How can I find manufacturers and distributors for a new business?
I am looking to create a new line of clothing geared towards individuality and moving kids and adults into more professional and classier outfits that retain expression.
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May 1, 2014
I have found the best way to do this is to find applicable trade associations associations, network within those, and ask around for their suggestions. In my case, I did just that (after weeks of research) and received some key names and introductions almost immediately. I then leveraged Hoovers and did a little of my own investigating to see who the leaders were, their competitors, etc. I found this to work well but it still required some investigation on my part to compare pricing, learn who's most stable, sizes of the companies, and more.
May 1, 2014
Have you tried the National Manufacturers Association. It is based in Washington, DC
May 1, 2014
I have a great contact for this, he has his own line plus designs and manufactures for all major brands. If interested drop me an email danagvc at gmail.com
He works for everyone one from Maceys to Frederick of Hollywood. I think he could be your best bet for an honest no BS look at what you need.
May 1, 2014
One of the companies we work with that could possibly provide you some solutions would be Manex Consulting. Check them out at: www.manexconsulting.com Hope this gives you some guidance!
May 1, 2014
Hello Steven, I am not sure of the distribution part. Here is some information on the other areas.
Manufacturing - There is a town in India called in as Coimbatore. This is a hub for garment manufacturers. The deal here is you name it and they make it. This link will give you some insight on a few:
1) Garment Manufacturers- http://www.grotal.com/Coimbatore/Garment-Industry-C93/
2) Textile Mills- http://www.coimbatorecity.com/about-coimbatore/textile-mills-in-coimbatore.html
The above might be good to create a data base to begin with.
Cross channel + Digital Marketing is changing the way we communicate with end customers. The most interesting concept that is developing I guess is called in as two-Screens. It works like this, kids are more agile with smart phones and devices + Multi tasking. When they are watching a movie/any other thing on a large screen they also text/browse. Giving rise to a new form of attracting end customer to merchandise sales.
Combine the same with a cross channel form of distribution and you have a connect with a customer the way you and your customers want it.
Treating customers as individuals is becoming prime. So when you consider shooting a news letter with latest fashion trends ensure to do a survey with your customer base and send content to them what they would like to see...
Hope this helps. Best of luck.
May 1, 2014
What I found most useful when starting my business was attending Chamber of Commerce meetings, BNI's, seeking manufacturing societies, etc,. I joined several manufacturing and business intelligence organizations and began networking. Some of them are: Manufacturing.Net, Today in Manufacturing, OpenText and LNS Research. People tend to do business with those they trust and have confidence in. Remember, you are not selling the idea, at least not at first, you are selling YOU!
Best of luck
Dana thanks a lot. I am in the implementation phase of the graphic design work. The concept should be an easy one and the marketing can be diversified generationally across almost all age groups. The trick is that I need someone exactly like your friend, and I need to break down and beef up my graphic design skills to get it done.