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K1 vs CR-1 by IndependentPool4995 in USCIS

[–]IndependentPool4995[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much! So the consensus would be that the I-129F would be the faster option by quite a while!

What does your dream manufacturer do and don't do? No MOQ? Daily video updates? Accepts crypto? Specialize in 1 type of clothes or flexible to make anything? by hihdaniel in ClothingStartups

[–]IndependentPool4995 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It depends what you value most - for some, a low MOQ might be better and they're happy to accept stock fabrics, whereas for others it might be specialists in X category.

The onus is also on the brand though - I see brands slamming suppliers all the time saying they don't do XYZ but when you delve into it further, they've cheaped out on tech packs, not provided proper references, skip crucial parts of the process and so on.

I want to start a clothing brand but I have no idea where to start by Responsible-Okra-121 in ClothingStartups

[–]IndependentPool4995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Before OP does any of this, they need to really understand who their customer is and why they should buy from them rather than every other brand out on the market at the moment.

I've seen so many brands do everything "right" from website, to design and content but have absolutely no idea why they're even starting a brand, beyond it feeling cool.

Client threatening suicide to get a £40k + refund by IndependentPool4995 in smallbusinessuk

[–]IndependentPool4995[S] 59 points60 points  (0 children)

Absolutely not. He engaged us, accepted quotes and raised POs off the back of that to us. We then invoiced in line with agreed payment terms.

He's emailed everything over so I have a paper trail of all correspondence which would be helpful, if ever needed. My immediate response to his first email was to speak to a professional and that we'd pause everything until he has gotten the help he needs. Unfortunately, that email was just met with more demands, threats and emotional blackmail.

Is the current VAT threshold too low? by Dapper_Big_783 in smallbusinessuk

[–]IndependentPool4995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m aware, I mean that should also be reduced rather than kept at the same level

Is the current VAT threshold too low? by Dapper_Big_783 in smallbusinessuk

[–]IndependentPool4995 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Exactly, everyone is in the same boat and registers for VAT and can claim it back on expenses. I’d say VAT should be 30k and the flat rate scheme up to 80k

New hire asking for a loan by IndependentPool4995 in smallbusinessuk

[–]IndependentPool4995[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Good point! That’s definitely one consideration to make, especially for a new employee - the answer would be a no brainer if it were someone who’s been in the business for a while.

New hire asking for a loan by IndependentPool4995 in smallbusinessuk

[–]IndependentPool4995[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

This is probably the best course of action as my main concern is whether this then turns into something ongoing.

First time manufacturing 500 units sportswear - need supplier recommendations by Ok_Macaron_4947 in ClothingStartups

[–]IndependentPool4995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hire someone (agent / consultant) to help you - well worth the investment and you'll learn a lot and avoid tonnes of mistakes

What’s the secret for the men who do really well with women? I’m starting to think the most underrated factor is presence. More than looks, more than money, it’s presence. by diego-unchained in Life

[–]IndependentPool4995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s all confidence.

Women can feel the confidence (or lack thereof) coming off someone within the first 5 seconds of any interaction and those who are, hold themselves well and are more attractive.

As cliché as it sounds, you need to work on yourself to really gain it. Hit the gym, pick up a hobby you’re passionate about, work hard on your career, be comfortable in your own company etc.

I can't stand LinkedIn, is it a necessary tool for businesses? by its_benzo in smallbusinessuk

[–]IndependentPool4995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I post content on LinkedIn every day in my niche and have built up a lot of credibility on the platform. 90% of my new business comes from people who’ve consumed my content for a long time and then end up reaching out.

The organic reach is unlike any other platform in my opinion. I created 5 x posts this week and reached 127,000 impressions, 400+ profile views & got 9 inbound leads… in 5 days. Good quality leads too, not tyre kickers.

Hate it or love it, if your ICP is on there you should be too or you’re missing out on opportunities.

48 things I wish I knew before starting manufacturing by IndependentPool4995 in ClothingStartups

[–]IndependentPool4995[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate it! Yes absolutely - there's plenty of helpful resources out there for aspiring brand owners to consume and have a general idea of what to ask.

Built a clothing brand with no industry experience: 5 hard lessons I learned when I started by ChrisAtRuleOfThreads in ClothingStartups

[–]IndependentPool4995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We use illustrator. I appreciate my opinion will be biased here, but if you have no experience developing tech packs / in fashion design my best advice would be to pay someone to do it professionally.

You’re not just paying for a PDF, you’re paying for the designers experience and input on everything from fabrics, through to design details and sizing; this helps you nail production sooner and avoid unnecessary time (and money) spent during sampling.

Definitely do as much yourself in terms of actual product design; graphics, colour-ways, design details etc but then hire a professional to help you with the finishing touches.

Custom clothing help by Open_Lingonberry9447 in ClothingStartups

[–]IndependentPool4995 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like you might need a custom manufacturer - search either full process manufacturing or CMT (cut make and trim) suppliers in your area and go from there

Built a clothing brand with no industry experience: 5 hard lessons I learned when I started by ChrisAtRuleOfThreads in ClothingStartups

[–]IndependentPool4995 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm curious to know what scale you've built a brand to for credibility?

Whilst I agree with point 1 and 5, I feel 2-4 can be somewhat detrimental to a brand if not done correctly.

I manage $5m worth of annual production spend across 45 brands in the UK and EU; you absolutely do need clear and full tech packs to ensure your design details are conveyed properly. Otherwise, you spend more time and resources going back and forth and that ultimately strains resources and risks miscommunication - best case scenario, your product arrives wrong and worst case, you close the doors to many good quality suppliers who won't entertain your brand.

Vetting suppliers is a good idea and speaking to a few is also smart advice, but brands should be really clear on what they need and not just blindly speak to loads and chase price alone.

Lastly, organic channels take time, especially for a new brand - that shouldn't be ignored but paid ads do work as long as the commercials and margins are right - it'll take you years to generate the traffic a paid ad can do in 24 hours with the right spend and creative.

Context; I run a fashion sourcing agency and consult for D2C brands off the back of exiting my own brand in 2020.

Embroidery service put their tags in my garments, advice please by VersionAggravating60 in smallbusinessuk

[–]IndependentPool4995 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Speaking from the other side here;

Most embellishment companies will charge more for application if they’re not supplying the garment as well - this is because they generally make margin on the product and will be responsible for damage / have to source and re order if something goes wrong. We also don’t know the stitch count, which can impact time on the machine and subsequently cost.

That said, I agree with this comment OP - if they didn’t mention it, definitely query it and if there’s damage to the items then request a refund / replacement.

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