EP20 - Creating Wholesale Linesheets For Your Fashion Brand with Nicole Di Rocco

fashion business how to start a clothing line how to start a fashion business Nov 14, 2019

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How do I approach boutiques?

How do I sell my fashion designs to stores?

Is this something that I should do now, or can it wait after I launch my line?

These are all great questions and don’t worry, you’re not the only person asking. As we start putting our fashion lines together and start debating whether wholesale is what we want to pursue, it then becomes a question of timing. When should I do this? And how do I get started?

In this episode of the FastTrack Your Fashion Brand Podcast, I discuss how to approach boutiques and storefronts with your collections, as well as the importance of a lookbook and line sheet. If you haven’t heard of either, don’t worry, you’re in the right place.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT

What is the difference between a lookbook and a line sheet?
Common mistakes on line sheets
The different components of a line sheet
The power of a line sheet
How to create a style number system

What is the difference between a lookbook and a line sheet?

Although these are often mentioned at the same time, so you may think they are one and the same, they are actually a bit different. Apples and oranges.

A lookbook is something that you’d expect to see for an editorial shoot - it should have the stylized photos and set the overall mood and vibe of the collection.

The line sheet, on the other hand, is like a menu in a restaurant - it gives all the basic information you need in order to make a decision as a buyer.

Common line sheet mistakes

There are three common oversights that I see quite often when it comes to line sheets, and that’s having too many styles, being too long, or being too overwhelming. Even if you have a ton to offer a buyer, if they get too overwhelmed before they’ve even made a purchase, they are likely to look elsewhere.

So a line sheet is critical, especially when trying to sell to boutiques or storefronts. They will almost always ask for one or the other. So, you want to make this easy to read, to follow, and to make a buyer’s choice based on.

Line sheet checklist

Okay, so these are the basics, and some of the things that you definitely want to include:

Front page - introduction/little background on your company, and your inspiration for the collection
Style Name
Photo or line drawing
Photo with description
Colors available
Style number
Availability
Size scale
EXTRA TIP - add an ordering box at the bottom

My sister-in-law actually told me about the last one and I think it is a great idea. She would actually add an order box to the bottom of each page and hand it out to potential buyers. She’d then let them go through it, and they could hand it back in, and then she could fill out an order sheet and send it back to them in a day or so - this is huge considering how long order forms can actually take. So shout out to her for that awesome tip!

Creating a style number system

Having a great line sheet is not only great for potential buyers, but it is also quite possibly one of your most critical tools. Especially if done right.

One of the most critical parts of this that can be used for multiple things including vendors, sowers, pattern designers, and even yourself, is your STYLE NUMBER SYSTEM.

There is no one right way to create a style number system, but you need to design a way that works best for you. And create the system with positive growth in mind, as in, how can you use this 5 years down the line, and still be able to tell the difference between your collections?

For me, I tend to have a distinguisher for one-piece vs two-piece, top vs bottom, pattern, cut, etc. This helps me when I am trying to place an order, or if I’m requesting specifics from my factory. Find what works for you, and stick to it!

As always, if you have any questions, hit me up on Instagram @nicole_di_rocco, like and review our podcast on iTunes! We’re here to help you make the most out of your fashion business, so let us know what you think we should cover next!

EPISODE BREAKDOWN

03:00-05:00 - Lookbook vs Line Sheet

05:20-09:00 - Common Line Sheet Mistakes

11:20-13:00 - Line Sheet Breakdown

13:20-17:20 - Creating a style number system

CONNECT WITH ME

INSTAGRAM: @nicole_di_rocco

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/nicoledirocco

PODCAST FB GROUP: www.facebook.com/groups/fasttrackyourfashionbrandpodcast

WEBSITE: www.fashionbizmentor.com

SUBMIT YOUR FASHION BIZ QUESTIONS: www.fashionbizmentor.com/breakthrough-coaching

SEE MY DESIGNS: www.mynicolita.com

THE SOLD OUT CHECKLIST FREE DOWNLOAD: https://bit.ly/FASHIONCHECKLIST

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