Fashion collection for boutique buyers

Independent boutiques, gift shops and concept stores that buy your pieces to resell, plus shoppers who buy direct.

You sell to shops at a wholesale price, usually around half the retail price, so you need good margins and steady repeat orders.

• Collection planning and design
• Managing manufacturers and deadlines
• Selling and building trade relationships
• Costing and cash flow planning

• Production costs are paid before shops pay you, so plan your cash flow carefully
• Agree payment terms with shops and consider asking for part payment up front
• Check product safety and labelling rules for clothing sold to retailers, with Trading Standards if unsure
• Consider product liability insurance, as some retailers may ask for it
• Trade shows can be costly, so start with direct outreach

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the size of your collection and production runs. Production costs are paid before shops pay you, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many shops you sell to, your order sizes and any direct sales. The estimates assume at least around 20 hours a week of work.

Check product safety and labelling rules for clothing sold to retailers, with Trading Standards if unsure. Agree payment terms with shops and consider asking for part payment up front. Consider product liability insurance, as some retailers may ask for it.