable fashion industry and stay updated on their exciting launch by visiting www.chocolatcouture.studio and following @chocolatcouture_ on Instagram and Pinterest.

Thanks for watching!

Vicki