How do I sale my design to manufacterers?

Question

I design shoes and i want to sale my designs I just don't know where to start.

Answer 1

The best way you're gonna be able to start this, is by approaching independent shoe retailers, those with just one store or maximum two stores. This is because bigger chains are more likely to outsource their shoe buying and you won't be able to operate on such a scale for the moment.

Call or visit these stores, and ask to speak to the store manager or the person in charge of 'buying'. Set up a meeting and explain to them how your shoes can benefit their business, what is the inspiration behind your designs and how you feel that the market will accept them...

All the above, is assuming that you're getting your shoes made somewhere..

If your looking to get your shoes actually manufactured, then I suggest you contact:

The Boot And Shoe Manufacturers' Association (BASMA) http://www.basma.com 24-25 Bloomsbury Square London WC1A 2PL T: 020 7612 7757

or

British Footwear Association 3 Burystead Place Wellingborough Northants NN8 1AH T: 01933 229005

British Luggage and Leathergoods Association Federation House a 10 Vyse St Hockley Birmingham T: 0121 237 1107

Independent Footwear Retailers Association P O Box 123 Banbury Oxon OX15 6WB Tel: [phone]

If you are not from the UK, then I suggest you look for a similar organisation where you reside.

Another alternative is to ask your local bootmaker/shoe repair. Hand made shoes would demand a higher price, and you could aim at selling with the low volume/high margin concept. See if you can strike up a deal with a local bootmaker, a local shoe store, and yourself, and work together to make one piece unique items. Beware though, the labour costs would be quite high, so negotiate this down, and negotiate the wholesale selling price of your shoes up. Basic rule of thumb for selling items is double your cost + VAT, but this can be adapted to suit the environment.

Once you've got your manufacturing sorted, do what I wrote in the beginning!

Hope this gives you a few ideas, and hope you haven't fallen asleep by the time you get to this sentence lol!

Answer 2

Hi!!  I do not want to spread doom and gloom, but with China, India, and several Europeon countries all battling with each other for  trade in the UK, with cheaper imports, you are going have quite a task on your hands.

When you see manufacturers like Clarks moving out of the country i think it is time for you to re-assess the situation.

But good luck if go ahead.

Answer 3

Consider what "price point" at which you want to sell your shoes.  I do not know the names of ladies shoes but ask yourself if you want your product on the shelves with Coach bags, Crox shoes, Nike sports ware,  or Rockport a good practical shoe, both  genders.   My great interest is in why are Decker's Outdoors' "Uggs" such a large seller within the female market.  Think price point and that will send you to the type of manufacturers you would be comfortable for you.  Good luck.