Question

Topic: Strategy

Clothing Buyers - We Need Contacts

Posted by Anonymous on 8/23/2007 at 3:54 PM ET 250 Points
We are in the beginning stages of launching a line of printed apparel. The product is an expansion of our fine art business. The products have been very well received in the art festival and some other small venues and we believe it would do well in certain retail chain locations. However we have no current contacts with Buyers in the industry. Is there a listing available on line or in print of contact information or agencies who specialize in this area. We are in the North East/Great Lakes area of the US.
Thank you.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Harry Hallman on 8/23/2007 at 5:12 PM Accepted
    It is possible I can help. See my profile for details.
  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 8/23/2007 at 6:07 PM Accepted
    Call MANAonline.org. This is the trade org for independent manufacturers reps. There is also a link on their site with a checklist of what you need to have to place to work with reps.

    Does your area have a "to the trade" expo center with reps and clothing showrooms? In Denver its the Merchandise Mart. Reps love to share and usually know peers around the country.

    Ask retailers who they work with, who they know is a good rep. I have a manufacturer rep agency-- I rarely solicit principals for lines. They network and find me.

    Sell Well and Prosper tm
  • Posted on 8/23/2007 at 10:08 PM Member
    Do you have a marketing and business plan, or are you expecting to just march into a buyer's office and try to sell them stuff?
  • Posted on 8/23/2007 at 11:14 PM Author
    Hello mgoodman, your question is a GREAT one. We are currently working on our business plan. We have a list of topics to research/explore, among them who/where EXACTLY to market our product. We have started with some broad ideas and are now narrowing down to more specific parameters. Regarding marketing we have done some testing on a small scale locally to better understand our niche/customer and we are excited by the response.
    So we are still developing and tweaking our game plan and product but hope to soon be ready to march in and start selling stuff!
  • Posted on 8/23/2007 at 11:22 PM Author
    Hello Carol, thank you for the helpful response!
    Brian
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