Need some input on new business venture

J-Ro

Alright, I have been wanting to go into business for myself since I graduated college and now I finally have the cajones to go for it. I am researching starting a lifestyle clothing company. I want to start small with a small Ebay store and slowly build up the business. So I have decided to start with hats and beanies and the first design I have may be a little controversial. In fact the wife doesn't want to be a part of it. However I feel edginess is a good way to start out. The next few designs I have are much more low key and fit into a whole different genre. So here is the first design and the question is, would you buy it? She thinks there is zero market for this, I disagree. So I turn to you commies for input. Thanks

Broccoli B · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 9:42 am Post subject:

I think it is cool because only those in the know would know, ya know?

CroMagnon · Newbie Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 16 City: Lake Jackson

throwing up the shocker every now and again can be ok, but would you really want to walk around advertising that you like to stick your finger in the anus. please do not take offense as you asked for an honest opinion, but if i saw anybody wearing that i would think they were a fehg. good idea to start your own business, even clothing doesn't really sound that bad. keep working on the designs though. plus i don't really think it's all that controversial because either people will know what it is or they won't, there isn't a middle ground.

onenutwakeboarder · Newbie Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 42 City: Yakima

I would buy it if it were a right handed shocker Wink

..I think its a good enough market... You would be suprised how many immature people there are just like us. I can even picture my old man wearing that hat.

Erik · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 9:49 am Post subject:

I dont know about where you live, but around here the "shocker" has died away big time. It was overexposed. It is a dead item. Like 'Get Er' done Cowboy Up and all that crap.

CroMagnon · Newbie Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 16 City: Lake Jackson

good point Erik, the shocker really hasn't been all that "cool" since i left high school 5 years ago. although there may be a market in selling stuff like that to high school kids, they will always go for things that they think might make them look older,cooler, and in the know. but then one hundred of them will buy it, look at each other and realize they are all huge dorks, then not only will they not wear it, but they probably won't buy that brand anymore because it's no longer "cool" either.

Erik · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 10:02 am Post subject:

It also dosent REALLY look like the shocker anyway. It looks like the old Etnies and Consolidated Skateboards logo had a love child.

More constructively, you could always create a low-cost (no cost actually) CafePress shop and experiment with some products. Thats the route I would go if you are thinking about a product line and want to test the water first.

Start by setting up a domain, with a link to the Cafe Press shop - then do a few Ebay auctions which link heavily to the Web site...

I would revisit that logo first though. I "see" where you were going but you need to be a little bit more literal in your designs when aiming at such a low audience. Basically you are aiming for middle schoolers and mildly idiotic college kids. I know that sounds snotty but it is true. I didn't really know what you were trying to show there till I read that it is indeed the "shocker".

anti-shoobies · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 10:02 am Post subject:

If you are going to be in this to make money, you might want to consider a different market or product. A lifestyle clothing company can be a very rewarding thing to have, but is definitely not as fun if money is your primary goal, just my two cents.

J-Ro · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 10:25 am Post subject:

anti-shoobies, I don't think anyone should go into something like this looking to make money right away.

Everyone else - I agree its immature and the market is idiotic college kids. Every other design I have is better but has no shock value (Horrible Pun). I want to gauge interest in this particular one before I make a decision.

Erik Jernberg, Do you have to use the cafepress products to set up an online shop? I already have a good vendor.

Erik · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 10:29 am Post subject:

Partyb · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 10:48 am Post subject:

I know what the shocker is and that design is a little hard to decipher. Edginess i think translates into smaller market. If you want to make $ i think you would want to appeal to a broad market.

8824 · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 11:07 am Post subject:

It almost looks like the black flag symbol tweaked.

Put some t1ts and a$$ on a shirt and sell those. My royalties are affordable. LOL

Check out www.cafepress.com. it's a good place to design your one stuff one piece at a time. This would be perfect for you business plan.

Good luck. Let me know if I can help. No I am not buying stuff today. LOL

J-Ro · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 11:18 am Post subject:

Thanks for the comments. I checked out cafepress and their prices ar almost double what I can get. They do offer a nice service though.

8824 · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 11:38 am Post subject:

J-Ro,

Double on one off pieces?

Or are you talking discounts based on volume?

J-Ro · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 2:36 pm Post subject:

The prices at cafe press are almost double what I can get with a small order (over a dozen items) from my vendor.

anti-shoobies · Posted: Aug 31, 2005 3:10 pm Post subject:

J-Ro, you are absolutely right, but you know there is always those people out there looking to make a quick buck...