Running a dress agency- any tips please

[dressagency]

I recently started a dress agency and its going really well. I have found so many pitfalls and have overcome them but even though I gave it so much thought before starting and did loads of research I still keep coming across different problems and challenges.

Id be very interested in perhaps hearing from anyone on these forums that has experience of running a dress agency. I have loads of questions about various situations that Id like opinions on if there is anyone on here.

Thank you.

 

[KateCB]

AFter 10 years of e-commerc, I STILL come across things occasionally that i hadn't thought about, could re-word, didn't imagine would ever happen - its a continual learning curve as people want more, expect more, quicker, cheaper, easier.....

I have no experience of a dress agency, however its a business like any other and will encounter changes to law (Distance Selling Regulations were a killer back in 2000!) customer perception and recepetion - go with the flow, adapt accordingl, learn and have fun!

 

[dressagency]

Thank you Kate. Organising the business side seems to be the easy bit.

Its how to deal with customers expectations regarding the worth of items they bring in thats the difficult part. Id still love to be able to share ideas with another agency holder if anyone about.
Thank you again Kate

 

[maria102]

Thank you Kate. Organising the business side seems to be the easy bit.

Its how to deal with customers expectations regarding the worth of items they bring in thats the difficult part. Id still love to be able to share ideas with another agency holder if anyone about.
Thank you again Kate

I can't think of anyone on here that runs a dress agency, but why don't you post your issues anyway and we can see if we can help? I run a ladies boutique, Alison has an online vintage clothes store and there is Denise & Blush who also run clothing stores, but I think theirs are for children. Either way, hopefully we could be of some use.

 

[Holly99]

Hi there. I have been running a dress agency for 5 years now & would love to help you out with any questions provided your not local competition! I know this is a old post but if you are still around, let me know.

 

[Purple-Vintage]

Holly are you still around? Im just starting out in the same business, im not competition for you as im not in derby and could do with a friend right now to be honest as its all very scary.

I tried to click on you but says i dont have permission, how do i contact you?

xx

 

[Holly99]

Hi Purple-Vintage
Yes I'am still around. Just found this site recently as I was looking for an answer to something else which I didn't find but found the dress agency thing. Always scary starting out a new venture and it would have been great speaking to someone in the know so-to-speak when I started mine. Do you have premises and website yet? Happy to help if I can - ask away!

 

[patientlady]

Holly are you still around? Im just starting out in the same business, im not competition for you as im not in derby and could do with a friend right now to be honest as its all very scary.

I tried to click on you but says i dont have permission, how do i contact you?

xx

Hi I had a successful dress agency in the eighty's, which I sold and I think is still trading. The agency close to where I live now still works on the same basis as I did, so not much seems to have changed. What would you like to know?

 

[Holly99]

Just out of interest what was your agency called? I know of one that is still trading but was started by someone else years ago and was very successful - in fact if its the same one as yourself, I have a few of your ladies now come to me. Would be great to chat if you like?

 

[Purple-Vintage]

Holly your an angel, how do I send you a private message on here? Ive added you as a friend by the way.

Yes we got premises, been doing months of homework.

Managed to change premises from fully insuring to internal only!! So pleased about that.

We need to turnover around £3000 a month to pay all our outgoings and buy new stock (thats without me getting a wage) so ideally we could do with a turnover of at least £4k to pay for my petrol and a few other bits.

Do you think thats realistic? Hard to say I know but any guidelines would help stop me worrying. xxxxxxx

 

[Purple-Vintage]

Holly I forgot to mention im not a dress agency i will be a vintage clothes boutique

xx

 

[patientlady]

It is in Weybridge, Surrey called 'Ancora'.

 

[Holly99]

I did wonder if you were going down the vintage route as your name suggests. Yours is a very specialised 'agency' so I'am assuming the premises is in a good high foot fall area (ie near a uni or in a city). I do a bit of vintage but find the market is very much the younger client - ie if you remember your mother wearing it, you won't!. Also that age love the 'look' but want a bargain so beware of your pricing. Did you see the Lily Allen doc on the telly the other week? Are you doing a website & are you hoping to sell on the internet? This obviously opens your market up to the widest audience so worth getting into it asap. Are you buying in stock or selling it on behalf of clients?
As for your turnover, so hard to say. Anything is possible! I didn't expect or take a wage (drawings) for the first 18 months but I did take expenses for petrol etc.
My plan when I first opened was to firstly test the market to see if what I thought would work - did & as long as it didn't cost me anymore then my start-up costs and it made enough to pay the rent and all the expenses I would carry on. I started very small and slowing grew as the business allowed.
You really should expect to break even in the first year - give the business time to establish and for people to get to know your there. I did lots of school fayres/ladies lunches & anything that would get me noticed when I first started.
I am a great believer in buying stock/display items/etc only when I have the money in the bank. Some companies I have dealt with for 5 years now but I still insist on paying in full when I receive the goods. Buy little and often as you won't have a clue at this stage what will/will not sell well. I still get the odd thing wrong even now.
I think you have added me as a contact, so I have added you as a friend - don't know how to talk privately on this but would assume thats the way.
Why don't you have a look at my website which is froxshop.com - you can subscribe and I'll pick it up and give you a call?
Will look out for your email.

 

[DryStream]

Hi Holly

My company supplies specialist EPoS systems to dress agencies and I wondered if you already have a system or whether you do everything manually?

Our systems handle stock, garments, customer accounts, commission splits, special rules regarding markdown, write offs and returns, financials etc.

We supply and support throughout the UK so if you're interested in knowing more just let me know.

Cheers

 

[Dee17]

Hi, Im new to here, found forum whilst googling. I am in the process of looking into setting up a dress agency, Ive been looking at premises, and wanted ask other dress agency owners if location was the key aspect, or do your customers seek you out? (from your advertsing).
Also are you in an area where there are other dress agencies, are they seen as competition, or as a boost, as people tend to make the journey if there is more than one.
I live in a town (south England) of approx 150,000 people, there are 2 other dress agencies in the town(in the same shopping street) one is succesfull and well run (ive shopped and bought in it) the other rather tired and a little dated with little stock. Another smaller town nearby with a population of around 33.000 seem to be quite thriving and new shops are opening, and this doesnt have a dress agency, so confused as to which i should look at to set up.
Also, how do you go about pricing up the items, to ensure good sales.
Have so many other questions but these are my main ones at the moment, would so appreciate any input, feeling a little lost at the moment.

 

[patientlady]

Hi, Im new to here, found forum whilst googling. I am in the process of looking into setting up a dress agency, Ive been looking at premises, and wanted ask other dress agency owners if location was the key aspect, or do your customers seek you out? (from your advertsing).
Also are you in an area where there are other dress agencies, are they seen as competition, or as a boost, as people tend to make the journey if there is more than one.
I live in a town (south England) of approx 150,000 people, there are 2 other dress agencies in the town(in the same shopping street) one is succesfull and well run (ive shopped and bought in it) the other rather tired and a little dated with little stock. Another smaller town nearby with a population of around 33.000 seem to be quite thriving and new shops are opening, and this doesnt have a dress agency, so confused as to which i should look at to set up.
Also, how do you go about pricing up the items, to ensure good sales.
Have so many other questions but these are my main ones at the moment, would so appreciate any input, feeling a little lost at the moment.

Location location, location! a must... also reasonably easy to park to receive stock. Pricing will be easy. You will know the labels, work out the commision structure 50/50 i think is whats popular these days. I worked on 60/40 but overheads are higher now! To open where there is already one is slightly risky as they will have built up clientele that may not want to be seen in someone elses shop!

 

[Dee17]

Thankyou so much for taking the time to advice, all of what you have said ive taken on board, and found most helpfull.
Dee x

 

[saphire986y]

i have recently opened a dress agency in the north east and would like to get in touch with fellow dress agents out there!!

Would love advice, and to compare notes regarding pitfalls to avoid, pricing, what to take in,what to refuse...etc


any help and advice would be massively appreciated!!

 

[patientlady]

What would you like to know? You mention what would you refuse.
Always refuse if you think it will not sell, otherwise you will fill the shop with unwanted, unsaleable stock which puts prospective buyers off. Cleaned - Classic, fashionable, quality labels - Absolutely No high street is my recommendation.
Less stock is more!

 

[Holly99]

Hi - I could possibly be interested in your system so do you want to give me a call on 01332 875572 (tue to fri 10 till 5).
many thanks
Holly
Frox Dress Agency

 

[zukiestyle]

Hi all, I am not a dress agency but i make handbags and purses to order if you are in need of a bespoke supplier please get in touch! I'm new here so just trying to find some help and contacts.

This year I'm focusing on the Wedding and Prom markets plus my vintage themed designs for general trade.

Thanks
Dee x

 

[Chantz]

Hi Dee, I may be interested in some of your vintage and prom bags/purses, if possible would like to see some pics of your samples and prices, let me know what suits you, thanks
Chantel

 

[zukiestyle]

Hi Chantel, what is your email I'll send you some pics over

 

[elmojo]

Hi

I have a dress agency recently opened in August, I would welcome to chance to chat with anyone else who has or has had a dress agency for some help and advice. Private message me if you wish.

 

[elmojo]

Hi

Not heard from anyone since posting my last message - I would love to talk to someone about this kind of business.

Please message me.

 

[Tracey67]

Hi Elmojo

like you my friend and i have recently opened a dress agency and would like to chat to others for help and advice as there are many ups and downs to running a business

 

[elmojo]

Tracey it won't let me post u my email. Where u set up? Give me your email if u can jo x

 

[patientlady]

Hello
I would have thought that you would get more response if you asked your questions on this forum rather than requesting vague information through PM. After all the forum is a talking point for all. Just my two penneth

 

[Katsharpe]

Hello Drystream. I'm new to this forum, am still finalising a business plan and would be interested to learn more about your software. Do you have a link you can send me to?

Also wanted to express my thanks to this group of enthusiastic retailers. Browsing your posts has taken my excitement to the next level, as your energy is contagious! I plan to begin this enterprise at home as I have one year old twins and a third baby on the way, and had wondered if I should hold off until life is more settled. But As I've read your posts I feel compelled to take action against my plans immediatly, and am registering my company this afternoon!

 

[pa695525]

I am very close to agreeing a lease on the most perfect property for my new business start-up - a dress agency.

I believe there is a need for second hand clothes for the ages of 12yrs upto mid/late 30's in our area so I am going to target those - the more top-end high street and designer clothing and accessories.

The shop I have in mind is fully kitted out with brilliant shop fittings as it has previously been a menswear designer store, so ready to move straight into.

The only problems is .... I'm not ready and I have to commit to the lease asap or I lose out! I haven't really done my homework and have lots of questions, which I am hoping some of you nice people on here can help me with?

• I need a till system that would control stock coming in and out and sales. Nothing too fancy, but one that will do the job well. Any ideas?
  
• Opening times - I am thinking 9.30am-5.00pm. There are 2 very good schools closeby. Late night opening one night a week maybe?
  
• Any advice on business start-up grants. I live in the Ribble Valley in Lancashire.
  
• 50:50 sales split??
  
• Do I accept stock on any day of the week to start with to build up my stock? Then should I change to designated days?
  
• Recommendations for any free business banking? I know HSBC offer this, any others?
  
• Struggling with a catchy and memorable name - options are: The Closet, Niche, New To You, Virgo, Mint, Beau, Chrysalis, Cocoon, Echoes, All The Rage .... any favourites??
  
• Any general advice?

I really would appreciate any speedy responses that people are willing to share/give? My head is buzzing!!!!

 

[StyleCounsel]

Hi I thought I'd join this thread as I am in the process of negotiating a lease for a women's clothing agency and would love to talk to those in the know-would love to hear about any pitfalls and successes.

 

[macalpine]

Hi

I am not sure which message I am replying to as I have not been on a forum unless its been to do with F1!

Anyway I am trying to write a business plan for the above but really struggling as there are no set prices. If I was starting a shop to sell new items then at least I would have a purchase price and a selling price.

As you guys all have set up your business I am assuming you have written a business plan. Can anyone point me in the direction of a Dress Agency specific business plan template before my head goes through the brick wall that it is banging against!

Yours with a lump on my head

 

[Dresslady43]

Hi All, I have run a specialist bridal wear agency from home for just over a year now. I have a website and use a FB page. I've been relatively successful, but am at the point of closing down as people are very wary about coming to a house rather than a shop. I must have things right as people who come to me love the service and products - the studio is purpose built and beautifully decorated. My issue is footfall - I live in a funny (peculiar, not haha!) market town which is a mix of wealthy commuters, country folk and average Jo. The high street is massively expensive for rental but side streets are about £550/month. I need a large premises as wedding dresses aren't small and I want to expand into mother of bride/occasion wear as this will widen my target market. Does anyone have experience in this niche in a different area of the country who could perhaps advise me? New to this forum but the whole dress agency thing has fascinated me for years.... I love what I do but I need to change things to move forward - that or call it a day. Thanks so much

 

[Dresslady43]

Hi All, I have run a specialist bridal wear agency from home for just over a year now. I have a website and use a FB page. I've been relatively successful, but am at the point of closing down as people are very wary about coming to a house rather than a shop. I must have things right as people who come to me love the service and products - the studio is purpose built and beautifully decorated. My issue is footfall - I live in a funny (peculiar, not haha!) market town which is a mix of wealthy commuters, country folk and average Jo. The high street is massively expensive for rental but side streets are about £550/month. I need a large premises as wedding dresses aren't small and I want to expand into mother of bride/occasion wear as this will widen my target market. Does anyone have experience in this niche in a different area of the country who could perhaps advise me? New to this forum but the whole dress agency thing has fascinated me for years.... I love what I do but I need to change things to move forward - that or call it a day. Thanks so much

 

[Emma87]

Hi All, I have run a specialist bridal wear agency from home for just over a year now. I have a website and use a FB page. I've been relatively successful, but am at the point of closing down as people are very wary about coming to a house rather than a shop. I must have things right as people who come to me love the service and products - the studio is purpose built and beautifully decorated. My issue is footfall - I live in a funny (peculiar, not haha!) market town which is a mix of wealthy commuters, country folk and average Jo. The high street is massively expensive for rental but side streets are about £550/month. I need a large premises as wedding dresses aren't small and I want to expand into mother of bride/occasion wear as this will widen my target market. Does anyone have experience in this niche in a different area of the country who could perhaps advise me? New to this forum but the whole dress agency thing has fascinated me for years.... I love what I do but I need to change things to move forward - that or call it a day. Thanks so much

Hi Dresslady43
I would be interested to know whether you ended up closing or stayed open. I am considering something very similar myself and wondered if you had any pointers or advice. I recently experienced a buying something from a dress agency myself and have fallen in love with the idea of a bridal agency. I already have a large log cabin in our back garden which I think would be perfect. I would be keen to find out how you went about getting stock, beings as your agency was at home? How much stock you started with initially and whether you purchased some stock or just had other people's dresses in your shop to start with? Thanks in advance.

 

[Kat Haylock]

Hi,

Please don't revive old threads (this was first posted seven years ago I believe!) - you'll get a faster, more relevant response if you create a new thread. If you have a direct question for a member, please PM them.

Thanks

 

[Caz33]

Hi iam am new to this and would love to start a new thread on dress agencies but not sure how ?
Have found it very ineteresting and would love to ask a few questions

 

[Kat Haylock]

Hi @Caz33,

Just click the green 'Post New Thread' tab in the forum you'd like to post in (I'd suggest either General Business or Retail), input your thread title and then write in your questions! Try and include as much info as possible - it saves time and allows members to give you better advice

Good luck!

 

[Cleo20]

Hi Caz33,

Did you start a new thread? I cannot find it. I would very much like to consider opening a dress agency business. However, giving it more careful thought, realise it could have lots of complications legally if client''s items are lost/damaged etc (just to clarify I have no intention of losing the items or damaging them but realise that with them being held and tried on, there are risks)

My idea is to sell the items on commision, holding them for a month only. Ideally an emphasis on accessories and just a few items of clothing.

 

[Caz33]

I have to say I have never had any items lost or damaged. You get to know your stock and what has happened to every item .