gregorygarver.com

[stacyg]

I'm wanting to start a clothing line and I'm in the conception and design phase. Due to the high price of leasing and commercial real estate, I have looked into selling on ebay and at a booth in D.C.'s Eastern Market. I have two friends who have already started designing thier own jewerly, accessories and art that is contemperary in design like my clothing. We are wanting to start the three of us at the Eastern Market and see if it gets some buzz and eventually open a boutique together. Is this a good start to a business plan and if so where to we begin?

[jennygirl]

Flea markets are always a good place to try and get business. There are also many organizations that have boutiques at various times of the year. One negative thing about starting at this time of year is that after the holidays, you have a long time until the next "real" time to get a lot of business, and see if your idea will work out. There aren't many open-air markets that, at least to the best of my knowledge, will be open during the cold months in DC. That leaves only the indoor markets, and unless people know to go there, will limit the amount of exposure you and your friends will have at the market.I would recommend getting involved in a few organizations, and advertise a little, trying to get people to come to a website to see your work, and sell them online. That might be a better bet to really showcase your products, and try to make some extra money.Hope that helps!J

[Simone]

Hi I too am in the process of looking to start a boutique.Before you do anything gets some sound advice.Talk, talk & talk to other boutique owners and fashion store owners in the area. Go at a time when the are likely to be able to spend a few minutes with you!And get some books on how to start a boutique. Learn where you can. I found a few online, but the best by far was from www.openaboutique.com. The author has sound experience and it's a great book. Rave testimonials, and author answered my questions after purchase too!I'd leave it there except for you mentioning the online side of it. There's a book at www.openauniqueboutique.com that's written by a guy who also has a good looking online perfume/lotions website. But it's not a web boutique marketing book.That book is cheaper than the first but doesn't cover the business anywhere as completely as the first book. You get what you pay for I guess.Good Luck