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Here is the biggest challenge for the new fashion start-up… where do you spend your money, especially in the beginning?
Time and time again, small start-ups go through exactly the same thing… they try and control everything themselves… they don’t have the knowledge or experience (which isn’t a bad thing so long as they have a great idea) and their natural inclination is to try and control everything in the process having no idea that THEY are their worst enemy!
There are countless companies who have been down this path and the mistake EVERY ONE OF THEM has made is to think they can do this themselves and somehow they’ll just figure it all out! THAT is the kiss of death for small start-up companies but for some reason, people do not want to believe that this is the case!
SO, let’s ask this question… if you had a hundred thousand dollars… would you be willing to light a match and set it all on fire??? Ridiculous, right?! WELL, that is exactly the equivalent of what most start-up fashion companies do… they essentially set a hundred thousand dollars on fire because they know better than the experts!
THIS is where you make the most important decision of your fashion life… are you going to involve the EXPERTS OR are you going to muddle along just trying to figure it out yourself all because you need to feel like you’re in control of everything?
Answer THAT question and then let us know what you decide because once you let go of the control, you’ll be AMAZED at what can happen to you when REAL experts get involved!
The best thing you can do for yourself in the beginning if you have an idea is get Frances’ Fashion For Profit book OR if you’re further along, go for the Apparel Business Start-Up Package. Once you have a clearly defined idea OR are already in the process of getting your new business off the ground, that is the best time to enlist one of the many expert consultants we have available to help you.
ONE HOUR CONSULTATION WITH FRANCES HARDER
Whether it’s for product development, line review, an assessment of market potential or discussion of any other important issue, Frances is available for one hour consultations. These consultations take place by phone, skype or in person. Take advantage of Frances’ more than 30 years experience in the fashion industry and start or continue your line with more confidence that you’re on the right track.
15-MINUTE LIVE CHAT WITH FRANCES HARDER
Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes to straighten out something you’re working on and can’t get past. A quick 15-minute Live Chat with Frances can make all the difference in the world in helping you get moving again. Prepare your questions in advance, copy and paste them into the Live Chat window and you’ll make the best use of your 15 minutes.
LINE REVIEW
Spend 3 hours with Frances Harder reviewing your line.
BUSINESS START-UP PACKAGE
A two-phase process designed to get your business on the right path right from the start. Phase One includes a review of the legal setup of your business, intellectual property, product positioning, product differentiation, branding and development of company story and management bio, defining distribution outlets and your target customer, how your samples are being produced and currently costed, review your cash flow and financing, explore additional funding sources, manufacturing capabilities, manufacturing agreements, operating budget, profit margins, sale rep plan, sales budget, sales rep agreement, showroom plan, logistics and fulfillment, accounting, goals, dreams, exit strategy. Phase Two analyze, identifies and problem solves critical areas for improvement. Action plan is prepared, pinpointing specific steps to correct critical areas of need.
If you think the amount of this package is high, consider that it can cost you a minimum of $500 to make ONE sample garment… it can cost you $3,000 to print high quality brochures for a tradeshow… it WILL cost you a minimum of $10,000 to exhibit your new line at MAGIC… so the question is… before you go and start spending your hard earned dollars on all of the individual things you’re going to eventually spend money on, aren’t you better off making a small investment up front to determine how viable your business is? Remember the hundred thousand we asked you to set on fire? Take your pick, invest smartly upfront or wander down a path that is potentially going to take ALL of your money and you still won’t have your product to market. If this sounds harsh, that’s probably because it is but NOW is when you MUST make difficult decisions about how you’re going to spend your money and if you make the tough decisions right now at the beginning, you are going to point yourself in the direction of being really smart about the path you take to get your product to market.
Don’t hesitate to ask for references of people who have been through this program, they will tell you that it was the best money they ever spent!
TRADEMARK REGISTRATION
A trademark application is not something you want to do yourself, despite all of the online discount trademark registration services out there. If you do not select the correct classification for your trademark, you could end up without the proper protection you need for your brand. Our attorneys specialize in the fashion industry and can assist you in filing your trademark application. In addition, they can help you evaluate the proper timing for the filing of your trademark applications as this has significant implications for your cash flow. The pricing below is for filing a trademark in one classification.
MANUFACTURING
You have a choice… you can try and do everything yourself OR you can enlist the help of people who’ve been through the manufacturing process, have connections with factories in the US and overseas, know what to look out for, know how to negotiate with factories and know how to get things manufactured correctly. In addition, for any overseas manufacturing, we can coordinate all of the transportation, deal with customs, get your product delivered to your desired location AND take care of the fulfillment of your orders, all under the direction of Frances Harder.
If you want or need more information about any of the services above, please complete the form below and we’ll answer your questions as quickly as possible.
