Starting my own business....

[Sami_Carm]

OK I thinking about making wedding veils mostly like custom ones. DO u think bridal shops would carry with or should I just start in ebay???

And any advice as far as starting out???


I made my own cathedral length veil and everyone asked where I got it and how much I paid for it when I told them that I made it myself everyone was SHOCKED!! it would have been around a $250 veil in a shop!!

SOOOOO what do ya think??? worth it???

[sunshine]

Ask your local bridal shops if they are interested--- some might have contracts with certain companies, etc.

Take along a few samples, so they can see your work. . . .decide if you are planning on selling them to the shop outright, on consignment, take orders, etc.

[Start-Living]

I would suggest start off small, and with ebay first.

(This way, you can still keep your current job, and get a taste of this business and see if you want to invest more time/money into this business)

After a few months, if you still enjoy this business, then I would suggest bring a few samples, maybe work-sheet of what they are sold-for on ebay, and start knocking on bridal shop's doors. Some Bridal shops might turn you down, but if you can show them that they will be making money with your product, then some will give you a try.

Or, If I were you, I would just sell on ebay, and if it does well, save up for my own shop, or your own online store.

But, this is just my opinion on this.

[Laurie in Bradenton]

You might also look at taking a booth at local bridal shows. I've been to several in my area lately and saw many small operations. This will also give you an idea of what girls are looking for.

Laurie in BRadenton (Future MIL)

[littlemotherhaywood]

I would definitely sell on ebay. I also don't see any reason you couldn't approach the bridal shops, but you have to figure out how you want to sell through them. Even if you're just getting started and they say no doesn't mean you can't approach them in a few months and show them how well you're doing on your own. Also, the bridal show sounds like a good idea but that can be really pricey just to get in. I think everyone here had some great ideas to start with. That sounds like a really cool thing to do Good luck.