Learn to be a fur clothing expert Being a fur apparel supplier is closer to being a diamond seller than a fashion storeowner. One must be able to tell the difference between not only fake fur and real fur, but a rabbit fur coat trying to pass as chinchilla, or a raccoon fur hat trying to pass as rabbit.

I recommend:  Read what the Fur Information Council of America (FICA) has to say about different kinds of furs. Look at and participate in message boards and discussion forums about fur and furriers, like the one on the Ohio State Trappers Association (OSTA) website. Read about fur types, caring for your fur clothing and more from Sir Charles Exclusive Furriers.

Look around when buying fur fashion It's always better to buy fur in person in order to assure its quality. If you must buy online, make sure you know as much about the furriers as possible, including their warranty services.

I recommend:  Look for a quality fur apparel manufacturer nearby. Check out Sharnelle in New York (especially for mink clothing), Snowflake in Canada, Glacier Wear in Montana (especially for fur hats), and Gabriella's Fur Den in Pennsylvania.

Make your mark with fur fashion Whether you have an online store or a boutique, put a little of youself in your image as a fur apparel supplier. Do you only work with chinchilla, mink, rabbit and sable? On the other hand, do you have less pricey furs, like possum, skunk and beaver? Advertise as luxury-pieces only or family furs at family prices. Do you only sell used furs, fake furs, or re-worked fur clothing? Advertise as socially responsible. Do you sell fur accessories? What about other apparel such as a fur trim coat, a fur collar coat or fur-less items? Advertise as luxury clothing and fur.

I recommend:  Fur & Luxury Center and JR Luxury have good website layouts, the former including videos of models wearing fur coats for women, fur jackets and other fur apparel. If you're in New York, Ritz Furs buys and sells used furs, and its website has easy steps for taking care of them. Furs by Chrys also offers this feature, plus shipping, and some new items.

Stay on fur fashion guard When dealing with something as controversial as fur, be ready for some backlash. Make sure you only work with humane fur suppliers and fur manufacturers, and you are secure in your stance when it comes to new and used fur apparel.

I recommend:  The Fur Commission USA (FCUSA) offers educational resources and videos on smart, safe real fur use. The British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) offers the latest news in fur trade and fur fashions. The Fur Council of Canada has all you need to know about the Fur is Green project.