Im looking to start a blog shop

Subject: Im looking to start a blog shop Tue May 05, 2009 4:50 pm

Not too sure if this thread should be under here, or under the online business topic, or new business ideas...

I am thinking of starting a blog shop. Of course with so many of them out there, any new blog shop needs to be different.

Well, my idea of being different is that my shop sell shirts, and 1 design will be printed onto a max of 7 shirts. The unique part of it is the exclusiveness of the shirts, "There will only be 6 other people with the same shirt as you in the whole world".

I've looked at the cost price. It actually is not expensive to get just 1 customised shirt. So i would be able to make a profit because since the shirt is exclusive, i could sell it at usual or slightly higher prices.

The other aspect of this idea where am i going to get the designs. My plan is that designers looking to make money from their artwork can just submit their art to us. We will pay the designers if we use their art.

My only fear is that people might copy the shirt design once it's out. It will be difficult to stop copy cats, and the copies will be a threat to my shirt's exclusiveness.

Do tell what you think of this idea. All feedback welcome.

Posts : 8 Reputation : 0 Join date : 2009-04-22

hey there. most blogshops sell stuff that are imported from other countries, mostly fashion related. You can't stop these copy cats, just improve on your own business. And since yours is designed by hand, and manufactured based on exclusivity, that would be one unique selling point. You might like to consider the copyrights of the design, say, once the designers are paid, does the design belong to you, or do they retain the copyright of it?

Subject: Re: Im looking to start a blog shop Fri May 08, 2009 4:30 pm

well, i'll have to work out the legal details, but not too sure. I only want to have the copyright concerning the shirt, i mean, the designers themselves can do whatever they want with their design except print a shirt.

Not sure if its possible to split copyright like that. If its too troublesome, i'd just keep all the copyright.

Subject: Re: Im looking to start a blog shop Fri May 22, 2009 11:00 pm

You know, a big problem about all this is how are you going to market this blog shop of yours.

I have heard of many people that have setup blog shops. Problem with start ups is the credibility, and the online traffic.

Some start-up websites like inSing.com, are started by big companies, like Singtel. inSing.com can leverage on its credibility, funding and marketing efforts from its parent company. Its like a rich kid starting a business with fund from a rich dad, compared with a poor kid on the rags to riches path.

If you don't have that kind of backing, its gonna be tough.

Subject: Re: Im looking to start a blog shop Sat May 30, 2009 2:41 pm

What kind of marketing do you suggest? Banner ads?

I agree that marketing the site will be tough. I already have enough marketing problems with SSuF.

The paid online marketing will not come cheap. Even so, they might not be effective.

Subject: Re: Im looking to start a blog shop Mon Jun 01, 2009 1:44 pm

Ever thought they might take pictures of your design on other people's shirts and make more of it? It would totally spoil the "only 6 other people in the world with the same shirt" theme.

Subject: Re: Im looking to start a blog shop Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:31 pm

Moderator wrote:: Ever thought they might take pictures of your design on other people's shirts and make more of it? It would totally spoil the "only 6 other people in the world with the same shirt" theme.

I did think of that. Although that would be copyright, going to court for such a matter would be pretty inefficient. Is there any way of showing a "proof of purchase" or "original goods" seal on the shirt itself? If so, the/my business would be constantly coming up with new designs, and the old ones that got "pirated", these fakes can be identified from originals.

Do you think, this is a good enough solution?

Subject: Re: Im looking to start a blog shop Mon Jun 01, 2009 10:03 pm

Hmm...
I don't think it will be enough. Take a look at the Louis Vuitton bags for example. Theres ton of fakes in the night markets and then theres the real ones in the shopping centres. Only the pros know how to identify the originals from the fakes. I think it is a similar case for you. Sadly, the pirates will still probably be around for some time. Another good example is the Ralph Lauren clothes. They are doing something like you, except their design changes every season so those who miss the collection, misses it forever. (i think)

Subject: Re: Im looking to start a blog shop Tue Jun 02, 2009 1:38 am

Well, if Ralph Lauren can do it, so can I! Very Happy

Subject: Re: Im looking to start a blog shop Mon Jul 06, 2009 5:20 pm

tee shirts..
I know some artists & designers out there..
& recently, I am discussing with someone on a project to sell tee shirts to in the States..

maybe we can work on something..

Posts : 5 Reputation : 0 Join date : 2010-01-28

honestly speaking.. i have a solution to the problems..

1st - I can create a seal to verify the t-shirt is authentic.
2nd - I have readily available designers willing to do designs
3rd - Need to use better quality clothes (i can manufacture for you)

To make it simple, launch many designs at once and add more designs at least 1 per week. Quality of the clothes and seal will differ yourself from the copycats.

With the quick launch of new designs, the copy cats have no time to keep up with you.

As for advertising, I could be able to help out since i am in this line.

Posts : 2 Reputation : 0 Join date : 2010-02-21

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Posts : 1 Reputation : 0 Join date : 2010-08-02

As an Internet strategist - my life daily is consumed with social media feeds, blog alerts, feedburner stats, google alert updates, monitoring, strategizing, execution - all of these overused terms and time consuming tactics certainly take a toll on you.
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Subject: Re: Im looking to start a blog shop Sun Jan 30, 2011 1:42 pm

Hi,

How is your idea coming on??

Cheers!
Kenneth
http://ideasforsmallbusinesses.blogspot.com