Searched "how much inventory should I buy" because after nearly 6 years, I realize I don't even have a clue and it's time to start getting it right. Oh my goodness, there are some gems in this video I wish I'd known a long, long time ago. Thank you SO much for such a helpful video. Much appreciated!
Great!! I'm so glad this was helpful! If you have 6 years of sales data, that should 100% inform you of what you should buy and how much! I have a bundle of Masterclasses I taught all about how to do buy for your boutique in a much deeper way. Check it out--- www.buyingplanbundle.com
OMGashhhh GIRL i would buy anything from u! i love how personable and real and HELPFUL u r so much value from this video! took me like 2 min in to realize oh yeah we r subscribing! so thankful for these resources! spiritual boutique here we GOOO xoxo
Hi, Emily! Love these videos! I am about a month from opening a smaller boutique and am evaluating my inventory. How much quantity do you suggest per style/item? I'm fearing I didn't order enough....
I always say to buy the minimum of everything you purchase because the first few months are a test. You can always get more! (Also please don't call yourself a smaller boutique! I made 6-figures a year from 102 square feet!!! Size has nothing to do with money!)
I don't no. You need to build your assortment from a holistic standpoint. So will these styling sessions be full outfits? who's the ideal customer? what price range are you targeting... lots of questions before you get to how much to buy!
Well I include this in my calendar, but you want it to be a "wear now" situation, except "transition" months. So Feb-June is Spring/Summer, July is a transition month. August- December is Fall and Winter, January is a transition month. When are you launching?
Hi Emily! I’m so glad I came across your channel. Getting the process going on my dream of a boutique, so this is such great info. When it comes to inventory (starting with one pack for example) how often do you purchase more inventory. Say on my first launch and all 6 of those sell out..do I wait until “sell out” before purchasing more or purchase more shortly after first launch to keep product in my shop?
There's a fine line between selling out and selling down. You want to be sold down before you buy more inventory, but not sold out. I teach alot about turn rate and sell through in my classes because it's not such a cut and dry- "buy this now and this then" situation in retail. There are sooo many moving parts. I'm going to be talking about some of these topics in my free micro course- I'd love for you to join and learn a ton to help you open your boutique: emily-benson.mykajabi.com/how-to-grow-your-boutique-micro-course - Emily
Hi! OMG I'm SOOOOOO happy I stumbles upon your channel!!! I was actually going to throw in the towel and not go through with starting my online boutique because I've just felt so lost and discouraged... and then I found this video!!! AND I'm from MA too!!!! OMG! lol Anyways lol, I was in the process of starting my online boutique- I literally have over 50 items just sitting in my cart lol I haven't placed an order for anything yet because I wasn't sure how to shop- if that makes sense. Meaning, I wasn't sure if I need to purchase items that are currently trending, items that every other boutique has, or just pick any item that catches my eye?? I never thought shopping would be so difficult! lol Do you offer any webinars or coaching on how to start, vendors, etc.?? I would love to sign up! Thanks so much for this video and sorry for the long novel! lol
Hey fellow MA'er!! Don't throw in the towel!! You absolutely have what it takes-- retail/boutiqueland is a big beautiful place that yes, requires some knowledge and training. I would HIGHLY suggest my Boutique Basics Bootcamp. You will get EVERYTHING you need to launch successfully there! www.boutiquebasicsbootcamp.com
OK - I noticed some people disclose on the website where the pieces are made or from, others don't at all. Some people use "Imported" if it's not USA. Any rules on this? And what about listing "Pre-order" listings on the website? Is it a good idea to go ahead and always list items we are waiting to get in for pre-order? Any ideal situations to list pre-orders?
1. I believe you have to list it for good faith and maybe legally? I'm not a lawyer- I do know you must have country of origin and care on the actual garment. 2. I personally hate pre-orders. You never know if a vendor will cancel or delay. In my opinion it's kind of "messy retail", and I'm a purist so I think that's my biggest hang up about it! We live in a buy now, wear now culture. Pre-orders feel out of line with how customers shop. -Emily
How do you organize all your inventory details? Like how to remember where you got the item just Incase you restock? Because I’m guessing you purchase from different vendors. Do you just keep the name of the clothing and write the vendor name next to it? Also how do you come up with names for each of your clothing pieces?
Great questions Brooke! Most likely when you're starting out, you won't need to restock the same item (it looses steam once you sell out!). But if you're using a POS system like Shopify, you can enter the vendor in the product description. You'll also get an invoice when the items ships from the vendor, so keep those organized in a file folder box and you can always go back and reference those! Naming items... that's a great idea for a video! Most important is to *describe* the item-- so instead of "The Brooke Top", it would be "Blue Peplum Waffle Long Sleeve"!
Starting a baby clothes online boutique I’m really trying to narrow down in on sizing. I wld like to cater to sizes newborn-4T-but after watching your video I know I need to scale down. I hv 2yr old and 7month old so I can’t decide if I shld go the baby/infant route or toddler route first…wld I be able to do a mix?
You should for sure limit the sizes- you may also do some gender-neutral styles or go less on the boy clothes (unless that's what you are specializing in!!) Have you studied big children's stores and the mix/devotion of floor space to each size? I was at Target last night and they have lots of 0-24 months and then more starting at 4/5 and up (skipping toddler)... I could hardly find 2T/3T/4T in store so I'm wondering if they are doing more of that online only?
You need to decide how much of each size you think you can sell at first. Perhaps buy evenly and a small amount. Once you have size selling, it's easy to adjust, but make sure you track this!
I have about $1000 I can spend on inventory. What’s like a good starting point as far as how much to spend initially on inventory? Is $1000 too much? Is it too little?
Hi Emily. I've been asking myself how am I going to sell my clothing pieces because I definitely don't want to mass produce my clothing. I just want one piece per style, and I was wondering if it would work out?
More great tips! :) I'm transitioning my handmade jewelry biz to an online boutique and right now I have purchased an assortment of accessories (mainly jewelry with some hair accessories). This seems to be the easiest and less intimidating for me starting out as they pieces are small and I'm familiar with selling jewelry already! Currently it's looking like just an accessories boutique. However, my question is....when do I start incorporating apparel, if at all? I would like to, but my budget is small right now and I feel like I'd have to have at least 10-15 clothing items to make my apparel "section" look decent. Should I just keep going with the accessories until I make some profit to invest in clothes? Thoughts? PS> are you tired of my comments yet!? :D
I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!! :) It's ok to start with just accessories! I would turn over the money a few times until you can self-fund the clothing purchases. There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with starting small and growing (actually it's the best way!) Have you watched this video where I talk about this? >> th-cam.com/video/BaKBe3PgKXI/w-d-xo.html
@@Accordingtomonet As little as possible! You want to have money left over to purchase more in case what you buy at first works or doesn't. I personally wouldn't spend over $1500 to launch and only buy 1 pack of each style of clotheing.
Hi! I talk about this somewhere (I talk alot and make lots of videos!). Basically it was 2 fold- I really didn't like having a brick and mortar. I enjoyed traveling in my truck so much, but by the time I realized this, I was kind of tired of doing so many events and after being in retail for years and years, I knew I could help lots of people consulting. I kind of fizzled out because I lost my passion for the day to day of owning a boutique. If I were to do it again, I would hire lots of help to run the shops and really focus on the things I love like buying, styling and marketing! :)
Boutiques don't have to be just clothing. I love your videos but lots of your advice is very specific to clothing so it's more difficult for me to apply it
OMG!!! You came to my HOUSE with the Fashion Truck!!! You were my inspiration for my business!
“I’m filming this in 2020 where we just don’t ever know what’s going on.” 😂 so accurate.
Hahaha right Rachel?!!!! 🙄🙄🙄
Searched "how much inventory should I buy" because after nearly 6 years, I realize I don't even have a clue and it's time to start getting it right. Oh my goodness, there are some gems in this video I wish I'd known a long, long time ago. Thank you SO much for such a helpful video. Much appreciated!
Great!! I'm so glad this was helpful! If you have 6 years of sales data, that should 100% inform you of what you should buy and how much! I have a bundle of Masterclasses I taught all about how to do buy for your boutique in a much deeper way. Check it out--- www.buyingplanbundle.com
OMGashhhh GIRL i would buy anything from u! i love how personable and real and HELPFUL u r so much value from this video! took me like 2 min in to realize oh yeah we r subscribing! so thankful for these resources! spiritual boutique here we GOOO xoxo
Awesome! So happy for you! Welcome to my world!
Hi, Emily! Love these videos! I am about a month from opening a smaller boutique and am evaluating my inventory. How much quantity do you suggest per style/item? I'm fearing I didn't order enough....
I always say to buy the minimum of everything you purchase because the first few months are a test. You can always get more! (Also please don't call yourself a smaller boutique! I made 6-figures a year from 102 square feet!!! Size has nothing to do with money!)
Thank you Emily.
Do you have a specific $$ amount you recommend for starting up an online store that also offers in-home style sessions?
I don't no. You need to build your assortment from a holistic standpoint. So will these styling sessions be full outfits? who's the ideal customer? what price range are you targeting... lots of questions before you get to how much to buy!
Thank you! Great tips!
Hi Lisa! Thanks for watching!!
Hi Emily How do you know what season of clothes to buy when you are launching?
Well I include this in my calendar, but you want it to be a "wear now" situation, except "transition" months. So Feb-June is Spring/Summer, July is a transition month. August- December is Fall and Winter, January is a transition month. When are you launching?
Hi Emily! I’m so glad I came across your channel. Getting the process going on my dream of a boutique, so this is such great info. When it comes to inventory (starting with one pack for example) how often do you purchase more inventory. Say on my first launch and all 6 of those sell out..do I wait until “sell out” before purchasing more or purchase more shortly after first launch to keep product in my shop?
There's a fine line between selling out and selling down. You want to be sold down before you buy more inventory, but not sold out. I teach alot about turn rate and sell through in my classes because it's not such a cut and dry- "buy this now and this then" situation in retail. There are sooo many moving parts. I'm going to be talking about some of these topics in my free micro course- I'd love for you to join and learn a ton to help you open your boutique: emily-benson.mykajabi.com/how-to-grow-your-boutique-micro-course
- Emily
Hi! OMG I'm SOOOOOO happy I stumbles upon your channel!!! I was actually going to throw in the towel and not go through with starting my online boutique because I've just felt so lost and discouraged... and then I found this video!!! AND I'm from MA too!!!! OMG! lol
Anyways lol, I was in the process of starting my online boutique- I literally have over 50 items just sitting in my cart lol I haven't placed an order for anything yet because I wasn't sure how to shop- if that makes sense. Meaning, I wasn't sure if I need to purchase items that are currently trending, items that every other boutique has, or just pick any item that catches my eye?? I never thought shopping would be so difficult! lol
Do you offer any webinars or coaching on how to start, vendors, etc.?? I would love to sign up! Thanks so much for this video and sorry for the long novel! lol
Hey fellow MA'er!! Don't throw in the towel!! You absolutely have what it takes-- retail/boutiqueland is a big beautiful place that yes, requires some knowledge and training. I would HIGHLY suggest my Boutique Basics Bootcamp. You will get EVERYTHING you need to launch successfully there! www.boutiquebasicsbootcamp.com
OK - I noticed some people disclose on the website where the pieces are made or from, others don't at all. Some people use "Imported" if it's not USA. Any rules on this?
And what about listing "Pre-order" listings on the website? Is it a good idea to go ahead and always list items we are waiting to get in for pre-order? Any ideal situations to list pre-orders?
1. I believe you have to list it for good faith and maybe legally? I'm not a lawyer- I do know you must have country of origin and care on the actual garment.
2. I personally hate pre-orders. You never know if a vendor will cancel or delay. In my opinion it's kind of "messy retail", and I'm a purist so I think that's my biggest hang up about it! We live in a buy now, wear now culture. Pre-orders feel out of line with how customers shop.
-Emily
How do you organize all your inventory details? Like how to remember where you got the item just Incase you restock? Because I’m guessing you purchase from different vendors. Do you just keep the name of the clothing and write the vendor name next to it? Also how do you come up with names for each of your clothing pieces?
Great questions Brooke! Most likely when you're starting out, you won't need to restock the same item (it looses steam once you sell out!). But if you're using a POS system like Shopify, you can enter the vendor in the product description. You'll also get an invoice when the items ships from the vendor, so keep those organized in a file folder box and you can always go back and reference those! Naming items... that's a great idea for a video! Most important is to *describe* the item-- so instead of "The Brooke Top", it would be "Blue Peplum Waffle Long Sleeve"!
@@Emilyboutique omg yes please make a video! Thanks so much!
@@brooke.gringa it's on my list for next batch filming!
Hi Emily! Love your videos. So...how about reinvesting from sales? How do you get to a point of profit?
I talk about it on this video: th-cam.com/video/FDNPoG6x1Ks/w-d-xo.html
Don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already! -Emily
I need to find a wholesale company online because I want to open my online boutique
Most wholesalers sell online! I talk about how to find good vendors in this video: th-cam.com/video/8Txv99WAnUg/w-d-xo.html
Starting a baby clothes online boutique I’m really trying to narrow down in on sizing. I wld like to cater to sizes newborn-4T-but after watching your video I know I need to scale down. I hv 2yr old and 7month old so I can’t decide if I shld go the baby/infant route or toddler route first…wld I be able to do a mix?
You should for sure limit the sizes- you may also do some gender-neutral styles or go less on the boy clothes (unless that's what you are specializing in!!) Have you studied big children's stores and the mix/devotion of floor space to each size? I was at Target last night and they have lots of 0-24 months and then more starting at 4/5 and up (skipping toddler)... I could hardly find 2T/3T/4T in store so I'm wondering if they are doing more of that online only?
How much inventory/pieces/styles should you start out with when thinking about accessories?
Yes!! I have an entire video about that Tari! Here's the link: th-cam.com/video/BaKBe3PgKXI/w-d-xo.html
@@Emilyboutique Thank you!
Hi Emily! How many would you say to get for a kid’s boutique since they don’t come in a pack.
You need to decide how much of each size you think you can sell at first. Perhaps buy evenly and a small amount. Once you have size selling, it's easy to adjust, but make sure you track this!
I have about $1000 I can spend on inventory. What’s like a good starting point as far as how much to spend initially on inventory? Is $1000 too much? Is it too little?
Sounds like a great number! You might enjoy this video about only spending $75 to start: th-cam.com/video/BaKBe3PgKXI/w-d-xo.html
Hi Emily. I've been asking myself how am I going to sell my clothing pieces because I definitely don't want to mass produce my clothing. I just want one piece per style, and I was wondering if it would work out?
Absolutely! Tell me more... so you are handmaking one of a kind pieces? Are they recycled fabrics? How do sizes run?
@@Emilyboutique I'm going to be sewing them and they are going to be 3 deferential sizes. Though I'll be buying fabric.
More great tips! :) I'm transitioning my handmade jewelry biz to an online boutique and right now I have purchased an assortment of accessories (mainly jewelry with some hair accessories). This seems to be the easiest and less intimidating for me starting out as they pieces are small and I'm familiar with selling jewelry already! Currently it's looking like just an accessories boutique. However, my question is....when do I start incorporating apparel, if at all? I would like to, but my budget is small right now and I feel like I'd have to have at least 10-15 clothing items to make my apparel "section" look decent. Should I just keep going with the accessories until I make some profit to invest in clothes? Thoughts? PS> are you tired of my comments yet!? :D
I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!!! :) It's ok to start with just accessories! I would turn over the money a few times until you can self-fund the clothing purchases. There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with starting small and growing (actually it's the best way!) Have you watched this video where I talk about this? >> th-cam.com/video/BaKBe3PgKXI/w-d-xo.html
@@Emilyboutique I just watched it again!! :) Makes tons of sense!
How much quantity should I get for a online boutique and what is a good price to spend on inventory for the first time
@@Accordingtomonet As little as possible! You want to have money left over to purchase more in case what you buy at first works or doesn't. I personally wouldn't spend over $1500 to launch and only buy 1 pack of each style of clotheing.
Where do you go to find inventory? L
Here! th-cam.com/video/8Txv99WAnUg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QpwCgqi-CUyglDbV
Full disclosure! Why did you close your own boutique? Inquiring minds want to know!
Hi! I talk about this somewhere (I talk alot and make lots of videos!). Basically it was 2 fold- I really didn't like having a brick and mortar. I enjoyed traveling in my truck so much, but by the time I realized this, I was kind of tired of doing so many events and after being in retail for years and years, I knew I could help lots of people consulting. I kind of fizzled out because I lost my passion for the day to day of owning a boutique. If I were to do it again, I would hire lots of help to run the shops and really focus on the things I love like buying, styling and marketing! :)
Boutiques don't have to be just clothing. I love your videos but lots of your advice is very specific to clothing so it's more difficult for me to apply it
What do you sell Hannah?
@@Emilyboutique I am getting ready to start a store with refinished furniture and home decor