orange-sox

Okay, so I wasn't sure where to post this, and I figured General Chatter probably get's the most traffic, so here I am.

As some of you will know, I'm out of work, and also unable to get back to work for the foreseeable future.

I'm hoping to start up a little home run business to keep me busy, and maybe earn a few pennies on the side also

So here's where you all come in, I am planning on making bespoke gift baskets (mum to be, new baby, birthday, wedding etc), but I am also really interested in doing something in the customised clothing area, but not sure whether people would want to buy clothing that was customised, or something to customise their own clothes with.

Sounds a bit messed up, basically what I'm asking you is, would you rather pay for a customised t-shirt/bag/etc, or would you rather pay for the painstakingly custom made transfer to iron onto your own clothes?

I personally would prefer to just buy the transfer to put onto a top of my own, as I know if I were to offer the items fully made (ie the t-shirt ready done) then I would only be able to offer a small product range because of the space needed to store all the t-shirts etc... I think this would seriously harm my selling potential. But I don't know if this is because I'm just a really pick person...

The reason I'm asking is I was planning on heading down the "Baby on Board", "Mum to be", "Proud Moma" route with my items, as well as names etc, and I thought this was the best place to ask.

Sorry I've rambled on a bit.

Here's some samples of what I've been banging on about

armychicmkm

I think it sounds like a good idea...
Do you think you could offer both - have some pre-made items and the iron ons? That way you reach a little broader of an audience. I wouldn't think you'd need a huge area for storage unless thinkgs really took off for you.
Personally I would rather buy something that comes to me already done and ready to go but that def. doesn't apply to everybody.

Sarahkka

I agree. Start with both and see what sells. You shouldn't need too much of an investment off the top. It will almost be like a bit of research. I am crafty, but it would probably take me forever to get out the iron and find the right T-shirt, etc. I would probably go for the fully made item over the transfer.

leedsforever

i would also probably rather pay for the item already made!

good luck

xXx Vamp xXx

I think most people would like the convenience of them already made and ready to go hun, but having "some" transfers available will cover both markets. I think it sounds like a great idea. Good luck!

polo_princess

I would rather pay for them ready made too!!

Reedy

I think its a fab idea. I personally would buy one already made but other may prefer the transfers so a selection of both would be good.
You may have already thought about it but obviously if you are doing 'knocked up' & 'Mum to Be' you'll need to buy maternity t-shirts instead which could cost more money to buy

Lizziepots

I think def the made up versions. I think packaging is a huge thing too. If these are to be gifts from other people you're far more likely to get repeat business from word of mouth recommendations. Packaging can work wonders...maybe have little cards that echo the message on t-shirt.
Maybe have tees with a message from the hubby to the wife like "making my miracle happen" , soppie kind of messages. Also, the option to make their own message would be great.
Maybe have t-shirts for dads to be too? Like an arrow pointing to the right saying "I did that"? lol
The gift basket thing is something I have thought of before but really did question how much profit would be available after postage costs etc. And also the logisitcs of actually posting and whether to use a carrier/ insurance etc.
What route to market are you planning? Ebay? Or are you starting your own site? If you were starting your own site then you could simply become an affiliate to other companies and cut out the need for any storage etc?

orange-sox

Funnily enough I was just discussing this with my OH (who is a complete website whizz), I was thinking about having my own website, and becoming an affiliate to some of the bigger named sites as well as selling my own products... for instance parenting books from amazon, baby music from itunes etc.

Thank you all so much for your replies... it must just me that's a picky sod with clothes then! Certainly been an eye opener, you've all helped me lots

Younglutonmum

Ohh this sounds like a fab idea Em!!!

I'd def rather buy ready made. I just couldn't be bothered fiddling round with things like transfers!!

Keep me updated with how this goes hun!!

xxxx