How to Start an Online Apparel Business in 2023

According to the most recent statistics on the global apparel industry, the revenue generated by the market is projected to surpass $1.7 trillion in 2023, representing a year-on-year growth of 13.7%.

Isn’t this news big proof that you should soon start your dream a.k.a an apparel business?
But is it so easy? With the right tactics, it will become easy and fruitful for sure. So, check out the bullet-proof tactics that will help you start an apparel business and that too a successful and profitable one!

1. Start with Market Research and Finalise your Niche & Product

Let’s start with the first step. Be it any business, the first and foremost step is all about doing market research, figuring out the products that will always have a demand and those that will be high in demand in the upcoming years.

While selecting the niche, you can search for what’s working for the apparel business giants like H&M or Mango, or Zara. As per market research, t-shirts, oversized clothes, formal clothes, casual wear, and embroidered wear are here to stay. You can either select one niche or build a brand that has it all.

2. Get Aware of your Audience

Audience a.k.a your customers should always be your prime focus as they can break or make your business. First, take a decision about which generation are you targeting-

• Generation X: Born 1965–1980
• Millennial Generation: Born 1981–1996
• Generation Z: Born 1997–2010
• Generation Alpha: Born after 2010

Next, you should do market research and which generation will like your product style. You can even go for a multiproduct approach and target all generations.

Note: Take baby steps! If you choose the multiproduct approach, then slowly dive into creating a catalog that all generations will love.

3. Decide your Business Model

Yes, before actually getting on to deciding a name, you should think about the business models.

a) Print on Demand

In the print-on-demand business model, the manufacturing and order fulfillment responsibilities are delegated to a third-party service provider. To utilize this model, you need to design a printable pattern, which the print-on-demand company will use to imprint your clothing product. The company will then deliver the customized item to your customer as soon as an order is received.

b) Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a different form of outsourcing. It involves advertising and vending products on your website while a third-party drop-shipper manages inventory and order fulfillment on your behalf.

c) Manufacturing

In case you are not willing to manufacture apparel on your own, but still wish to have complete authority over your product, you can collaborate directly with manufacturers to actualize your clothing designs. This approach is for those who aim for a large-scale business. Coping with a surge in demand if you produce every item manually will become tough and collaborating with manufacturers is a good choice.

4. Choose a Brand Name & Create Brand Assets

The Brand Name is your identity and can reflect your concept and thought behind the products. You ought to choose it wisely. If you are someone who is creating a business that also supports a social or environmental cause, then your brand name should illustrate the same. This will make the audience connect with you on a deeper level.

On the other hand, you can even go for a quirky or traditional name that resonates with your niche and style. Similarly, you should carefully choose a brand logo, colors, and placement of the logo. Do a little research and learn about colors and placements.

Bonus Tip: Opt for bold or pastel colors as they look charming and attract attention. Moreover, always place your brand logo at the left top or bottom corner as people will be easily able to recall it.

5. Focus on the Most Important Step- Registration with the State

Once you have the brand name right, registering it with your state is the next and most important step to starting an apparel business. This is process is crucial as you require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to accept payments for your products, and EIN can only be generated if you are registered.

6. Reach the World via an Online Store

Wait Wait! Won’t you like to reach the world now? It’s time for creating an online presence or website. You can easily build your website or use an eCommerce platform like Shopify, WIX, or WooCommerce.

Bonus Tip: Sell through other Sales channels for increasing your profits. You can list your products on Amazon, Etsy, Flipkart, and other famous Sales channels.

7. Work on Product Pricing

“You know you’re priced right when your customers complain—but buy anyway.” – John Harrison

Isn’t what John Harrison said the end goal of your business? This shall soon happen, but for it, you have to become a well-known brand and at the same time provide products that are of premium quality.

In the beginning, while you are all focused to start an online apparel business and make it profitable, you should consider two factors for deciding the prices- costing of the product and the standard market prices of the product.

Furthermore, you should also add up the below factors and decide on the final pricing.

• Cost of materials
• Time
• Marketing and advertising
• Packaging
• Shipping

8. Pre-plan your Logistics Needs

Shipping and fulfillment go hand in hand with building a positive brand presence, enhancing customer experience, and accelerating profits. Though the order fulfillment process may seem like a minor task while you are all set to start your online apparel business, it is way too important, and you should pre-plan your needs.

Bonus Tip: Is the thought of researching and choosing an appropriate logistics provider stressing you out? We have got you covered!

Choose Shipway: An All-in-one Shipping Solution, it offers–

• Offers Order fulfillment Automation
• Detects COD Fraud Orders
• Provides Shipway Protect which lets you limit access to customer data and avoid COD order phishing scams.
• Choose your own carrier partner or from the 7+ carrier partners that they have integrated. Some of the 7+ carrier partners that they have pre-integrated are Ecom express, Blue Dart, Delhivery, Ekart logistics, DTDC, XpressBess, and more.
• Integrated with Shopify, Woo-commerce, and more eCommerce channels.
• Provides Tracking and notification solutions. Also, offers a unified tracking page that will enhance your brand image
• Offers AI-enabled NDR management, and Returns automation software

9. Plan A Big Launch

Congrats! All the pre-launch steps are sorted now! It’s time for the big Launch.
And, for it, you should start creating awareness through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and more. Check out the further steps-

• Make a brand profile
• To gain popularity, invest in paid marketing through
• Instagram and Facebook
• Collaborate with influencers and build an online presence.
• Decide a launch date and make it a virtual launch!

Bonus: Start implementing the above steps and you will soon have customer data. Now, you can smartly use Whatsapp or SMS marketing to promote your launch and engage potential customers. Isn’t it a win-win?

10. Decipher a Marketing Plan

Finally! The last tactic or step that you should focus on is coming up with a post-launch marketing plan. Brands like Kama Ayurveda, Juicy Chemistry, and Amante have become immensely popular through their marketing. And, so can you. Just use the various marketing channels available like social media, Whatsapp, SMS, Email marketing, and so on.

Bonus Tip: Get ready to launch successful campaigns through Whatsapp and SMS marketing with the Convert Way. The app will help you generate more sales, and enhance your customer retention rate.

Final Takeaway

We hope our tactics help you in launching your dream apparel brand and earning huge profits. Remember- research, marketing, smooth order fulfillment, and seamless post-purchase customer experience are the keys to your brand’s success.

Frequently Asked Questions

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