ORDERING PRODUCTS
Whether you are planning to wholesale or dropship your inventory, it’s essential to have a good collection of products in store.
What makes a good collection?
Ideally a good collection is approx 12-15 items that are aimed at your ideal target market, and are linked through a visual theme like color, material,style, event, etc. For example maybe a vacation collection — things that could be worn on vacay!
All the pieces in the collection are aimed at the same theme / lifestyle / story and coordinate in some way! A good collection mixes different product types e.g. a hat with scarf and gloves, or a necklace with earrings.
It’s also important to have different price levels from lower to middle and possibly higher price range. This will help you to sell more as there are products that go together.
Continuing on the example of a vacation collection, think of it as if packing your suitcase to go on a vacation. What do you need?
A good collection mixes different product types! (Vacation example: dresses, shorts, top, hat, sunglasses, etc)
While creating the perfect collection, stay mindful of buying your core pieces that can be used in the next collection if they don’t sell out this time. It is HUGE because it helps you be able to re-market items and instead of trying to liquidate & minimize your loss!) and/or pieces that can be staples for your website! (Example maybe you want to always be the place for amazing comfy simple tees. You can start by adding a few in each collection!)
Here’s an example of collection from Wildfox Boutique - Halloween 2019 Collection
See how they have sweatshirts to pants, t-shirts, hoodies & jumpers that are all Halloween themed?
Keeping the example in mind, take out your journal & start planning your collection by answering the following Qs —
What kinda collection do you want to launch? Do you want a seasonal collection like Summer/Winter/ Spring or Fall? Or something different like a Vacation/ Fitness or a Game Day Collection?
If you are going to place a wholesale order - how many pieces are you going to order? What would they be? Make a list of individual items & # of pieces.
Do you want to order a few samples before you actually place the bulk order or not?
How long is the turn around period? (Turn around period is the total number of days between you placing order & receiving it in the mail.)
How long before the boutique launch do you want to order the products so you can take pictures & upload them to the website?
If you are dropshipping, what products are you going to list on your website?
PS — When planning your collection, write an intro that explains what it is, who it is for, why you designed it, what makes this collection wonderful etc. helps you connect with your tribe & your customers.
Ordering products to add to your boutique is NOT enough. You also need to create a brand that sets you apart from other boutiques in the market.