Fashion label selling to boutiques

Independent boutiques and retail buyers, plus shoppers buying direct from your website or pop-up stores.

Wholesale sales to retailers at a lower price per piece but in larger volumes, topped up by higher-margin direct sales.

• Collection planning and design
• Working with pattern makers and manufacturers
• Negotiating with buyers
• Budgeting and stock management

• Register an ABN, and check when GST registration is needed
• Minimum order quantities and upfront production costs can tie up cash
• Check Australian labelling rules for clothing, and import and customs rules if you manufacture overseas
• If using local makers, check you are dealing with businesses that follow fair pay rules for clothing outworkers
• Public liability and product insurance, and workers compensation once you hire staff
• Check trade mark protection for your label name

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on studio setup, collection size and production runs. Minimum order quantities and upfront production costs can tie up cash, so plan for that.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many boutiques you supply, order sizes and your direct online sales. The estimate assumes at least about 20 hours of work a week.

Check ABN and GST registration, Australian clothing labelling rules, and import and customs rules if you manufacture overseas. If using local makers, check they follow fair pay rules for clothing outworkers. Also check insurance and trade mark protection for your label name.