Sponsors

[Eleanor]

Hi all.

This is going to sound daft to a lot of you, but here goes.

I am looking for sponsors to pay for the development of my next few collections. The way it will work is they sponsor me (about £300) and I do something for them in return.

What kind of people should I aim this at?
What should I do for them in return?
Am I just being stupid?

I really need to sew something!

 

[fathippy]

why not just do your version of the sculptor on dragons den this week - investor pays you X for Y% of the collection, takes the item(s) as collateral, when you sell the product, the investor gets Y% of the return, you keep the rest. If they dont sell at all, investor gets nothing (but does keep the item(s)).

 

[Eleanor]

why not just do your version of the sculptor on dragons den this week - investor pays you X for Y% of the collection, takes the item(s) as collateral, when you sell the product, the investor gets Y% of the return, you keep the rest. If they dont sell at all, investor gets nothing (but does keep the item(s)).

That would work if the person was female and willing to model the corsets.. I don't mind handing over the samples as collateral at all... Thats a very good idea actually, but how do I get folks interested and aware?

 

[fathippy]

...or male and thought they would suit his wife/girlfriend/mistress!

 

[Eleanor]

...or male and thought they would suit his wife/girlfriend/mistress!

Hurrah!

I totally agree. But try getting a bloke interested is like trying to get blood from a stone.

 

[Magsite]

Sorry, you've lost me on this one..

What service are you offering?

(what is a collection)

 

[Eleanor]

Sorry, you've lost me on this one..

What service are you offering?

(what is a collection)

A collection is a fashion term for a range of clothes that all share the same theme. So a collection of my corsets would maybe match in colour/fabric but consist of different styles and combinations.

So a sponser would front the money for a full collection to be made and I would offer something in return, only I don't know what, and at the moment I'm doubting anyone would go for it tbh...

But as I previously mentioned... I desperately need to sew... before I go crazy.

 

[fathippy]

, but how do I get folks interested and aware?

how about a web link so that people reading on this forum can take a look and then decide if they have an interest....it is a start, even if nothing comes of it. Plus it is useful for generating interest in many other areas. If you are just talking people through something, it is unlikely they will bite, but tangible imagery usually gets the thought process working.

 

[Eleanor]

People who may be interested can view my site by clicking on my name and following the link to my homepage.

I don't like posting a direct link in forums

 

[360interactive]

People who may be interested can view my site by clicking on my name and following the link to my homepage.

I don't like posting a direct link in forums

Agree with you on this one. Nice site by the way, your prices seem good. They are hand made I presume?

 

[Eleanor]

They are hand made I presume?

Entirely.

Thank you for the compliments.

 

[Calibre Designs]

Do you partake in any exhibitions or trade shows? If you do then I am sure that you will get the sponsorship you need through this avenue although the amount that you are asking for is not a lot at all and could potentially seek a number of sponsors for one event to raise the bar.

 

[noidea]

why not just do your version of the sculptor on dragons den this week - investor pays you X for Y% of the collection, takes the item(s) as collateral, when you sell the product, the investor gets Y% of the return, you keep the rest. If they dont sell at all, investor gets nothing (but does keep the item(s)).

I doubt they would let another sculptor or clothing label on the next series considering they have already featured in this series.

 

[Eleanor]

I doubt they would let another sculptor or clothing label on the next series considering they have already featured in this series.

I thought he was just using Dragons Den as an example?

I wouldn't ever go on there...

But the idea of my offering a percentage of my profits from the sponsored collection only seems fair... how much would this usually be? 10%, 35%, 50%?

 

[Eleanor]

Do you partake in any exhibitions or trade shows? If you do then I am sure that you will get the sponsorship you need through this avenue although the amount that you are asking for is not a lot at all and could potentially seek a number of sponsors for one event to raise the bar.

I don't currently attend any trade shows or exhibitions. I would very much like to, so will look into this. Thank You.

 

[anfy1002]

I have just looked at your website! What a great product. Have do you sell just on the internet or do you have a distribution network to boutiques?
This would go down a storm in the US.

Regards

Tony

 

[noidea]

I thought he was just using Dragons Den as an example?

I wouldn't ever go on there...

But the idea of my offering a percentage of my profits from the sponsored collection only seems fair... how much would this usually be? 10%, 35%, 50%?

Was just saying before anyone else got any ideas. A lot of people think because someone got somewhere or done something - because they or their product/service is "better" - that they can also match the achievement(?)/objective


offering a percentage: How much is the collection worth?

 

[oldeagleeye]

Zeno might fork up a few hiundred quid in exchange for a corset for his wife the way he keeps moaning about her indoors.

Seriously Eleanor. It's a good idea and I am a firm believer in contra deals. If there is a bridal shop in your town for instance you could offer them a free corset to sell in exchange for a small display in their window. Offer them a commission and you get repeat business too. Remember. The Internet is not the only game in town. If I were you I would get half a dozen samples together and take a trip up to London and call in a few boutiques in Chelsea & Knighsbridge.

My ex did that with designer knitwear and she got so many orders show couldn't cope because she couldn't find enough knitters. Best of luck

 

[anfy1002]

Zeno might fork up a few hiundred quid in exchange for a corset for his wife the way he keeps moaning about her indoors.

Seriously Eleanor. It's a good idea and I am a firm believer in contra deals. If there is a bridal shop in your town for instance you could offer them a free corset to sell in exchange for a small display in their window. Offer them a commission and you get repeat business too. Remember. The Internet is not the only game in town. If I were you I would get half a dozen samples together and take a trip up to London and call in a few boutiques in Chelsea & Knighsbridge.

My ex did that with designer knitwear and she got so many orders show couldn't cope because she couldn't find enough knitters. Best of luck

I agree with the last post. If i were you i would be talking to a lot of bridal shops. if you think about it this way. The wedding is the best day of a girls life and in most cases they simply want the best at no expense spared. Your product would make an ideal complment to that very expesive wedding dress.

 

[oldeagleeye]

Those were my thoughts exactly. Every customer for a wedding dress is a highy qualified target for a wedding corset possibly or that all important nightwear and I am begging to think there is an opportunity here for a net profit of over £100K a year - and I am being serious. There that might get you a few sponsors Eleanor.

 

[Eleanor]

offering a percentage: How much is the collection worth?

If a collection costs £300 (6 corsets) I usually make that back + £600 to £1000 (on sale of all 6 corsets). It would be a weeks worth of solid work.

Of course the price I sell them for completely depends on how well the designs are received by the public. A lot of women love the plain simple basic designs but the few that want something completely out there are willing to pay hundreds more.

 

[Eleanor]

I have just looked at your website! What a great product. Have do you sell just on the internet or do you have a distribution network to boutiques?
This would go down a storm in the US.

Regards

Tony

So far I have an interested boutique *points at Maria* and a few online stores who also want to stock them. Got any leads I could chase in the US?

 

[oldeagleeye]

Bloody hell Eleanor. You have gone International already. You will be on 5th Ave soon. Nice one Tony

 

[Eleanor]

Lol, I hope so.

But in the mean time I need to get these collections made and photographed so I'm going to find a sponsor since it turned out not to be a silly idea.

 

[anfy1002]

I may well have actually. I need to think about this! you know commission etc.

 

[oldeagleeye]

Don't forget the contra deal Eleanor. The photographers services for yours - I mean as a seamstress of course. You never know if he is gay and a bit on the plump side he might just want a corset for himself and even the male supersatrs wear then. There was a lot of hype once about John Wayne - Bob Mitchum and thir girth restraint's so don't forget those Hollywood boutiques Tony.

Just had a brainwave for anyone that wants to get on the Dragons Den. It called a chasity belt. Bet Theo couldn't pull one of them apart. Rob

 

[maria102]

You never know if he is gay and a bit on the plump side he might just want a corset for himself

What century are you from?! why do people think gay men all want to dress as women? its more likely to be a straight bloke....need to get control of that gut Rob?

 

[Eleanor]

I have infact made corsets for both straight and gay men.

I think with the way fashions are going it wont be long before everyone is wearing them! Hurrah for me!

 

[maria102]

Good response eleanor!

 

[downsouth]

you find any sponsors yet??

Perhaps us UKBF gang can get together on something?

 

[anfy1002]

My brother and i are always looking for business oppourtunities please PM me more details of how you think this could work

Regards

tony

 

[Eleanor]

Downsouth: Not got any yet, looking for some appropriate bridal stores etc near by... Not having much luck really, one Harpy slammed the phone down on me and I only asked the opening times of her shop

 

[Eleanor]

My brother and i are always looking for business oppourtunities please PM me more details of how you think this could work

Regards

tony

PM Sent. Don't laugh too much!

 

[downsouth]

PM me too Eleanor

We can call this thread the UKBF Dragons Den from now on

 

[anfy1002]

Eleanor,
I think you have a great product with a superb market oppourtunity in the right stores etc. So i will not laugh. However my brother has contacts within the bridal wear industry. I need to talk with him tonight to see if we can do anything with this.

will pm you tomorrow.

Regards

Tony

 

[Eleanor]

Thanks Tony.

I'd just like to point out that my main aim (although unclear) was to find out what I should be offering in return.

These are what I've come up with so far.

• Sponsors promotional material gets sent out with each order (roughly 15 orders a month).
• Once the collection is being sold you receive x% of the profit.
• Once the collection is being sold you receive the initial £300 + an agreed amount.
• Once the collection is online, all corsets (approx 6) are sent to you to be held hostage/sold onebay *cry*/given to friends and family - unless I pay you back.
• More or all of the above.

Opinions and ideas are welcome.

 

[oldeagleeye]

I have just seen your post Maria and I don't think it is funny. For one thing it is not I that stereotype the gay community it is their own clan . You ought to listen to LBC. The latest tit-bit from Bill Buckley was that only and I repeat only gay men like and go to musicals and his mostly gay audience agreed with him.

I didn't and I emailed him a week later later saying that word of his survey had got around the gay community and one of my friends who is like me is straight had his knee squeezed while watching a show & he was none to pleased about it. What's more he is frightened to wear his red beret in public anymore and case a gay man teases him with what a nice broach he has on it - what with him being in the 2nd Para's and all.

It was all a joke Maria as was my post and I did go on to mention the Duke & Mitchum wearing corsets and yet you come back with an insulting remark about my gut. Not that I give a toss. You mind your manners however young lady when addressing me in future because I may be 60 in a few days time but I have a damned sharper mind a wit than yours.

Eleanor. You need to address a few points. Will the sponsors promo material being going out for less than a month as you say there are only 6 garments and you average 15 a month or say a whole year. (2) I think too that what Tony and these other on-line stores you mentioned are looking for is a wholesale price and on a long term basis. Going to the trouble of setting up overseas agents for just 6 garments just isn't worth it. Good idea but I think you ought to tweak this one with a view to looking beyond the first 6 sales. Rob.

 

[fathippy]

Put me down to sponsor a collection - it sounds like fun, and I think there is a queue developing. [that was serious btw]

 

[Eleanor]

Eleanor. You need to address a few points. Will the sponsors promo material being going out for less than a month as you say there are only 6 garments and you average 15 a month or say a whole year. (2) I think too that what Tony and these other on-line stores you mentioned are looking for is a wholesale price and on a long term basis. Going to the trouble of setting up overseas agents for just 6 garments just isn't worth it. Good idea but I think you ought to tweak this one with a view to looking beyond the first 6 sales. Rob.

Thanks for this.

I don't make that six, and then sell that same six. The first six are samples and are worn by models (who often end up scummaging around in them infake tan and too-much-make up for them to be of any use to me after.

What I do is use that first 6 to show potential clients and if they like them they purchase one, which I then make from scratch and send to them. I don't keep stock. They are too expensive to even consider keeping as stock.

If I had the right kind of marketing I could easily make 25 corsets a month/300 a year whether they be based on that inital collection or previous/newer collections.

 

[Eleanor]

Put me down to sponsor a collection - it sounds like fun, and I think there is a queue developing. [that was serious btw]

You must be mad, I'll PM you and give you a chance to think about it clearly.