How to Start an Online Clothing Store

Opening an online clothing store has always been a trending business. But especially after the deadly COVID-19 outburst in the world, the online clothing business caught a strong pace. Almost everyone from every different kind of status is now entering this industry and trying their luck. After COVID attacked the world, most of the traditional businesses also shifted to the online platform. Let's see, How to Start an Online Clothing Store?

Selling clothes online now has become a famous profession for young entrepreneurs too. Since clothing is one of the fundamental necessities of our life and every one of us needs clothes. There are boundless types and categories of fashion style. In fact, clothes are a universal good, which can be tailored and creative in whatever you like. 

Since the COVID breakdown, people are now trying their best to avoid visiting the shopping malls and getting more reliant on online shopping. Simultaneously, many booming and opportunity seeker business entrepreneurs’ are grabbing this fortuity to become self-reliant.

On the other hand, right now, the online clothing business is the most profitable worldwide. One of the significant sources suggests that by 2023, we have expected sales of 6542 US dollars.

In the above para, I think I have given enough inspiration and motivation on “why you should choose to open an online clothing store.” Now, let me tell you a brief story.

Case study of my involvement in the online clothing business as a teenager 

If you’re a teenager and reading this article, I would like to tell you about my adolescent journey. Right from my teenage period, my father inspires me to earn money on my own so that I can understand the proper value of money and become independent. 

Hence, after admitting to the university, I desperately started searching for a way to earn money alongside my studies. I was disoriented, didn't know what to do, something that will not affect my studies and something I can also do from home. Additionally, also enjoy some extra pocket money and buy or eat the things I want. 

Although I didn’t start an online clothing business, I did get involved in a small clothing business, which I could do from my home. By getting engaged in this clothing business, I learned many things:

• Efficient query management 
• Better customer relationship management. 
• Got to get a close observation on “how they run their online clothing business, buying goods from the wholesaler.”
• Choose the right fast delivery service. 
• How to deal with the negative customer 
• How to bargain and win with the customer

While working as query management in that online clothing business, I get to know some of my colleagues are distributed across different states. And they are also earning a handsome amount of money and considering this online clothing as a profitable startup. 

Now, without any further discussion, let’s give you some steps on

How to start an online clothing store in 10 steps

1. Inspiration and idea gathering 

In my opinion, before starting a business, the key thing that you need to keep in mind is that “Determination,” “Dedication,” ‘Research,” and “Time.” These are the three key objects that should be in your head when starting a clothing business online.

Being determined and dedicated to your business is the only way you will stick and enjoy every aspect of your business. 

“Research,” once you have decided to start a business, a proper clothing business idea gathering is significant. You genuinely have to under the preference of the customer you’re targeting. The fabric preference, style, design, fashion trend, etc, all depend on the independent target demographics’ lifestyle, spending behavior, and fashion preference. 

Remember, # Fashion trends can be changed overnight. So it’s better to structure your online clothing store in a way so that you can adopt and bring changes in your online clothing stores. 

Another component of idea generation is research on competitors. Researching competitors will show you a convenient way of dealing with your customer, the sources of their products, business strategies, and their marketing policies. 

Additionally, also able to understand what type of clothing is most in-demand, and customers are going crazy for that fashion. You can do some digital research on Google trend or Pinterest. Through analysis, you can even pinpoint the criticism that competitors get from the customers.  

One of the famous philosophers, Benjamin Franklin, said, “Time is money.” The more time and insightful dedication you provide, the more you are able to climb a success.  

2. Brainstorm your clothing niche 

Before you step into this online clothing business, first you need to fix which kind of apparel and fashion niche you want to sell to your customers. The perfect time of selecting your niche right in the primary stage. As a result, it will be easy to specify your target customer.  

Choosing a niche for your online clothing business will also help you identify and plan better your online clothing business plan. Therefore allows you to classify your potential customer you will appeal to and also gather as much information for your online stores. Developing the product niche list will help you specify your competitors and increase your tendency to explore your niche more. 

A business can only be successful, identifying the problem, and providing a precious solution to the customer. Here are some essential aspects that will help you to choose your niche:

• Be the one who will shine the most among all the crowds

Yes, right now, the online clothing e-commerce business is the most trendy business. You might think earning money from this sector is easy. But you have to keep in mind that the “thing” you think is easy is never an easy thing. But the truth is that it always comes out to be the most challenging thing. 

Since there are already a lot of online clothing business holders in the market, you might have to put extra effort to attract those customers towards you. Either you have to offer something that is currently trending or bring something extraordinary that will create a massive buzz.       

• Choose a specific niche that which you’re most passionate about

You can earn money the most from that profession that you have the most passion for. It’s really easy, just think about “what kind of clothes you like to wear, you prefer the most in fashion.” The passion in your fashion sense will work as a weapon to attract the most customers. The target audience will notice that you have the most knowledge on that particular fashion. Therefore, you will get the attraction to the audience's eyesight. 

• Staying up to date with the latest trend in clothes

In the fashion world, there is no constant nor common or fixed type of fashion. People choose that fashion style to wear that they feel the most comfortable. Fashion and style of clothes never get old. It goes, and again after many decades, it comes back. You always have to keep yourself updated on the latest trend and keep yourself ready to adapt to your online clothing store changes. Now in this modern era, most of the fashion believes that:

• Double-check that your chosen niche is converting into money 

It is easy to estimate that you are being picked up by the customers you plan to target. Through the analysis of your month-end financial statement. It is very typical if you get a meager profit in the first month, because of the crowd of these online clothing ventures, it might take time to turn that attention on you.  

3. Find a product source 

Before you step into this online clothing business, first you need to fix which kind of apparel and fashion niche you want to sell to your customers. The perfect time of selecting your niche right in the primary stage. Therefore be easy to specify your target customer.  

Choosing a niche for your online clothing business will also help you identify and plan your online clothing business plan better. Therefore allows you to classify your potential customer you will appeal and also gather as much information for your online stores. Developing the product niche list will help you specify your competitors and increase your tendency to explore your niche more. 

A business can only be successful, identifying the problem, and providing a precious solution to the customer. Hence here are some essential aspects that will help you to choose your niche:

• Be the one who will shine the most among all the crowds

Yes, right now, the online clothing e-commerce business is the most trendy business. You might think earning money from this sector is easy. Keep in mind that the “thing” you think is easy is never an easy thing. But the truth is that it always comes out to be the most challenging thing. 

Since there are already many online clothing business holders in the market, you might have to put extra effort to attract those customers towards you. Either you have to offer something that is currently trending or bring something extraordinary that will create a massive buzz.       

• Choose a specific niche that which you’re most passionate about

You can earn money the most from that profession that you have the most passion for. It’s really easy, just think about “what kind of clothes you like to wear, you prefer the most in fashion.” The passion in your fashion sense will work as a weapon to attract the most customers. The target audience will notice that you have the most knowledge of that particular fashion. Therefore, you will get the attraction to the audience's eyesight. 

• Keeping up-to-date with the latest trend in clothes

In the fashion world, there is no constant nor common or fixed type of fashion. People choose that fashion style to wear that they feel the most comfortable. Fashion and style of clothes never get old. It goes, and again after many decades, it comes back. You always have to keep yourself updated on the latest trend and keep yourself ready to adapt to your online clothing store changes. In this modern era, most of the fashion believes that:

Fashion is like eating, you shouldn't stick to the same menu. —Kenzo Takada

• Double-check that your chosen niche is converting into money 

It is easy to estimate that you are being picked up by the customers you plan to target. Through the analysis of your month-end financial statement. It is very typical if you get a meager profit in the first month, because of the crowd of these online clothing ventures, it might take time to turn that attention on you.  

4. Logistics Source

• Delivery source

Choosing the fastest delivery logistics is very important. Apart from the top-notch product quality at an affordable price, customers also want the fastest service. The fastest delivery system has a positive impact on the customer's mind. 

Therefore choose your logistic partner wisely. If the customer got their product delivered after almost more than 3 to 4 weeks. That customer will definitely not be going to buy any product from you again. With the efficient logistic aggregator support system, you can provide hassle-free delivery support with multiple courier facilities.

•  Technical logistics

Since this online clothing business can be operated from anywhere in the world or simply from home. Hence need much technical machinery support for your online clothing business; for better image resolution, HD quality video, and “live” support. You might need much technical software and hardware for your online clothing business, such as a camera, high-quality video camera, tripod, ring light photo studio, ChatBot, etc.  

5. Promotion for your brand 

Promotion is a big part of your online business. Just picture yourself in a room full of strangers, and no one knows you. Since they don't know you, therefore aren’t feeling interested in you. The more you are pushing yourself to mix with the crowd and expressing yourself to the people. 

The more they are getting attracted to you, your behavior, and personality. People suddenly started to like you, because you did your own marketing and were able to gain a strong position in those peoples’ minds.

Content marketing

Even though content marketing is an old-school type of marketing, but is still one of the best ways to generate traffic for your business. Content can be anything; image, video, or article, or writing can be anything. Constructing strong content will help you to elaborate “what you’re doing?”, “How is your product going to help your audience?” and “what you’re offering to your customer?”. 

Email marketing 

Email marketing is one of the simplest ways to stay connected with your customers. Apart from social media, you can advertise all your products, the latest discounts, or any announcement of any new discount offers'. 

Social media:

• Facebook 

Especially Facebook now has become the biggest way of promoting your product. People now spent more than half a day on social media. Promoting your brand over social media is the easiest way to reach a million audiences. 

If you want, you can also open a “fan and review” Facebook page to get one step closer to your target customer. Where your customer posts their review and also gets the latest update of any newest shipment. 

On the other hand, if you want, you can also open “a Facebook page”, for your business purpose. You can also give ads or posts of your product to different “buying and selling” pages.

Hire different popular PR, who will promote your brand to their dedicated customers and boost your sales. Advertising your product over social media is now considered the best way to reach millions of customers, especially for the online clothing business.

• Instagram

Instagram now becomes the latest classy trend of social media among the young generation. Instagram is a photo-based media; therefore, it will smoothly display your products on the front of any audience's device screen if you do some promotion. 

Instagram is a magnificent way to flaunt your fashion brand or styles of clothes you offer. Exhibit your product in a different and unique context. You can also use the new features of Instagram stories to display the review of your happy customer.

• Live from social network

In this modern generation, the young generation is more into promoting their product on “live”. Now, this current young generation is even spending too much time watching these “live”. You can come “live” from social media such as Facebook, Instagram, youtube, snap chat or Linkedin, etc. 

Coming into “live” gives you a vast opportunity to exhibit your product’s with the proper demonstration. Coming on to “Live” also gives you an open platform to communicate with your customers in bulk. You can also instantly solve any issue or suggest any new product to your customers.

6.   Select a platform 

Choosing the right platform is very important. You should choose that platform on which you are most active and spend most of your time on it. Select a platform where you know every tactic and know every inch of that platform and have a niche idea of the competitors. Platforms can be many types; social media: Facebook and Instagram and any e-commerce shopping cart.

Remember# whatever platform you choose; you should be the best and king of that platform. 

Social media platform:

• Facebook 

Starting an online clothing business from home over Facebook is the easiest way to earn money these days. Since Facebook is an open platform for everyone, the business planner doesn’t have any rental issues. Anyone can now open a Facebook page and start any business. Opening a business doesn't need any law or permission; you just only need an efficient supplier.

Among all social media, Facebook is the most popular website for all generations. Hence establishing a small clothing business is a smart move for your career. 

Suppose you’re a young teen or bored housewives and spending too much time on Facebook. Therefore, “why not converting those unproductive times into productive money-making time.” Opening a small clothing business from home is the best way to earn money for college going teen or bored homemakers. 

• Instagram 

Instagram is the latest social media platform, where you can display and sell all your products. People consider Instagram as a classy and premium platform for high-income buyer behavior. Suppose you consider Instagram as an online clothing business platform. In that case, you can also do “live sessions” for your audience. Instagram works the same as Facebook, just as another platform to grab an audience. 

Ecommerce software platform 

If you're new or old in this online clothing business, there is another alternative option to set up your online clothing business. This is through e-commerce shopping cart software. E-commerce shopping cart software gives you an open platform to display all your products to a single platform. With such e-commerce shopping cart software, you can easily handle your business efficiently. 

It might be a little expensive and complicated to understand all the functions of e-commerce shopping cart software as a beginner. But after you get familiar with it, you will realize that it is quite a more manageable and complete package than social media platforms. 

On the other hand, when you open an e-commerce online clothing website, it will also open the opportunity to develop yourself as a brand. You can establish your own  “online boutique clothing store.” And then promote that website over social media.

E-commerce shopping cart software gives you the chance to customize and add as many options as you want. Choosing to have this kind of e-commerce will help you manage your inventory system, accessible payment procedure, and build better customer relationship management. Here are some examples of e-commerce shopping cart software; Woocommerce, Magento, Shopify, and Isshue.  

Check Out: Top Shopping Cart Software

7.  Business model for your clothing venture

After you have selected your platform, which platform you want to grow and stand up for your business. It is now the right time to select an online clothing business model for your venture. There are four different kinds of online clothing business models, from which you can choose your overall objectives, budget, and skills.

• Print on demand

Print on demand is the easiest and cheapest type of online clothing business. Print on demand is a kind of clothes, where you can print whatever logo, sticker or name you want. As a matter of fact, custom made T-shirts are really nowadays creating a popular trend among young people and also it has a great future in this industry. 

• Custom cut and sew

Custom cut and sew is a clothing store business model, because of which you plan to design and build your own clothing brand or clothing line. The enormous advantage of designing your own clothes is that you can design anything uniquely and create the latest trend among the targeted audience. Custom cut and sew is like establishing your own brand and presenting your own fashion to the world.

• Private label

Private labels come between the print on demand and custom cut and sew. Usually, many online clothing stores follow, private label system. They buy in bulk from wholesale and then customize them as per the customer’s preference. And after customization, the online clothing shop owner put their private label tag on the clothes. 

8. Set your goal high and low budget

A significant advantage of doing online business is that you don't have to manage big or small warehouse inventories. You can directly buy the stock from the wholesaler and pack them and send them to the ordered customer.

When deciding to start an online boutique clothing store, the key primary thing that matters the most is your budget and your dedication towards your business. While setting your price for your product, you must carefully select the price in such a way that maintains a thin line of balance between your net profit and the customer willing to pay. The budget analysis to need do before jump into this successful online clothing store:

• The price range of the raw material 
• The price range of the fabrics
• If you want to open your boutique, then you need to measure the manufacturing cost.
• Expense range of tailor labor
• Before you introduce any fashion or catch the latest trend of fashion, research the price range.

9. F-O-C-U-S on the competitor 

In this fashion business, one fashion trend doesn't stay for a long period. This young generation believes in innovation, invention, and trying things in a new style or fashion. Therefore as a clothing business holder, it is quite important to stay updated and connected with your customers. For a sustainable position in this industry; you need to have great knowledge of your competitors. 

###secret trick## as a newbie, first; just follow your competitors for a few days and understand.

• Which types of clothing people most demand?
• What is the price range they charge?
• What type of audience usually buy or prefer?
• What strategies do they follow to promote their business?

10.  Register your online clothing business 

Since you are now in that last step, I can guess that you've done every kind of background research regarding your product, budget, your business platform, and your targeted audience. Now it’s time to know about some of the important paperwork you will need to prove your market authorization. 

• Online business clothing entity types

Choose which types of business entities you wanna start your online clothing business. Will it be a sole proprietorship or limited corporation?.  Hence, if you plan to start as a small start-up, you should choose sole proprietorship, and otherwise, you should start as a limited company.

• Register your clothing business names 

And based on your business entity, you have to register your business as an official online e-commerce fashion brand or website. Registration will be on the name you choose for your online clothing business and under the state, you will be operating.

•  License and permit 

After you get done with the registration part, you can quickly start and operate your online clothing boutique from home. Besides registering your business, you will have to collect particular permits such as sales tax license, trade license, EIN with IRS and home occupation permit, etc.
 

Final Thought

Starting your online clothing store is quite a risky gamble, but right now, this is the most trendy business of all. And has massive scope for growth of this online clothing sales market. In this blog, I try to present the best easy step for succeeding in an online clothing store. Having good fashion knowledge; will help you to cope up with this industry very quickly. Day by day, most homemakers and college teenagers are getting involved in this online clothing business; since it can be easily done this kind of business from home.  

Think before you start a business. You might be thinking now that you don't have enough knowledge about clothes, fashion or the latest trend in style, and the Indian celebrity wears. Not to worry; just choose your niche. If you have knowledge about stationary, then “start an online stationery business.” If you have knowledge about ladies purse or wallet, “ start an online bag and wallet store.” Just choose whichever you are more brilliant at; only achieving success will be easy peasy.

Do you know more than 500 small business owners operate multi-store eCommerce business with only one system that is Isshue - Ecommerce Shopping Software. 

Would you like to read: 10 Inevitable Steps to Shape your eCommerce Business Plan