Business Start Up Advice Thread

Arnathor said:
Well, initially it wouldn't even be menswear, I'd like to focus on accessories and care products for men and things they own: Saphir, Obenauf's, Layrite, Sarto's ties/PS, Opinel Knives, Kent Brushes, Nice shave brushes, a bunch of different things, my wish list is pretty long, but it is all stuff that in my view is functional, affordable and/or of great quality.

I would love to have a store stocked with items that a guy who loves his wardrobe or a wife/girlfriend/mom could come in and easily find things most men like. Imagine someone bringing you nice chrome knobbed cedar shoe trees, with tins of Saphir shoe polish, an EDC kit and a couple pocket squares all nicely put together.
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I dont want to pour cold water on dreams but - in going into business you either need that innocent unbridled "passion" / faith based positive thinking optimism which young "entrepreneurs" have, usually burning other peoples money or you need to be ruthless in your self analysis /criticism.

Theres millions of free Business Case templates online and many of them are good enough. The state I'm in here even has free stuff on its small businesses website - you're in Canada? - I'm sure there is something free locally. Don't PAY for any planning unless you know the person and they are good. Theres plenty of know nothing scamsters offering to help small business.

On your specific pans - if you are on the internet - then people can easily compare prices /products with NO EFFORT - and they will. Thats the big attraction of teh net - for the first time customers now have near perfect market information for the first time. So - unless your offering has some Unique Selling Point or Offer -as the cliches go - then you are stuffed. That offering could be price, quality, unique /rare item, clarity of offer, or fast delivery, no customs....,.

My limited understanding is that Canada has absolutely crazy import laws and taxes. So - this could be a BIG danger for your proposed service OR a BIG plus - if you can solve the problem for fellow canucks.

Inventory - almost all business now - large and small - carry fuck all inventory/warehouse if possible - everything is JIT. Every fuckin thing. I've been in hospitals with JIT supplies in the impress cabinet on the ward direct from outside supplier. This means either tight control or excellent relationship with your entire supply chain. Read up the case studies on Target in Canada to see how this can all go horribly wrong. evenwith squillions of $$ and expertise. They fucked up nearly every thing you could think of.

Why would anyone buy Saphir from you when they can buy direct from France? and remember theres a lot of French speaking Canadians. Its all nearby ON THE NET with no effort. I mean NO effort.

Also do not over estimate the market for this shit. Just because a bunch of idiots on the net cream their jeans over Saphir doesn't mean it will sell. Remember the average person doesn't even have shoes worth cleaning, let alone clean them. And really nugget is just nugget. I have about 20 tins of Saphir my mate has bought me back free from Fance. Half of them are unopened. I calculate I might have enough for the next 10 years!. and I own about 30 times more shoes than the average bloke and never wear shoes uncleaned. I mainly use Collinol I just buy locally. Even then I don't buy/use much.

If you are Canadian, and if your not I've just wasted 10 minutes, then think of what problem you can solve for your fellow patriots with a business related to clothing. From what I see on forums theres a lot of issues.

My biggest advice is stand back from forums and see what insights you can get on the clothing scene generally.

My best advice is go with your strengths and what comes easy to you.

If you were to hire me - and I come cheap for a week in Canada - helping you - all I'd want is the air fare and rough accommodation. I'd push you hard in week, like 4 or 5 hours every day, on writing up a business plan, researching etc. And I know what would be central. You are a photographer, presumably a good one, most clothing related (and other) web sites have absolutely shite inadequate photos online. You'll make more offering great photos online for others than selling stuff. Remember the gold rush - who makes money? - bars, grocers, clothiers, pick axe makers - Levi Strauss. NOT the average idiot miner.
 
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Arnathor said:
Thank you for the words of caution, gents. I'm 26 and i live at home, If I'm going to take a risk I'll do it now rather than later.

What also makes me hopeful is that people in my city are getting behind new business.

But, in case i don't make it, at least I went for it.
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Pretty sure we will help you with anything that we can, better die trying than...
 
arnathor = I would love to have a store stocked with items that a guy who loves his wardrobe or a wife/girlfriend/mom could come in and easily find things most men like. Imagine someone bringing you nice chrome knobbed cedar shoe trees, with tins of Saphir shoe polish, an EDC kit and a couple pocket squares all nicely put together.
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I'm going to be a bit harsh here.

You need to get out more.

Most guys don't love their wardrobe. They hate shopping. Hate clothes. They want to dress like 12 years old boys in shorts, jeans, sneakers, t shirts, fleece hoodies - all the time - even at work. Theres a small percentage of blokes who do love their wardrobe - but most of these think of brand names, tight bum freezer suits, statement ties, tacky shoes, leather jackets black, T shirts with writing etc. There is an even smaller % of men who know what they are on about. Usually they have done this by hard work - they already know where to source what they want. They don't need you.

In addition - the women of these men folk - will NOT UNDERSTAND menswear - if they buy anything - it will be a fuckin ghastly tie - even the women of forum blokes - or a "fun" shirt, tie or socks, or silly cufflinks. Even Ms.fxh who is a sensible mature woman, and not a sweet young thing anymore, has said several times " I like those thin leather skinny ties - why don't you get one" - this despite having had years of me ranting and raving about sartorial sins. It might surprise you to learn I don't hold back.

Don't believe all you see on forums. Outside of people I know through forums - I know of only 1, yes one, other person who has shoes trees. And I know lots of people. Many of them sophisticated - believe it or not.
 
Thanks for the posts, guys. These are helpful and constructive, I can handle the tough love, it is fucking discouraging though, but I'm not complaining about that fact.

I'd like to learn how to write business plans, FXH could you help me in general?
 
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Sure I'm happy to help but let others chime in first. I've staked out my role as the kindly and avuncular but forthright experienced and scarred veteran and skeptic.

Heres some local stuff - I'm sure theres stuff where you are

http://www.business.vic.gov.au/setting-up-a-business/how-to-start-a-business/write-a-business-plan

Its pretty basic - but it will help get stuff down. Take it easy - type up a bit into the template each time you think of something - do it over a week or so. Don't worry about doing it in order step by step. Don't try to censor or get it right - don't worry about repeating yourself - at the end you'll have a good basic list to refine.

Its lacking the Porter analysis of the market and competitors which I think is vital. Probably a bit on Porters stuff on net - I'll search some other time.
 
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oh and forget the Vision Statement bullshit.

Its both inane and unneeded or if done properly very hard and the last thing you do - not the first like the urgers say.
 
LKP - I think for Ruskis you should add another few points to your power point:
  1. How much will V Putin skim from this.
  2. How macho will this business make me look
  3. How much wodka is needed to succeed.
 
fxh said:
LKP - I think for Ruskis you should add another few points to your power point:
  1. How much will V Putin skim from this.
  2. How macho will this business make me look
  3. How much wodka is needed to succeed.
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There used to be a minister who had the nickname 2%
He took 2% from all businesses
that is clever
 
Arnathor said:
Thanks for the posts, guys. These are helpful and constructive, I can handle the tough love, it is fucking discouraging though, but I'm not complaining about that fact.

I'd like to learn how to write business plans
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do you have a relationship with your bank [a bank, any bank]? the business banker can give you some ideas, especially if they like your business idea.

for instance, RBC has a how-to with examples of business plans.

http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/startingabusiness/planning-your-business.html
 
Setting up an online business isn't that hard. Just find a problem that needs solving.

Canadian import taxes are very high you say, making those English and Eyetalian ties too expensive?

Make ties in Canada and sell those for 30% less than the foreign competitors. There you have it, a winning business idea. Forget all those other stupid knickknacks such as shoe trees and shoe polish.
 
I'd listen to Trump. Hell, I want to see his hotel in Toronto.
 
I'm not sure what you mean, Jimmy. I didn't notice anything?
 
Sartodinapoli said:
Do as i do, abusse everybody specially tackys , those are masochistic and will buy then.

I am being very succesfull.
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yo-dawg-your-a-homo.jpg
 
Sartodinapoli said:
chose your clientele and sell only to paleoconservatives, do not do as ghianni whose main clientele were pinks and pinkos.
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maybe in tacky Spain and Italy you can do that. but in Canada you cannot exclude pinks & pinkos from your clients or you will be taken to a Human Tights tribunal.

eu46b4.webp
 
It wouldn't make sense to leave pinkos and thruth is right, even if I wanted to, I'd have the book thrown at me for it. Please keep Marta and Gianni away from my shop. But you will get discounts if you speak crusader english, Sarto, conchita and LKP are lifetime recipients of this
 
The idea of making things in Canada is an interesting one. I've had some good pairs of trousers that were made in Canada by Riviera (I think). They were easily the equal of some much more expensive trousers and if you could get a range of those in stock at a good price you could potentially appeal to patriotic Canadians who need pentz.

The same goes for ties - is there anywhere in Canada that makes ties?

Otherwise, I guess that your other option could be to get ties made by one of the factories in NY and to then drive down there, secrete the neckties in the trunk of your car, and sneak back into Canada...

I think that, although the iGent market is quite small in terms of absolute numbers, it can be lucrative if you target it accurately. There seem to be quite a few small businesses that are flourishing as a result of iGent business - it's really a matter of identifying a product or products, pricing it appropriately and getting your name known amongst the iGenterie.
 
My boss seemed to believe that if I found the right market and even the right person with an ideal social media network to shill for me, I could do well. We're experiencing what social media does for our company as we speak, so I know his advice comes from a good place.

Hopefully my business, The Hamilton Jockey Club would be seen and people need to know you exist in order to purchase from you.
 
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As JM said - I've been surprised to come across stuff Made in Canada. I forget what but I saw a few suits from a "name" back awhile made in Canada. - Maybe Ralph Lauren or some other usa name - they were well made as far as i could see. I thought I remember seeing O'Connells had stuff made in Canada but I may be misremembering.

You maybe a bit complacent - as in being used to it - but from what I've seen the import duties etc in Canada are truly horrendous.

Heres how it works here in OZ ( generally) .

I see a pair of shoes or an unshirt online in UK. I order 7 shirts on Friday night while stoned. The shirts arrive on my doorstep on the following Tuesday. The cost - possibly post free or maybe $25. Also the the UK price is LESS the ~20% VAT. No customs duties, no Australian VAT/GST unless the single order is over $1,000 aud.

NO duties - no excess handling charges, no courier fees.

If you can find a way around the Canada Tax you will provide a needed service to Canadians.
 
I like that you threw in unshirts. Everyone knows Sarto is watching...
 
Well, I harp on everyone I know that they ought to buy Canadian made goods, I live in Hamilton, which has Coppley Apparel. It is the Canadian version of Hickey Freeman, Nearly every SC, suit I have is from them. I just discovered Selvedge denim from Montreal for $60 at Marshall's. If you'd like to know what other brands produce in Canada, I'd happily let y'all know.

Luckily, many items on my wish list have distribution in Canada already, but there are some things I'd get raped with a 17% tariff and I am going to spend the time looking at the government publications about what exactly is taxed and what isn't.
 
I hope Canadian unchristian degenerates are my key demographic that purchase Sarto's ties.
 
There is still a Canadian manufacturing sector and there are good quality suits, jackets and trousers made for domestic and American brands. Royal shirts make a decent factory unshirt. Don't know about tie makers though.

There are also manufacurers that make SWD for some high end brands. An example is 8.15 Fifteenth a Japanese workwear brand out of NYC
 
The highest honour an igent can get is to show a Sarto's tie with the emblema of selected and aproved client of Sarto.
That gives greater points than posting their pics on instantgrams or waywrn threads.

real complimenti.
 
Seriously, Sarto, I want to work with you. I want your ties and squares and I want to take really nice photos of them. We can then financially sodomice the tackies in Canada.
 
On Europe, most countries got hitech digital id cards, not that fakeable driving licence where you can vote nobama 4 times on different towns...

My web page will accept bitcoins, paypal but after scanning the membersy of the Rifle association, Tea Party and Bautismal prove. Workers for Mossad are welcome too.

Don't treat on me.
 
Don't treat on me. :spit: Don't tread on me, you mean. But I like what you are saying.
 
Sartodinapoli said:
The highest honour an igent can get is to show a Sarto's tie with the emblema of selected and aproved client of Sarto.
That gives greater points than posting their pics on instantgrams or waywrn threads.
real complimenti.
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Sarto - I think you do not have a tacky 7 on your tries like Lino Lettuce

So do a sarto tie have a 666 on the tie?
 
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