Starting a Home-Based Handmade Clothing Business

Despite the popularity of large, chain retailers and the dull uniformity and poor quality of clothing in many retail stores, there are still consumers who appreciate original clothing designs and quality, handmade clothing. Handmade clothing businesses may produce original lines of clothing for sale or they may make custom clothing on request from a customer. Entrepreneurs who are skilled in sewing and clothing design may enjoy starting a home-based, handmade clothing business.

The United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in their occupational projections data, reports that nearly 55,000 people worked as "tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers" in 2008. Unfortunately, this industry is expected to shrink over the next decade from 2008 - 2018, losing two percent of the occupational jobs in the decade. BLS reports that median annual wages are "low" at $24,990 for those working as tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers. 43.5 percent of tailors, dressmakers, and custom sewers are self-employed.

Getting Started

Starting a home-based, handmade clothing business will require the appropriate sewing machines, supplies and materials for the type of clothing that you intend to produce. Entrepreneurs who are considering starting a handmade clothing business may already have the necessary equipment and supplies.

Home-based clothing businesses may produce clothing based on a customer's design or pattern or based on original designs. Clothing businesses that primarily perform custom work based on a customer's request or order will need to be set up for a variety of projects. Businesses that primarily produce their own designs will need to decide what styles and designs they want to produce, what sizes they will offer, and secure a steady supply of materials for their clothing lines.

Marketing

Business cards are always useful marketing tools for business people. Business cards can be handed out any time a business person discusses their business with a potential customer or vendor. Business cards help to present a professional image and allow a customer to keep your contact information for use at a later date.

Contracting with local boutiques and retail shops to either carry your handmade clothing lines or to accept custom orders from their customers can be a good way to expand your business opportunities. Retailers will expect to purchase the clothing at a discounted, wholesale price or to receive a commission on custom orders.

Advertising in a local classifieds directory or community newspaper can be a cost-effective way to keep your business in front of many local customers. These publications usually offer discounts for long-term advertising agreements.

Setting up a business website is a good way to present your business to a wide audience. Potential customers will be able to find your site when they are searching for businesses like your handmade clothing business. Websites allow a business to display pictures and product information, pricing and ordering information, contact information, and details about what makes your handmade clothing business unique.

Etsy is an online store for handmade products. Some sellers report doing quite well with Etsy. Selling on Etsy or another online store provides access to a larger audience who are already searching for products to purchase online.

Setting up boutique in a spare room or garage at your home may be an option for some handmade clothing business owners. For those who have the space, this option can provide a space to display clothing lines and to meet with customers.

Cautions

Business insurance can help to protect against loss in the event of damage or destruction of inventory and equipment. Business liability insurance can also protect the business owner in the event of a customer being injured on their property. This would be important for handmade clothing businesses that operate a boutique or retail shop.

Local zoning and land-use laws may restrict some business owners from opening a boutique or operating other types of business that will involve a lot of customer traffic. Check with your local or county clerk to learn what zoning restriction may be in effect in your community.

Conclusion

Starting a home-based, handmade clothing business can be a good business opportunity for those who are skilled in sewing and clothing design. For those who already have the necessary machines and supplies, a home-based, handmade clothing business can be started on a shoestring budget and expanded as income allows.

SOURCES

United States Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Site accessed on 7 October 2010.

Kathleen Fasanella. How to start a homebased handmade sewing business. Fashion-Incubator. Site accessed on 23 November 2010.

Kathleen Fasanella. How to start a homebased handmade sewing business pt2. Fashion-Incubator. Site accessed on 23 November 2010.

Kathleen Fasanella. How to start a homebased handmade sewing business pt3. Fashion-Incubator. Site accessed on 23 November 2010.