Small Business: Industry: Fashion & apparel
Registering your company's name as a trademark isn't legally required, but it can pay off down the road.
Nick, Seattle
I am starting a clothing company and need to copyright the brand name. What is the best way to do this on a tight budget?
A good distributor can make or break your product line. Here's how to find the right one.
Deziree Williams, Sugar Free Baby, Los Angeles
I have a children's eco-friendly clothing line. We are taking it slow because we are branding our line and are in some ways picky about who we sell to. I have recently been approached by a distributor, but I'm not sure if this is the best way to launch into the market. Any advice?
We asked the experts and created a step-by-step guide to getting noticed on the fashion scenes.
Samantha Risto, Risto Designs, New York, NY
I recently launched a small women’s clothing business in New York out of my apartment. I would like to know how I can sell to small retailers and boutiques. Do I just show up at their store with samples in hand or is there an "established" way of doing this?
If you want to reach a national audience through the home-shopping networks, you'll need mass-manufacturing capabilities and a catchy storyline.
Mona Kahn, Salt Lake City
I am a jewelry designer and I want to present my merchandise to a larger audience. How do I get my products on ShopNBC, QVC or similar outlets? Read more…
Amir, Chunky n Chic, Salt Lake City
My wife and I have been making and selling hand-made, semi-precious jewelry for the last 5 years. People really love the variety, quality, unique designs and the price. We usually use chunky stones and therefore named the business as Chunky n Chic. As we grow, should keep the name or change it?
Peisy Alamsjah, Ann Arbor
I am an undergarment manufacturer (peisylee.com). How can I sell my product to Wal-Mart (WMT) or another big company? Thank you.
Shawn Epps, Wichita Falls, Texas
I am selling unique athletic socks made of microfiber. People love them, but I can't get into stores or get my website to generate sells. I have all my legal stuff taken care of, and I have handed out countless business cards, and given away a lot of free samples. What tips can you give me to help get my online business booming without going broke? Check out my products at urbnelite.com.
Elisa McCoy, Redwood City, Calif.
I own an apparel screenprinting business that has a strong client base, and I am looking to develop an online store. I have tried researching e-commerce companies online and am more confused than when I started. I don't know which to choose. Any suggestions?
A small apparel manufacturer struggles to comply with the giant retailer’s requirements.
Carolyn Deason, San Antonio, Texas
I got lucky and showed my shirts to Wal-Mart locally. They love them, and one store has already ordered $2,700 worth of shirts and plans to order more this month. Other stores wish to order as well. I am a home-based business, very small, in business less than a year. Wal-Mart pays their invoices net 30 and requires me to tag the shirts with bar codes. Once I am in their vendor system, I can sell nationally. It's a great opportunity, but how do I afford the initial expenses to do business with Wal-Mart? It will run close to $6,000 to pay for manufacturing, printing, bar codes and tags.
Dissolving business partnerships is more like divorce than divestment.
Mandy Hinrichsen, Drexel Hill, Pa.
My business partner and I are equal owners of a hair salon. We have a partnership agreement. I work hard and enjoy my job. My partner, on the other hand, is burnt out. She never shows up to work and when she does, she sits in the office on the phone handling personal business. I want to buy her out, but she refuses. What can I do? Read more…
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