Does the idea of selling your own work make you want to hide under the covers? I get it. It can be VERY challenging to sell your own work. No one likes the idea of rejection, and if you MAKE what you SELL, it adds to the mix. If you know what I’m talking about, […]
Selling Wholesale
How Do Trunk Shows With a Boutique Really Work?
What is a Trunk Show and How Do They Work? A typical trunk show is when the creator/vendor brings their line to a boutique or museum shop for a special in-shop showing (the items used to be carried in a trunk, thus the name). Generally, but not always, accessories vendors bring stock pieces they can […]
#AskJanesBrain: How Do I Get a Sale Without Offering a Discount on My Product?
Today’s #AskJanesBrain question comes from a designer I absolutely adore. Meet Courtney Graham, aka the bohemian yogi who’s currently traveling the world (she’s in Peru right now) and is “practicing loving everything”. Here’s how she sent in her question via Instagram – gotta love it!! Q: So Jane, my question is—>>> ***Do you have any […]
#AskJanesBrain Episode #6: Why Don’t Retail Buyers Call Me Back?
Today’s question is about selling your fashion product wholesale and the age-old problem NOT getting a response from a buyer – even after they tell you to send your line sheets! “Hi Jane, How come when I contact retail shops about my clothing line, they say send over your terms and line sheet and every time I […]
#AskJanesBrain Episode #5: Is it Too Late to Sell My Product to Boutiques for Fall?
Do you still want to get your product into stores this fall? Today’s video answers a question about whether it’s too late or if you still have a shot and getting a retail buyer’s attention. One important thing I didn’t mention in the video… If you sell accessories or gift items, you have a MUCH […]
Approaching Retailers to Sell Your Clothing, Accessories, or Jewelry Product
Today’s video is s clip from a live Seminar at the Chicago Fashion Incubator. It talks about the importance of being DIFFERENT in your retailer outreach. I also tell the story of exactly what I did to get an appointment with Neiman Marcus with only ONE postcard. I know when I was selling my clothing […]
I Sold My Clothing Line to a Major Department Store and Here’s What Happened
This article is adapted from the one originally printed in the Chicago Tribune I should really call this story, “My Big Dumb Stupid Newbie Mistake and How I Lost $25,000”. No, it’s not a joke. My biggest mistake in business was when I screwed up an order with a major department store and it cost me way […]
12 Different Ways to Sell Your Fashion Line
Deciding how to sell your clothing, jewelry, or accessories line can be daunting. Gone are the days of just selling wholesale because that was the only option. I get asked this question every week, “Jane, what’s the best way to sell my clothing line/accessories line/jewelry line/ baby product /artwork/candle line?” It all depends on you (and […]