In today’s fashion-conscious world, starting a kids clothing line is a great business opportunity. But, where do you start? This guide will give you an overview of the steps you need to take to get a kids clothing line up and running.
10 Steps to Launching a New Kids Clothing Line
1. Choose Your Type of Kids Clothing Line Business
The first step in launching a kids clothing line business is to identify the type of kids clothing line business you want to launch. You might choose from the following types among others:
- Online kids clothing line
- Brick and mortar kids clothing store
- Mobile store for kids clothes
- Pop up shop offering kids clothes
Learn more about the types of kids clothing line businesses.
2. Name Your Kids Clothing Line Business
Give your kids clothing line business an identity so people will think of it as a well-known and respected brand. You can take the name of your kids clothing line business from your industry, focus on a geographical location, or use your own name among other options.
The main goal for naming your kids clothing line business is to make it sound appealing and trustworthy so that potential customers will want to purchase your products.
3. Determine Your Kids Clothing Line Business Model
There are several possible types of business models for a kids clothing line business including:
- Manufacturer: You design and produce the clothing line yourself.
- Retailer: You purchase products from manufacturers and resell them.
- Wholesaler: You purchase products from manufacturers and sell them to retailers.
- Franchise: You sell the rights to use your brand name and business model to individuals who want to open their own kids clothing line businesses.
No matter which model you choose, make sure that it aligns with your business goals and the products you offer.
Read more about choosing the right business model for your kids clothing line business.
4. Choose a Legal Form for Your Business
By incorporating your kids clothing line business, you will limit your liability. You can incorporate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C Corporation (C-Corp), or an S Corporation (S-Corp). Or you can operate as a sole proprietorship.
The business structure you choose for your kids clothing line business will determine the amount of taxes you pay and which state or federal tax forms you need to file.
Read our article comparing the most common kids clothing line business structures.
5. Write a Kids Clothing Line Business Plan
All kids clothing line business owners should develop a business plan.
A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a business. It can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders, as well as to guide the day-to-day operations of the business. The business plan should include information on the company’s products or services, market analysis, financial projections, and management team among other things.
When developing your kids clothing line business plan and strategy, you should think about the following questions your customers might have:
- Are the kids clothes you sell durable?
- Are your clothes appealing to kids?
- Are the buttons and zippers on your clothes easy for kids to use?
- Do you get parent recommendations and parent feedback on clothing items?
- Do you make school uniforms?
Read our article about how to write a kids clothing line business plan.
6. Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses
There may be required licenses and permits you need to obtain before launching your kids clothing line business.
For example, in order to sell clothing online, you will need a business license. You can obtain a business license by registering your business with the state in which you operate.
You must also register your kids clothing line business as a legal entity with the state where you plan to do business. You can simply file an online form through your Secretary of State website.
Registering with the federal government is also essential so you can properly pay taxes for your business. You will also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which you can apply for at the IRS website, if you plan to hire employees.
Read our article about obtaining the proper kids clothing line business licenses.
7. Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed
In developing your kids clothing line business plan, you will figure out how much funding you need to start and grow your business.
If you have your own funds to invest in your kids clothing line business, you may consider taking advantage of that. In addition to your personal funds, other forms of potential funding for your kids clothing line business include traditional bank loans, SBA loans, credit cards, angel investors and family and friends.
Read our article about the costs associated with starting a kids clothing line business to help you determine if funding is needed.
Read our article about how to fund your kids clothing line business.
8. Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently
When you start your kids clothing line business, it’s essential to have the right technology in place to maximize efficiency. You definitely need a computer with Internet access, and accounting software for tracking expenses and revenues.
You may also want to invest in specialized software for your industry, like kids clothing line design software or eCommerce platforms.
Read our article about the technology and software you need to run a kids clothing line business.
9. Market Your Kids Clothing Line Business to Potential Customers
Before you start selling your products, you have to let the world know you exist. The first step is to create a website so people can learn more about your products and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also consider networking with other people in the kids clothing line industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
You also need to start gathering the materials needed to execute on your promotions strategy, which is your strategy for attracting new customers. Kids clothing line businesses should consider the following promotional strategies for which you should start getting prepared:
- Develop a strong branding strategy
- Launch a social media marketing campaign
- Design an attractive and user-friendly website
- Create informative and compelling content (blog posts, infographics, etc.)
- Engage in email marketing
- Participate in trade shows and other events related to your industry
- Offer promotional coupons or discounts
Read our article about how to market your kids clothing line business for more tips.
10. Get New Customers & Grow Your Business
When you promote your products, you’ll start to get interest from potential customers.
Make sure you’re ready to serve these customers. Also, be sure to establish systems to ensure consistency and reduce costs. And be sure to find and train the right people to help you grow your kids clothing line business.
Read our article about how to effectively grow your kids clothing line business to learn more.
Starting a Kids Clothing Line Business FAQs
Why Start a Kids Clothing Line Business?
There are many reasons to start a kids clothing line business. Maybe you’re passionate about fashion and want to share your sense of style with the world. Or, maybe you’ve always wanted to be your own boss and be in control of your own destiny. Whatever your reasons, starting a kids clothing line business can be a very rewarding experience.
How Can I Start a Kids Clothing Line Business From Home?
It is possible to start a kids clothing line business from home. In fact, many fashion businesses are started from home. However, there are some important things to consider before starting a business from home:
First, you need to make sure your home is zoned for commercial activity. You should also have enough space to store inventory, prepare orders and ship them out. And, you need to have a dedicated area for business operations so you can keep your work and home life separate.
Another important thing to consider is whether you have the right insurance coverage for a home-based business. You should speak with an insurance agent to make sure you have the coverage you need.
How Can I Market a Kids Clothing Line Business Online?
There are many ways to market a kids clothing line business online. The most important thing is to have a website so potential customers can learn more about your products and how they benefit them.
After you launch your website, start promoting it through social media channels like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Also, consider networking with other people in the kids clothing line industry through social media and blogs so they can help share your business.
What are Some Tips for Starting a Kids Clothing Line Business?
Here are some tips for starting a kids clothing line business:
1. Research the industry and your target market
2. Create a business plan
3. Choose a catchy name and brand for your business
4. Design an attractive and user-friendly website
5. Develop a strong branding strategy
6. Launch a social media marketing campaign
7. Create informative and compelling content
8. Engage in email marketing
9. Participate in trade shows and other events related to your industry
10. Offer promotional coupons or discounts
Where Can I Find a Simple Checklist for Starting a Kids Clothing Line Business?
A simple checklist to use when starting a kids clothing line business is as follows:
- Choose Your Type of Kids Clothing Line: This should be based on what you are best at and how much experience you have. Remember to keep your interests, skills, and experience in mind at all times.
- Name Your Kids Clothing Line Business: This should be done with care, as your brand is important for attracting the right customers. A simple, memorable name will go a long way.
- Choose a Legal Form for Your Business: Whether you choose to become a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation or another option will depend on your business. Ensure that you are aware of all the implications of each type.
- Determine Your Kids Clothing Line Business Model: Determine how your business will make money. Will you sell products, services, or a combination of both?
- Write a Kids Clothing Line Business Plan: Your business plan will also help you determine what your start-up costs will be and will provide a roadmap with which you can launch and grow.
- Apply for the Necessary Permits and Licenses: In most locations you will be required to apply for a business license and/or permits before you can begin operations.
- Determine Your Budget & Apply for Funding as Needed: You will need to know how much money you have to spend on all of your business-related expenses before opening any doors. If needed, apply for a small business loan or other funding options.
- Get the Technology & Software Needed to Run Your Business Efficiently: You need to have the right tools in place to succeed. Implement software that will help you manage your time, contacts, and business operations in general.
- Market Your Kids Clothing Line Business to Potential Customers: A solid marketing plan will be crucial to your success. It should focus on attracting the right customers so that you can provide them with the products they truly need.
- Get Customers & Grow Your Business: Once you have a solid marketing plan, it's time to actively pursue and secure those who could benefit the most from your products.
Summary
Starting a kids clothing line business can be a fun and rewarding way to enter the fashion industry. You’ll need to do your research, form a business plan, choose a name and brand, design an attractive website, and launch a marketing campaign. With these steps in mind, you’ll be well on your way to success.