Question


jimquan

Looking for advice on a tailoring busines idea...?

I need you opinion, advice on an online tailoring business...? I have very little business experience but hope to make up for that with a bit of hard work. I work in the fashion industry, but not the tailoring sector and I am fairly familiar with online marketing techniques so I don't think that would be much of a problem. However, I need your opinion on my business idea. I'd like to open a site that sells tailored suits, I'm aware that there are similar sites out there, but I'm hoping there could be room for one more if I had 'an edge'. I thought that my edge could be offering a design service with the website, this would be optional but basically the user would say what the purpose of the suit was (business suit, everyday suit, special occasion e.t.c) mention colour preferences or send pictures of suits they've seen and liked. Our 'design team' would then produce a suit to the measurements that the customer entered online. I'd also like to offer other clothes that you do not normally seen tailored, anything from polo shirts to selvage denim jeans. A premium product, of course. I would outsource the suits to a tailor in Hong Kong or perhaps Turkey at market them to the UK. Do you think this is a concept that could succeed? How much would I need to set up? How much do you think suits should be sold for? How much would I expect to pay the tailor on contract? How much premium should I charge for designing the suit for them rather then letting them choose the material e.t.c? Do you have any advice or ideas? Your help is greatly greatly appreciated, would love to hear answers for any of my questions. As it said in the question, the user would enter their measurements. What I am suggesting as the aspect of my site that would make people choose mine over others is that on all other sites the buyer has to choose fabric, style, e.t.c I believe there could be a market for people who want to choose not to make these decisions, they specify the kind of suit they would like. We design it for them and have it tailored to their size. This would be an optional feature of the site.

3 months ago - 3 answers

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Chosen by Asker

I hirely recommend this learning package from a bookstore named 'Your evening class- starting a small business' its by the teach yourself company and it's brilliant. It has audio and workbooks for you and breaks it down, and also a small book to read too. It's very helpful, and will get you started and teach you all about business and what you need to do. It covers all kinds of business'.

by Anastacia

3 months ago

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Other Answers

Somebody is already doing it successfully at www.mytailor.com You may see it and work your way from there. You may also try if you can be their channel partner.

by mangal- 3 months ago

w r i t e a business plan r u suggesting that you can make tailored clothes without taking the person's measurements--or do you just ask them for their measurements? hmmm luck!

by kemperk- 3 months ago

What you are offering is a bespoke tailoring service and it is by no means unique - that doesn't mean that it would fail, it just means that you would have a lot of competition. From a personal point of view it isn't something that I would ever consider using. I have occasionally had clothes made for me and, even after giving accurate measurements, I have always had to go back for at least one final fitting to "tweak" the fit. By outsourcing the tailoring work to an overseas company you wouldn't be able to allow for that final personalised fitting. When buying a bespoke item people would expect a personal service. Ask people who have bought wedding or bridesmaid dresses - they usually have more than one fitting before the clothes fit perfectly. I'm sorry, but I don't think you would end up with a perfect end product and therefore wouldn't get repeat business or customer recommendations. Ask any woman who buys quality clothing - giving your measurements does not ensure a good fit!

by Cala B- 3 months ago