Are you thinking of starting a new hobby or a profitable sewing business?
Starting a sewing business is empowering and making money from your hobby is satisfying and fulfilling. I am a prove of this.
The fact that you’re reading this means that you’re interested in taking your sewing business or creativity to another level.
Either you are considering making this business a full-time job (most people are willing to quit that 9 to 5 job) or you just want to earn extra income from it?
Whatever your reasons, there are 5 big mistakes that people often make when venturing into this line of business which you need to know about and do your best to avoid them, therefore, enjoying a successful sewing career.
During my sewing experience over the years, I have made a couple of these mistakes which were avoidable if only I had known beforehand.
But as I believe part of progress is ensuring others are prevented from stumbling into pitfalls, this necessitated my willingness to share these various tips to avoid mistakes when getting started and they could also be adapted for continuous use as one grows the business.
Here are the 5 common mistakes people make when starting their sewing business
Not choosing a Niche
In sewing, there are so many areas or field that one could pursue. You need to sit back and ask yourself the one you enjoy most and would like to venture into.
Sewing is quite broad, although one may be tempted to venture into many categories, one must streamline those desires down to a particular niche. This helps one to concentrate and defines ones work, allowing for needed commitment with a good outcome. You don’t want to be a jack of all trades and master of none, do you?
Niche in sewing ranges from dressmaking, home décor, content creator, bridal wears, alteration to mention but few.
To avoid been overwhelmed with associated distractions and worn out, the key is to narrow down your focus in other for you to be successful in your sewing business.
Failure to Seek Advice
A great way to start any business including sewing is to seek advice from those that are already in the business, but many people overlook this step.
Getting advice before starting will give you a realist picture of the market. Don’t be shy or too proud to walk up to people who already own established sewing business.
Sometimes some established business owners may not be as prompt to answer but there are still few like me who will be happy to hear you out and lend a helping hand.
Be careful when seeking advice from local competitors because, to many of them, you are just someone who is looking for opportunities to take advantage of their knowledge and probably send them out of business.
Failure to assess the competition
Sewing business is highly competitive and many business owners fail to assess the local competition in the area they want to locate their sewing business. It is extremely important to determine how your store would fit into the community’s competitive landscape.
You need to do a lot of research and ask yourself “who your competitors are, what their pricing system looks like, etc.? This will give you a clearer picture of what the market looks like and will enable you to develop a plan of how you will successfully compete and breakthrough.
Failure to Promote what they make
To get your sewing business off the ground, you need to promote it yourself through the words of the mouth as well as the finesse of your product.
Another way to promote your business is to be your product model. It will be too early for you at this stage to start hiring a Fashion Model as this will cost you more money, you can hire as times goes on but not at this early stage.
You must always dress well and look good now that you have your garment industry no matter how small it is. There are chances that people will start noticing you and be asking you whether your clothes are “ready-to-wear” and there is no better way than to tell them you made it yourself.
Always wear your product to advertise. Let people know that you’re creative and good at what you do.
Failure to Branding
Many people usually make this mistake when starting and I was no exemption.
Building your brand before you launch your business is highly recommended no matter how small you’re starting as this can make a big difference and make you stand out among competitors.
You need to ask yourself: What’s unique about your sewing business? Your look and presentation? What’s in a name?
What you call your business brings with it lots of meaning and influence. You need something that sums up who you are and what you do and in a manner that will entice people to look at what you’re bringing to the market and thus motivates customers patronage.
If you’re are aiming to be successful in your sewing business, try and avoid these mistakes.
Make sure you plan well ahead, do your best to make it work, quote reasonable and just price for your products, don’t limit yourself within your niche and I see you prospering in your sewing business.