I am a independent fashion designer i sell at markets and have a good client base .I want to take the next step and get my designs out in shops how do i do this?
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I imagine that you would contact the shops you’re interested in and set up a meeting. I’m guessing that these are small businesses so you shouldn’t have to go through a lot of people. Show them your portfolio and tell them why they should carry your clothing. If they’re interested you would talk about the legal stuff, the profit, etc. Just go from there.
find your style in a shop.
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Do a bit of research on the shops that interest you. Find out the name of the owner and try to arrange an appointment with the owner. Don’t cold call! Often the sales floor staff has no input in the merchandise in the boutique. Present a brochure of your work, copy shops such as kinko’s and other can help put together a good looking brochure quickly and inexpensively and be sure to have a business card attached to the brochure. Take along one or two items that show the quality of your garments and that give the owner an idea of your design aesthetic. Be flexible on consignment sales, but don’t be a sucker, don’t undersell yourself so your boutique merchandise sells for less than your market sales. And be persistent, but not annoying. If the boutique owner has reasonable suggestions, try to incorporate them into your pieces.
As an example, an owner knows her clientèle prefers longer length skirts so if she might suggest making hemlines longer, then that might be the only thing holding her back from ordering your line. On the other hand if she requests something such as “make everything in brown instead of bright colours, make it in cheaper fabrics and make everything look like what I already carry” then that’s unreasonable.
Be sure you have a line and not a bunch of unrelated pieces. Most boutiques like three complete outfits and one dress, it makes it easy for them to merchandise and hang the garments. Too few pieces makes it difficult to merchandise the line. Presentation is very important to boutiques, give them the opportunity to properly present your line.
You should also make a few out of town sales trips, again armed with a brochure, a business card, perhaps a cover letter/resume and take a few sample garments with you. Be courteous, professional, be on time, and leave a good impression. Market yourself as well as your line and be confident, but don’t be an arrogant diva. And don’t get discouraged, it takes time. Once you are in one store others soon follow as competition is fierce and boutiques do like the newest and the best designers.