EGP Business Solutions

Online apparel stores are on trend with the ever–growing world of eCommerce, but the latest print–on–demand technology and business automation software tools make them even more appealing. Unlike years ago, where a successful online store meant a whole lot of work and money spent upfront, today’s online apparel stores are agile and self–sufficient, needing very little attention once they are up and running. Of course, no business can really be successful without a whole lot of effort and commitment, especially upfront.

Find your target audience and zero in

So, the number one most important step to developing an eCommerce apparel store is carving out a niche for your brand. When you do this, you can find your target audience. And, even better, they can find you. The more aligned your business can be with your genuine interests, the more authentic everything will be. Here are some ideas:

• Audience Parents Market Kid’s clothes
• Audience Fashion Market latest trends
• Audience High Fashion Market luxury products
• Audience Unlimited Market graphic t–shirts

With your target audience in place, you can move onto the next step.

Know why you want to do this

Starting a successful eCommerce apparel store demands passion and drive to really see the business through and guarantee its success. If you want your online apparel store to really thrive, then you need to be able to commit to it, which means you have to know your reasons why. Answer the following questions to find the purpose of your business:

• Why do you want to sell apparel online
• Why do you want so start an online business
• What will your business provide that others do not
• What will make customers stay with your business

The answer to these questions will lead you to your mission statement, which should inform every decision you make about your business. Not everything is going to be a walk in the park. The more you can remind yourself of your reasons why, the better prepared you will be for the challenges that lie ahead.

Your business model

You want to determine exactly what type of business model you are going to be using for your apparel store so that you will be better able to select the right type of online store to match your business plan.

• Private Label
• Dropship
• Print–on–Demand
• Custom Design

For most business owners, the first three business models make the most sense and print–on–demand shops have grown significantly over the last few years. Not only are print–on–demand apparel stores the simplest to set up but print–on–demand is also the most cost–efficient way to build an online apparel store. Because you actually do not invest in any inventory until it is purchased. Etimates suggest that custom t–shirt printing will bring in $10 billion of revenue worldwide by 2025. The beauty of this model is that virtually everything is automated.

Shop for Apparel – Special Dropshipping Plan

Build your online store

It is much simpler to setup online then opening a physical storefront. In order for it to truly be successful and capable of producing sales it does require the same attention to detail that a physical store would. Today, 25% of Americans make an online purchase every single month. Online advertising is more affordable than ever.

You will want to make sure that the platform you choose to build your online store with integrates with the software that fits your business model. You need to be able to offer multiple color and design choices. Product images need to show every detail of your clothing items. You need to be able to show potential customers positive reviews from current customers. You need to be able to offer accessories at time of sale. Can you offer gift certificates and discounts.

Offer unique products

Make sure you have the best products possible in your store. If you are not an artist yourself, then find a great designer or artist who can help bring your vision to life. Use mockup tools to see how the design will be placed on the shirt, how big it will be, and how the colors look together. Make sure you know exactly what you are selling before you start selling it. The products you carry in your store should be entirely dependent on the interest of your target audience. It takes time to properly promote and grow your brand through the right marketing, there are a few things you should do right away before your online apparel store even launches.

Online marketing can’t be mastered overnight, and it should definitely be something you continue to study well after your business launches. The sooner you can grasp the basics of online and digital marketing, the sooner you will sales. Building an online apparel store can be a lot of fun. It requires work and commitment in order to make it successful. Once you decide do not hesitate. We will continue to offer the information and tools that can help you along the way.