REASONS TO HIRE A CONSULTANT TO HELP YOUR FASHION BUSINESS

Let us face it, most people interested in the fashion business only want to create with the knowledge that their style will bring the masses, but this is not exactly how it works when one is building a fashion brand.

In most cases, one knows very little, if anything all, about how the fashion industry works or what one need to do generate sales or increase their brand’s visibility. This is where Ntare Business Fashion Consultant comes into focus. We can counsel one about what is needed to know when running oner own startup. More than anything, we can give one the necessary tools to launch and manage a successful business. We will never try to understand oner business like one do but we know how the administrative work can bog down creativity; our job is to be oner virtual back office. Here is why.

FINANCIAL DECISIONS CAN MAKE ONE OR BREAK ONE

It is very easy to mismanage finances, especially, in the early stages. Production & marketing are the areas that will require the most funding. However, one can find themselves wasting money on unnecessary expenses like a studio space or a new sewing machine. When working with clients, the first thing we do is to assess their cash flow and where they are allocating their current funding. The goal is to track, organize & reduce expenses, which means developing a sound business plan. This is essential to keeping the business in the "black".

BRAND DEVELOPMENT

A brand is more than its products, it is a lifestyle. Look at some the great designers like Ralph Lauren, who give that "Upper Class Americana" vibe. When we think of the Ralph Lauren lifestyle, we see an upper middle class couple with "2.5" kids in prep school who walk their Yorkshire terrier along the streets of the Upper East Side, a summer cottage in The Hamptons and ski trips to Aspen during winter break. This is what great branding development does, it conjures up an image of a specific lifestyle, usually one that oner target market is a part of or would like to experience! Whether it is jet setting to St. Tropez and lounging on a yacht dripping in diamonds or the hipster Brooklynite who lives in Williamsburg who is a foodie and fights for social causes, it is all about perception. This is what we stress to our clients about their branding. One must create the imagery through their presentations on Instagram, color palettes and fonts, not just the product.

SHIPPING FULFILLMENT & LOGISTICS

Production is the second most stressful challenge one will have; figuring out shipping, receiving and storage can be a nightmare. Shipping in general is costly, especially, when done by air. If one is shipping by boat, it is even more complicated trying to determine, which methods to use. Terms such as FOB (Free on Board) to CIP (Carriage & Insurance Paid) could result in the difference between who is paying upfront or who is financially responsible if the goods are lost. In addition, there is a possibility that goods could be damaged in transit due to weather or held up in customs due to incorrect labeling of goods. We are also able to help in figuring out the import taxes, customs clearance, and storage fees.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & COACHING

Building and defining the brand is important, but it is just one third of the work. The products need visibility; therefore, one will need to market the brand to generate sales. Product visibility fosters sales from brand to consumer as well B2B (business to business) through wholesale deals. Once the final goods are received, the number one goal is to create sales channels armed with the knowledge of marketing, business strategies and negotiating in this space.

Before launching a fashion brand, it is important to know that this industry is one of the most challenging to start a business. Therefore, each element is integral to the success of independent and emerging designers, resellers, stylists, and personal shoppers. It is an industry with great reward if time is taken to approach the planning, financing and management of each product line and final customer.