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From: Scratch 'N Sniff
Date: 02-24-2006, 07:10 PM (1 of 24)
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So over the past few weeks I've had this crazy idea, that as much as I try to dismiss it keeps popping back into my head. I want to organize a sort of guild/exchange for designers, seamstresses/tailors featuring 1) a fashion show displaying their creations, and 2) a place to sell their wares at a low cost to them (because they wouldn't have to pay overhead, just construction costs). The designer/creator would get a certain percentage of the sale of the item, the rest of which would go to the cost of running the store or whatever it would be and putting on the fashion show. Customers would benefit by being able to find high quality, handmade goods at a lower cost. Designers/creators would also benefit by being able to reach a larger market than on their own, and being able to collaborate (ie, a dress designer and a handbag designer working together or a seamstress without a lot of creative vision helps a designer without a lot of sewing talent). At first it seemed too idealistic to me but I keep thinking that maybe it could work. Any thoughts?
~debie
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User: Scratch 'N Sniff
Member since: 01-02-2003 Total posts: 46 |
From: Mariellen
Date: 02-24-2006, 08:00 PM (2 of 24)
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Hi Scratch. It sounds like a good idea to me but would require a lot of work and coordination to put it all in place. Plus, I see you live in Boston. I also live in MA but in the western part. Knowing the cost of living in Boston, it sounds like it would also be quite expensive to get off the ground and running. However, I wish you the best of luck with this idea. As my father used to say to me "You never know if something will work unless you try it". Good Luck and keep us posted!!! If I had known that grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first!!
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User: Mariellen
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 58 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 02-24-2006, 09:35 PM (3 of 24)
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They have a store like that in Portland, OR. It's called The Orginal Mother Goose. It sells all HAND MADE, jewelery, glass, furniture (it's to die for), and 'some' clothing. ( coats, jackets, dresses, shawls, handloomed items, hats and handbags). It's 'downtown' where it gets a LOT of foot traffic. It's been there for yrs. So I guess if you get the right mix of items, and people, you might have a winner of an idea. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: Scratch 'N Sniff
Date: 02-24-2006, 10:58 PM (4 of 24)
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Thanks for the support gals. I guess what I want to know from people on this board, is if it seems like something that home sewers would be interested in? If someone said they wanted to showcase your work, as few or as many items as you were willing to make, and possibly sell them and split the profits with you, would you be interested? Because that would be my next step: contacting local seamstresses and crafters and trying to get them to join.
~debie
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User: Scratch 'N Sniff
Member since: 01-02-2003 Total posts: 46 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-25-2006, 08:10 AM (5 of 24)
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There is a lot to think about. Do you have any experience in business? Do you have a business plan you can take to the bank or agency for start up money? Even if you have plenty of cash to pay for it, unless you want to lose it you need a solid, conventional business plan. And take a look at some of the older messages on these boards. A lot of people come on saying "I've never sewn before but I'm going to make and sell clothing. Can someone tell me how to thread a machine." These are people you want to avoid. I was thumbing through a Fiber Arts magazine last night and there are ads for several shops similar to what you are talking about. They are all upscale. Otherwise you are competing with WalMart or even JC Pennys and it can't be done. Anyway, perhaps you can pick up a copy of the magazine and contact some of those shops (outside your area so you are not a competitive threat) to discuss how they started and where they get their merchandise. I'm not trying to discourage you -- just give you something to think about. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-25-2006, 09:18 AM (6 of 24)
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Boston has the type of reputation that would lead me to believe it would be a great place to start this type of undertaking. I don't personally know about the spending habits of the city but reputation would make me think that you could find a very nice clientel there with interest in the type of buisness you are considering and the money to back it. If I am right, you could probably command a little better price for the goods and services you would provide than in many areas of the country. On the surface it sounds like a fun idea!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: wp88
Date: 02-25-2006, 09:32 AM (7 of 24)
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Hi I am not aware of prices retail in the states for clothes but here in England you can buy most clothes cheaper than making yourself. There are even less fabric store now than in the past. Apart from your pleasure in making I cannot see any benefit for customers to buy rather than at your well known stores. Just my opinion let alone the obvious business risks involved. Anyway good luck if you go ahead. Bill |
User: wp88
Member since: 03-28-2005 Total posts: 35 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-25-2006, 09:36 AM (8 of 24)
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Bill, I had no idea you were in England.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-25-2006, 09:40 AM (9 of 24)
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Another thing -- you better bone up on copyright laws before you start selling anything anyone made from a pattern or licensed fabric! Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Scratch 'N Sniff
Date: 02-25-2006, 02:56 PM (10 of 24)
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This is definitely in the "just thinking about it" phase. As far as I had thought about it, we wouldn't be using published patterns. I never use patterns anyway and I imagine there are lots of people who are able to draft their own patterns. That would also be part of the "exchange": that people who can only follow patterns could work with those who can draft patterns or drape. As for the cost issue, I know lots of stores offer cheaper clothing options, but I still believe there are a lot of customers willing to pay a little more for quality items. Maybe I'm wrong in that assumption. It also seems that the retail cost of nice apparel, like evening dresses, for example, is a lot more than the value of the fabric. When I went to prom, I paid $50 for fabric and made a gorgeous dress. Other girls wore $300-$500 dresses. Even considering the cost of the time that goes into it, I can't imagine that much of a markup. Now I'm making my wedding dress and am facing a similar situation. Many brides spend upwards of $3,000 and I just don't see how the fabric and construction justifies the cost. Lastly, I think of it as a cause that a lot of people would be willing to support: buying something made local by local workers, rather than something mass-produced overseas. Dorothy: you are definitely right about the start-up cost issue. That'll probably be the biggest block to doing something like this. I have lots of retail sales and managerial experience, but have certainly never owned a business. I also have very little cash right now: I've been trying to get my name out as an alterationist by giving out business cards, but thus far, no calls. That's probably where the idea first started: I imagined a group that I would want to be part of and from there, reasoned that there are probably other people like me in the same boat. I will check out that magazine to see what shops you're talking about. Thanks everyone for your comments! It's great to get honest feedback before I just jump in blindly! ~debie
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User: Scratch 'N Sniff
Member since: 01-02-2003 Total posts: 46 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-25-2006, 06:43 PM (11 of 24)
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Debie- It is possible there are low interest loans available through the city or county. Sometimes they require that you take a certain business class. No matter where you get the money, the institution making the loan is going to want a business plan showing your research indicating the type of business you envision is reasonable. And they will want to know your plans for inventory, location, hours, advertising.....and so on and on and on. If you get a good book on writing a business plan, just writing it will help you think everything out in an orderly fashion. It can be done -- but it's a lot of work. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 02-25-2006, 09:24 PM (12 of 24)
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-I- would join a shop like that, IF.....I could do what I wanted, took NO orders from anyone and didn't have to deal with people. ( I don't deal well with people anymore and I never could take orders from ANYONE). But if I were allowed to make things -I- think people would like and buy. I'd do it in a NY min.
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Scratch 'N Sniff
Date: 02-26-2006, 09:42 AM (13 of 24)
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Dorothy: Thanks for the info! I'll keep that in mind if this ever takes off. Chrys: This is the type of feedback I want from sewers. You say you wouldn't want to take any orders or work with people. In other words, you would like to be a sort of freelancer: you'd make up several items, give them to the store, and then have no more interest in them until you receive a check for your portion, correct? Just trying to clarify so I know what people are interested in. ~debie
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User: Scratch 'N Sniff
Member since: 01-02-2003 Total posts: 46 |
From: sewingrandma
Date: 02-26-2006, 10:37 AM (14 of 24)
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Years ago, 25+, there was a shop that would displayed all sorts of handmade items, sewing, knitting, crochet etc. The only requirements were the owner of the shop got 10% of the sales. If a customer came in and wanted something specific made the shop owner would take the order and payment and call the person displaying the item requested. The item was then made and delivered to the shop and the customer came in and picked it up. I made several afghans and sweaters at that time to earn extra spending money. This was back before there was too much concern over copyright laws and no licensed fabrics.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: Karebear
Date: 02-26-2006, 01:52 PM (15 of 24)
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I live in a very "Mayberry" town. It has a main street that is over flooded with antique stores.. We have a little "first sunday of the month" where vendors sit out there and sell their "hand made" artsy merchandise. Since I make purses (felted & fabric), dog sweaters, dog coats, fabric boxes, it is a fun time for me to show off!!! and hope to sell. There was talk that someone wanted to start a "consignment" shop but to be honest with ourselves.. no one really wanted to have to (wo)man it 7 days a week. I would LOVE to do this rather than do my 8-5 job!! but... I need another to help with the push. DO IT!! because if you do not someone else will and you will be kicking yourself in the butt!!! The copyright issue is a very legal and scarey thought as well.. BUT I can tell you I would NEVER make anything with a "disney design"... but you cannot reinvent the wheel, by this I mean.. take that Simplicity pattern for a simple blouse and make it ROCK your style of color with variations!! Have fun and outdo yourself each day-- You have to succeed!!! Karen Karen
http://www.dancingwicks.com "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
User: Karebear
Member since: 01-24-2002 Total posts: 338 
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From: purselady
Date: 02-26-2006, 02:21 PM (16 of 24)
| I love the idea. Are you thinking more along the lines of consigning items or not. I already consign items to get exposure. And have already been looking for places to do the same in Kansas if we happen to move there ( a possibility). Here I typically have to pay the place/person 20% of my sale price. It works good for me. |
User: purselady
Member since: 02-03-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: Karebear
Date: 02-26-2006, 02:41 PM (17 of 24)
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Purselady.... wow we seem to share the same great love of the "purse". Note: Presently, I do have some of my doggie sweaters on consignment.. the doggie boutiques do the margins 60/40. I cross my fingers to make at least $30 on each. I have a really cute little design out there with "lion brand" fancy fun fur and sheen cotton. The colors are wonderful and the design is made for the little 7-10 pound dogs... I am in the process of making a sweater for the 25 - 40 pound dog.. I would love to have my "furs" around the globe!!! What a great idea!!! Karen Karen
http://www.dancingwicks.com "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
User: Karebear
Member since: 01-24-2002 Total posts: 338
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From: Scratch 'N Sniff
Date: 02-26-2006, 03:56 PM (18 of 24)
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I like the idea of a consignment shop, but I also like the idea of people working together. Like someone making purses to go with someone else's dresses. Karebear: your doggy sweaters sound so cute! I wish I could get my cat into one 
~debie
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User: Scratch 'N Sniff
Member since: 01-02-2003 Total posts: 46 |
From: jenny-o
Date: 02-26-2006, 04:41 PM (19 of 24)
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There is a store here in Vancouver that is very successful in selling artists/crafters' items. It's called Circle Craft - website: www.circlecraft.net It is like a co-op. Check their site for all the rules / criteria inorder to sell there (like you have to be a member (cheap I think $25), and items are jurried, no mass production items, etc.). It sells quite a variety of beautiful handmade things - ceramics, knitting, glass, and at pretty high prices. Everything is original and quite upscale. I would like the idea of jurried items in a shop I sold my work to. Having a certain type customer in mind for the items you would take, not just anything - there has to be a certain amount of cohesiveness to the store (like price range). I like the idea of being a member to the store too, that would help put your idea of getting designers and sewers together (newsletters for members). I think it is a great business idea in your city, you don't have to reinvent the wheel as far as business plans go - there are others to learn from and tweek to your own. Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: purselady
Date: 02-26-2006, 07:04 PM (20 of 24)
| Debbie, I love the idea of working together. I would happily make a purse to match/go w/ and outfit by another. I was just thinking consigment shop on your way of making money. |
User: purselady
Member since: 02-03-2006 Total posts: 19 |
From: paroper
Date: 02-26-2006, 09:48 PM (21 of 24)
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WE have had some crafters malls in our area. Mostly they are large stores that have been vacated. Someone leases them and they put in booths of all sizes where people can sell on consignment. The "owners" man the cash registers, keeps track of sold merchandise, collects rent from your profits, gives you a check and detail of all merchandise sold at the end of the month. If you have merchanside there, you can down the cost of your booth by working several hours a weeks, the size (cost) of your booth dictates how many hours you need to work. The biggest problem has been that many of these are located in lower rent (dying) strip malls. The people who come to those places do not WANT to pay a good price for anything, they are looking for a bargain and garage sale merchandise. The ones that do well are those that are located in nicer locations and have their merchandise displayed more like a store than a series of booths. The problem is that those places are harder to inventory (for the craftsman). Display and protection (from shop lifting) is another problem in some of these malls where the merchandise is difficult to see and patrol. The mall where I worked had security tags that could be rented by the booth owner and put on their merchandise (which cut down shop lifting considerably).
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Marti
Date: 03-17-2006, 08:35 PM (22 of 24)
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have you thought about maybe setting you store up on assignment....have the maker's bring in there stuff, inspect it, and they get a x amount of the sales....then the only overhead would be the cost of the building....If you have the money to back yourself up on the overhead cost for at least a yr. then go for it.....Good Luck !!!!
Marti Eldridge
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User: Marti
Member since: 02-21-2006 Total posts: 31 
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From: Scratch 'N Sniff
Date: 03-18-2006, 08:15 PM (23 of 24)
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Update: I've just come into a little bit of money, not enough to start a store, but enough to start making some things of my own to sell to local shops or a the flea market this summer. hopefully i'll bring in some more cash that way and be able to get this idea rolling.
~debie
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User: Scratch 'N Sniff
Member since: 01-02-2003 Total posts: 46 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-18-2006, 08:33 PM (24 of 24)
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Good luck!!! Keep us posted on the progress!!!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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