The concept for a consultation service began a
few years ago, when I started receiving emails from designers in the boutique industry who wanted to run their problem
or situation by me to get my input. They knew that I had been there, in their shoes, at one time or the other, and they
felt they could trust my advice. For the past 8 years, thru God's grace, we have built a successful
business both on a custom and national level. I have been upfront and open about our own struggles throughout
our journey. I have shared how this is not an easy business to be in.
In talking with these designers, most had general questions:
what is contained in a business plan?
how much money am I going to need to start my business?
how do I price my clothing for wholesale?
what is contained in a wholesale catalog?
what is market like?
how do I find out what the market schedules are?
how do I find a good rep?
how do I go from using cottage seamstresses to using a factory?
how do I find a reputable factory?
how do I find a freight forwarder?
With others, I kept hearing of reoccuring themes, how their problems were
similar to the last person I spoke with. They would
also share stories that were similar to mine and I had the opportunity to prepare them on what to watch out for.
Like the greed filled factor who is charging exorbitant
amounts of interest that keeps accruing each month on their open receivables. I would tell them to read the
fine print that mentions how the interest is going to skyrocket after the first 30 days.
- The arrogant store owner who is going to put in a gigantic order, declaring she
is going to "make you a star", who talks you into accepting net terms because everyone else provides her
that. She is the one who will call and demand that her order leaves the warehouse first yet will
not pay you on time. In fact, you are going to have to have a collections firm get in touch with her.
- The crafty online boutique owner who is going to receive her several thousand dollar
order on net terms, sell it all, and then declare bankruptcy on you and eight other brands to get out of paying.
The factory who is going to put your production last since
you are their smallest account, which will jeopardize the timeliness of shipping to your own customers.
- The manufacturer who is two years ahead of you at market, who is going to do a blatant
copy of your best selling design and profit from it.
The company who just sold off such a large share of their business to where third parties get to control
all aspects of the business that they fought so hard to build.
These kinds of things have nothing to do with how attractive your clothing line
is or how eye catching your marketing us. These are the kinds of things that could make or break a business that boutique
manufacturers, especially new ones, need to be made aware of. I feel it is my moral and ethical duty to warn anyone
in this industry who might otherwise fall victim to these kinds of situations.
No company is immune to problems, especially in this industry, with this economy. I even know of manufacturers
who have been in business for 10 years who have been unable to ship their collections for several seasons
in a row. Some seasons are great where everything runs smoothly and then the next season can bring factory
delays, delayed samples, things beyond your control. As difficult as things may be for a season, it is still absolutely
worth the fight to pursuit a great dream. One of my favorite penned quotes is, "the risk in trying is
more rewarding than the fear of failure."
Whether you are a designer with a customer base who has a general question on how to get from Point A to Point
B or whether you are a new designer who needs some solid guidance as you begin your journey, I have had success as both a
custom designer and as a national manufacturer, so I have a good well rounded perspective on the kinds of difficulties you
might encounter. I am a no nonsense person, you will get the truth, not just what you would like to hear. Your
time and mine are too valuable.
I
am a champion of the underdog. I believe that with a lot of faith, determination, and a great business plan, you
are going to make it! I don't want you to experience the same kind of setbacks that either me or my fellow
manufacturers have experienced. I will encourage you every step of the way and give you ideas to creatively work
yourself out of the jam you have found yourself in. I will prepare you for this industry in a no nonsense way and
come up with some practical guidelines to help safeguard your business. My goal is to help you turn your
dreams into a reality.
Let's work together to make it happen!
Gretchen,
boutique coach
We also offer 2 additional services to help your business grow:
Gooma Graphics -- Do you need a logo designed? Sketches
professionally drawn? Business cards? Check us out at www.goomagraphics.com for all your graphic needs.
Gooma
Girls -- Do you need an outfit modeled? Can't find an adorable little girl to show off your hair accessories?
Check out the free service of www.goomagirls.com where we have over 140 registered models whose parents are ready to provide
you with high quality photos.
