Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

thinking of renting shop in Tg Ktg area, the rental per mth is $1,400. what is takeover $5K? thanks. do u think selling clothing is good business?

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Normally, the previous tenant will charge take over fee for either existing renovation or deposit paid to the management.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Ha, is u again! :laff:
In Oct 2008, u asked the forum how to start a retail business and u mentioned about Tg ktg.
In Jul 2009, u posted to say that u love to do pushcart biz.
In Apr 2010, u posted to say that u want to do online biz, asking the forum on how to get started.
In May 2010, u asked the forum if it is profitable to sell kuehs and Nasi Lemak at pushcart.
In Jul 2010, u posted to say u are interested to open a spa!
And today u are back again, asking about clothing retail shop. Takeover $5k means u are taking over that persons' shop for $5k but u need to find out what does that $5k covers - Renovation? Fixtures & Fittings? Stocks? Security Deposit? Rental? and if it is a takeover, how many more months are u allowed to operate i.e. what is the remaining lease period? Do your research, find out what's the crowd/traffic flow at Tg Ktg.

No offence but it appears that u have not taken much action despite the advices given by fellow forum mates. Have you done your research? No point keep asking and not taking any action. If 2 years down the road u still have doubts about going into the retail business (and this is very common among many of us because to go into business requires lots of guts and of course lots of money to burn sure helps :laff: ) then perhaps entrepreneurship is not for you, 9-5 jobs can sometimes be better. Save your energy for a better 9-5 job performance bah! :laff:

If u are serious about going into clothing retail, my friend has some excess stocks of ladies wears to let go at $10 each, pretty good for new start-ups/fleas/bazzar. If u interested then pm me, I get her to send over the pictures. Good luck!

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Xoxo,

I am amazed that you can even remember such detail :)

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Nothing to be amazed. Just a click of a button and u can see all the postings (3pages) in this forum and it is pretty easy to see who started the thread. I just noted that she keeps asking similar questions so I went back to the previous postings and did a quick summary. This way it is easier to help her because her postings revealed that she is not at all ready to tackle the business world. :juggle:

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

I don't understand yr motive XOXOXOX, why must u list down all those, i don't understand why r u so so free to find all those and good memory too, amazing. Move on...i am asking for now not the past, of course i am not forgetting all those ideas, but wanted to open biz badly, really at lost what to do at certain times, is it so wrong to post again here, i am thankful to whoever is very patience to guide me and help. i am hoping someone can help breakthru my confusion

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

yeah u r right, i am not ready, but wanted so badly to be in it, just not sure and confuse but i love really wanted badly but really really i don't know where, how to start, i wanted to open clothing retail shop cos i love fashion, but afraid no biz and don't knwo where, how to get those nice stuff to sell that could sell, and 2nd mind i love to open spa but also at lost, so now i am so lost, all i hope is to hlep me see thru. thank you

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

I have no motive and the only reason why I list them down is because it is easier to see the whole picture of where u are currently standing and I am not free but I am trying to help by listing them down your previous questions so that we or those who want to help can take a step back and look at the whole big picture. If u think my words are too harsh and u can't given take criticisms then how are u going to handle your customers next time?

You mentioned that u are "afraid no biz and don't knwo where, how to get those nice stuff to sell that could sell," which is why I asked you if have u done your research? I think quite a few forum mates have made suggestions but it seems like u keep ranting on and on about being confused. Perhaps the one who ought to moved on is you.

So if I suggest for you to either take up some courses so that u learn something about business management to get started or perhaps gain some real life experience by working in a fashion shop (of course bosses will not share everything with you but u will then have learn as much as u can and at least know how to operate a retail outlet), will u do it or will u come back and ask the same questions again? Of course it is not wrong to post again and u can post as many times as you and the administrator like but what I'm trying to tell you is you can be confused for the rest of your life and you can ask the same questions again and again but if u keep doing what u are doing, you will keep getting what u are getting now! Good luck! :D

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

ctcart,

I think u are too stress out from work. Perhaps what u need to do is to take a break from your full-time job, sit back and think carefully what do you really want to do, and whether u have the capability and financial ability to start anything. Plan properly and take that very first baby step towards your goal.

This is your cry for help in March this year. http://retailbx.sg/f53/pls-help-4441/ Do u see the problem? Not that I am so free to go searching for your post but I want to highlight the fact that it seems to be the same problem you are facing that didn't seem to be resolved when others have probably already started their online selling.

So have u contacted MyFashionPalace and ShadyOne for their products as mentioned in your cry-for-help thread or even hook up with them to learn more about online selling. If u have not, do consider.

And u want to know more about web-hosting, online selling etc, if u have done your research, you should know that we have someone right here in our pushcart forum who can help. They do web & e-commerce store design and development and I think they also run workshop on Online Business Startup. Try and contact Ultimateworker. You can check out his contact in the BizHub Home - Services for the retail entrepreneur - Online Services section.

ok, I think I've said enough, and have probably pissed you off totally by now :p but do remember, Pushcart forum is one of the best place where we can meet different people from different walk of life, where we can be learn from one another, but ultimately success or not, it depends on ourselves. We can sit there and dream and dream and dream but our dream will only come true when we wake up and TAKE ACTIONS!:yippee:

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

ctcart, my suggestion to you is "Just do it".

You can never find a perfect environment to start a business, you just learn along the way to adapt your business strategies and earn profits.

If you have lots of cash to start with, you can go straight to opening a retail stores.

If you don't have, go for flea market to learn the consumer tastes and sharpen your judgement. It doesn't cost much to startup a flea business. Along the way, save up the capital to open the retail stores if your ultimate aim is to open retail store.

Its not a guarantee of success or failure but at least you can tell yourself you did try.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Hi, ctcart,

There is some good pointers given by those senior members in here. Read more books on business management, retail and marketing. It helps.

Talking about retail business, many of people have fail in retail due to the reason as lots of young enterprenures started their business by going oversea and find that its something that is unique that able to sell in singapore.

Mass order and bring in, open shop.. sell for few months no profit/income. Close shop... There are many cases like this.

Here is what I advise.

1) Know whats your product/service that you are selling or providing.

2) Know your niche.

3) Market research of your competitors and products in SG. Ask around for feedback and comments. RMB listen to constructive comments.

4) Know your target group.

5) How much time you are willing to fork in your business. As new business requires lots of marketing..

6) Marketing doesnt mean needs to spend lots of money but its good to try all aspect of marketing. But do it wisely.

7) Set a plan and goal for your income / profit margin. Monitor every day.

9) DO NOT RUSH TO START A BUSINESS. RMB NEVER RUSH. THE FASTER U RUSH THE FASTER U FALL.

10) Ask yourself how do you create a steady monthly income stream instead of just siting in the retail sell your product to cover your retail cost..

Here is my last word for you,

REMEMBER, IF YOU CANT EARN PROFIT WITHOUT MONEY THEN FORGET OF EARNING PROFIT WITH LARGE SUM OF MONEY.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

thanks alot for yr help, i think i am sticking to opening clothing shop first then if its good maybe can try spa bis, i am interested in both, but i am not sure will it be a success or not.
i am thinking, i design and produce my own clothing, like i follow patterns from magazine and buy material get ppl to sew for me then sell, is that okay? i am thinking selling it at pushcart, but waht abt ppl need to try the size? no fitting room? i am so confuse,i hope i can be ok, i am a bit scared but i hope to try.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

sorry don't really understand that, pls help me what u mean?
REMEMBER, IF YOU CANT EARN PROFIT WITHOUT MONEY THEN FORGET OF EARNING PROFIT WITH LARGE SUM OF MONEY.
thank you

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

you can make it. trust urself

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

I have actually seen many of your posts where you always say you are confused and scared be it about opening a clothes business, spa business and even as you mentined selling kush and nasi lemak. I feel that many members have contributed their thoughts and experiences trying to help you but if you do not take the first step......no one can help you. Just go ahead and do it!

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

If you are worried over so many things, you will never get started. You said you are worried about customers need to test out the clothes, and no changing room, etc. Does this problem deter so many people selling clothes at pushcarts, pasar malam, and at online blogs? Ask yourself who are your target customers? The customers who buy $10 dress are not the same customers who buy $100 dress. Who do you think need a changing room? So think through who are your target customers, and hence tailor your product range at appropriate retail outlet/facility?

Yes, it takes a lot of guts to go into retailing. Take the first step, even if it is a small one. Try sharing a pushcart with some other retailers, and learn the trade, and sharpen your perception with regards to the various aspects of retail. Always let your head rule over your heart. You are in business to make money, not just to feed your passion, although passion is essential to drive your business.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

defintely go with a blogshop first...
physical retail shop is a different creature altogether...
and now is not the time...

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

do u have any idea how biz at Pushcart Northpoint, is it good, how to get a pushcart there? i would like to sell traditional cloths

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

If you are interested in doing business, there is no substitute for hard work, and this include due diligence in analysing human traffic. You must personally go down to the your interested location, at different times of the day and different days (weekdays and weekends) and observe it yourself. Buy something from some of the stores and ask them about their business and the human traffic. I am speaking from experience.
Usually for pushcart, go to the shopping mall, and ask the Information Desk, and most of the time, you can get the application form there. For CapitalLand Malls, they no longer rent out pushcarts for new applicants to those selling normal items, like clothing, shoes, costume jewelry,etc. For NorthPoint, it is under Fraser Centrepoint Malls, so I am not sure of their policies.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Hi Hi..
i am doing ladies wear also, i just started the business 2 mths ago. i am doing at shopping mall event and bazaar space, i have been trying so many location. some of the location i can make profit but some of them i keep losing money. but no try no gain, if you never try you wont know it. i am going to try event space at kovan heartland mall on sept, a lot of people said respones there not so good but i will still take the space. other people not doing well doesnt mean i cant do also. :) if you want to do just go for it. dont think too much dear, dont stress urself.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

The ppl who told you off make sense.


You cannot even GO DOWN and SQUATT at northpoint to monitor the traffic to justify if you can sell there.

I would then ask you :
How many clothing stores is in Northpoint?
What is their pricepoint?
How many % of the traffic is your intended customer?
How much is their spending power (see their current dressing, guess their price range)?
If you have call Northpoint management, how much is the rental?

Next,
What is your cost?
Any need to hire manpower?
What is your markup?
What is your promotion plan?
What is the minimum that per design from supplier?

No point asking others to answer your question. All this you can find out using 1-2 days at site and with phonecalls. A true retailer have to be hands-ON at her business and not HANDS-ON only on the keyboard.


Find me harsh? This is the truth of retailing, spoon-feed pet die very fast in this harsh retail world.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

I think hers is less of a "confusion" issue.... more like she hasn't got the courage to go on her own. Takes time and lots of guts to quit a steady income 9-5 job, get out of your comfort zone to start a business of your own.

ctcart, risk is part and parcel of what we entrepreneurs have to take. If it is sure win, everyone will be boss liao! And no one is born with the knowledge of being an entrepreneur, we all learn as we go along, we make mistakes, we learn and we improve. Sure hope the next time u start a new thread, it's not about the same old issue again. :laff:

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

xoxoxo

I totally agree with you...not the same old thread again.....and again...

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

you guys r giving very gd advices, very experience and also...very frank. :P

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

As Mooncake says, this is a harsh retail world. Remember running your own business is not just about getting a good product and selling it at a good location. There are many more factors/considerations including dealing with your competitors (known and unknown), managing your manufactures/suppliers, handling your nasty customers, retaining your good customers, dealing with economy downturns, and the list goes on.

I believe those who have stepped forward to give advices and criticisms are people who have been there and done that i.e. they have taken their first baby steps :applause: perhaps fallen many times :laff: before they came to where they are today :yippee: May be we are not 100% successful yet but at least we try and are still trying :clap:

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Not really answering to the original poster, but to encourage anyone else who have the right mentality to prepare for it.

To do business and to start one from nothing, preparation is the real key.

- Proper planning in understand you and your competitor, and prepare a marketing plan to market yourself above your competitor.

- Understanding who is your client base, where could you reach to them. How much is their spending power. What will make them loyal to you.

- Try on small scale, internet is the smallest scale of investment. If capital is a concern, you can build your firstshop in blogshop which is pretty idiot-proof in using. Go for your own domain if you have more cash to spare, my website is hosted by US company and it cost me only US10-20 a year. No $$$ to get an expert to write your html? get a book and read it like you depend on it for life. I make my husband read the whole book and build www.silkmineral.com for me.

- Once you get the hang of the business online, decide if you would go for real shop. Of course if you have capital, you can get SHOP first then online. For me, I only starting my shop this month and the 1st setup is already in town at very prominent mall. I am aiming for bankers and mid level executives and thus the location and renovation become very important. Then also decide if the online store and the brick&mortar store can co-exists. Mine cannot as I have additional partner, hence I "killed" the makeup from the online store and transfer the product totally to the shop.

- Marketing marketing and marketing. This is an endless job, everyday there are new challenges to meet, this is why good marketer are paid highly in retail world.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Surely. The difference between a entrepreneur and a 9-5 job worker, is that entrepreneur takes the risk to come out from their comfort 9-5, monthly pay job, to start something NEW.....

However, sad to say, not all "entrepreneurs" come out well... learn from mistakes and continue to improve your business strategy.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

HI EVERYONE, I M NEW HERE, PLS GUIDE ME ALONG

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Asking other people for answers is a short cut way of doing things. Show sincerity & determination by taking action. Want to know the price of pushcart? Go ask the information counter of the mall. If you want to know whether selling clothings are profitable, then do research. If you want to worry about how to put a changing space at your cart go visit all pushcarts and understand how they tackle the problem.

Folks here are kind enough to share experiences which is hard to find in the real retail world. Be humble and learn well.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Ctcart,

do u wanna looking for a partner? if yes, plaese PM me kaes :thanx:

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

anyone know how to get grants from govt to start business, is there any grants or loan with lowest interest from govt to help us open a biz? thanks. I check thru spring spore but can't find anything,and is grant a loan?

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

There is no help from the government agencies with regards to straight forward retail business.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

I AM THINKING Of having my own line, like buying my own material/textile/cloth then send for tailor or sewing,. can anyone know where i can get sewing , tailor for this? manufacturing tailor that is cheap so as to sew alot of my clothing. thanks.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

But How To Start Online, I Don't Know Anything Abt Starting Biz Online, Pls Teach Me Guide Me Just The Begining Part, Begining Also I Don't Know But I Hv Interest, Plshlep

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Before u even think of sourcing for manufacturer/Seamstress/tailor, may I ask how familiar are you with fabrics and textiles? And what about the designs? Are u planning to design your own or do u intend to copy (with modificatins) existing designs of other designers?

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Same old question again??!!! May be u want to go back to Page 1 of this thread, and TAKE SOME SERIOUS ACTIONS :mad:

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

I dun quite get it YOU asking Help again?

I believe more than 10 members have given you extremely helpful advice and suggestions....from your interest in shop start up to spa business to even nasi-lemak....selling.....

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Does that mean that i cannot ask for any more help here, i understand i rec'd alot of useful good advice here, and i appreciated it very much, as i am very confusing person, i like to know more, i am still struck not sure what biz to jump in, but i like everything, about fashion, clothing, spa and anything abt biz. now i am thinking of trying out my own clothing line, i don't know how, but would like to learn, just asking for some info here, is it wrong? if anybody got anyclue or starting , i very much appreciate the help. pls don't get me wrong again i am confused what t do , now i am thinking of having my own clothing line, thinking buying my own material, textile, send to manufacturer to sew for me, but i am not sure how to get the manufaturer.thanks.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Ok then let me help you.

I have my own manufacturer I can do your line of clothing for you however there is MOQ. Pm me your email and we can discuss design and production.

Re: Opening Clothing Retail Shop
 

Maybe you can start by enrolling yourself into a business management course. There are a few offered by SIM and SMU. They will teach you about business and how to manage it. All you have to do is to pay money :) Think you should consider it :)