Are you an artist, craftsperson or creative entrepreneur who is planning to sell your work? Planning is the key word here, because a lot of forethought goes into creating winning designs which will stand out and be successful.
Here are 6 steps to get your product ready for retail: 1.
Research.
You may have lots of ideas, but first take a look at what is in the marketplace now.
Trends are powerful, and if your line fits in seamlessly with home décor, jewelry, paper, clothing and other items that are being shown in stores, they have a far greater chance of success.
Investigate the looks that are starting to show up in catalogs, and online in fashion-forward sites.
Check out The Color Institute and Pantone to know the palette for the coming season.
Make it a point to stay current with trends that cross home, fashion and accessory categories.
2.
Create a Signature Look.
Notice what your competitors are doing that works, and what doesn't work.
Reinventing the wheel isn't necessary - you can use elements that you know are solid and then get creative.
Add your unique talent and ideas to add a twist to a classic, or use design elements that bring your personality into your own signature look.
Big manufacturers put lots of money into researching before they launch their lines.
If you take a cue from what you see that is new and making a splash, you can catch a trend at the beginning.
Your job is to design a line with your own trademark style - running with the pack isn't going to gain you a lot of fans.
Find a "hook" that gives your line something special, and irresistible.
What can you do to stand out and place your own personal stamp on your line? 3.
Make a cohesive body of work.
That means that not only is it recognizable as the same style, but all the elements flow and work together.
The whole impact of your collection should be more than the sum of its parts.
Does your work make buyers say, "Wow" when they see it? Also keep in mind that your line has to be large enough to present as a collection.
If you are unsure how many designs to make, look around at what others have in their portfolio.
Within your product line, you may have several collections with different looks, but they should all have your style and brand as a constant.
Think of artists you know, and whose work you can easily recognize.
What makes them different, and noticeable? Strive to have this element in your own work.
4.
Regularly update your line.
Statistically, about 20% of a product line accounts for 80% of sales.
This means you need to have a large enough line that you can discontinue the slow-selling products while still having a lot to offer.
You will need to keep adding to your line on a regular basis to update your looks, and have new and exciting products for your retail and wholesale customers.
This is often done on a seasonal basis, or at least twice a year.
When you do introduce new products, include enough new designs to make a statement.
5.
Upsize to increase profits.
While you are creating your line, think big.
Are you selling individual items, or could you combine them to make sets or groupings? For example, if you are designing small sculptural items for home décor, consider how they might be shown in a catalog.
Items planned as a group and sold together will increase the ticket, leading to higher sales volume.
It also gives consumers a product which is ready to go into their homes or their closets which makes a visual statement.
If you are an artist, consider offering a grouping of framed prints of your art to hang in a kitchen, living or family room.
These work well when used in a coordinating theme.
Want some insight into how products like this look? Visit websites of art publishers and see how they have developed their artists into selling powerhouses.
Likewise, you can use groupings or sets for the holiday season.
Could your line work well as items sold in a gift basket, or set which makes a perfect presentation, including a bow? This type of product appeals to shoppers who don't have a lot of time or desire to shop around.
6.
Test your line in the marketplace.
Participate in retail shows or events where you can get a firsthand look at public reaction.
Getting feedback from customers is an excellent way to make adjustments to your line.
You may also get requests which will tell you what you may be missing.
Your customers will tell you what they like, what they want, and what you may want to consider including in your line to make it successful and truly retail-ready.
Here are 6 steps to get your product ready for retail: 1.
Research.
You may have lots of ideas, but first take a look at what is in the marketplace now.
Trends are powerful, and if your line fits in seamlessly with home décor, jewelry, paper, clothing and other items that are being shown in stores, they have a far greater chance of success.
Investigate the looks that are starting to show up in catalogs, and online in fashion-forward sites.
Check out The Color Institute and Pantone to know the palette for the coming season.
Make it a point to stay current with trends that cross home, fashion and accessory categories.
2.
Create a Signature Look.
Notice what your competitors are doing that works, and what doesn't work.
Reinventing the wheel isn't necessary - you can use elements that you know are solid and then get creative.
Add your unique talent and ideas to add a twist to a classic, or use design elements that bring your personality into your own signature look.
Big manufacturers put lots of money into researching before they launch their lines.
If you take a cue from what you see that is new and making a splash, you can catch a trend at the beginning.
Your job is to design a line with your own trademark style - running with the pack isn't going to gain you a lot of fans.
Find a "hook" that gives your line something special, and irresistible.
What can you do to stand out and place your own personal stamp on your line? 3.
Make a cohesive body of work.
That means that not only is it recognizable as the same style, but all the elements flow and work together.
The whole impact of your collection should be more than the sum of its parts.
Does your work make buyers say, "Wow" when they see it? Also keep in mind that your line has to be large enough to present as a collection.
If you are unsure how many designs to make, look around at what others have in their portfolio.
Within your product line, you may have several collections with different looks, but they should all have your style and brand as a constant.
Think of artists you know, and whose work you can easily recognize.
What makes them different, and noticeable? Strive to have this element in your own work.
4.
Regularly update your line.
Statistically, about 20% of a product line accounts for 80% of sales.
This means you need to have a large enough line that you can discontinue the slow-selling products while still having a lot to offer.
You will need to keep adding to your line on a regular basis to update your looks, and have new and exciting products for your retail and wholesale customers.
This is often done on a seasonal basis, or at least twice a year.
When you do introduce new products, include enough new designs to make a statement.
5.
Upsize to increase profits.
While you are creating your line, think big.
Are you selling individual items, or could you combine them to make sets or groupings? For example, if you are designing small sculptural items for home décor, consider how they might be shown in a catalog.
Items planned as a group and sold together will increase the ticket, leading to higher sales volume.
It also gives consumers a product which is ready to go into their homes or their closets which makes a visual statement.
If you are an artist, consider offering a grouping of framed prints of your art to hang in a kitchen, living or family room.
These work well when used in a coordinating theme.
Want some insight into how products like this look? Visit websites of art publishers and see how they have developed their artists into selling powerhouses.
Likewise, you can use groupings or sets for the holiday season.
Could your line work well as items sold in a gift basket, or set which makes a perfect presentation, including a bow? This type of product appeals to shoppers who don't have a lot of time or desire to shop around.
6.
Test your line in the marketplace.
Participate in retail shows or events where you can get a firsthand look at public reaction.
Getting feedback from customers is an excellent way to make adjustments to your line.
You may also get requests which will tell you what you may be missing.
Your customers will tell you what they like, what they want, and what you may want to consider including in your line to make it successful and truly retail-ready.
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