start a bridal dress business
It's interesting:"It's a shame, given this is a winter wedding, that the minister wouldn't let Paul and Linda have the pantomime theme wedding they originally wanted. Looking at Paul, I think ‘Puss in Boots’ would have been very appropriate."
The business of weddings never seems to slow down. With more bridal publications and services than ever before, starting a bridal dress business is a smart way to get in on the action. Like starting any business, there will be blood, sweat and tears, so be prepared for investing yourself in this venture. Having a passion for the big day is essential for dealing with the brides, their mothers and making your clients happy.
Things You'll Need
- Retail space
- Contractor
- Merchandising fixtures
- Bridal dresses
- Bridal accessories
- Knowledgeable sales staff
Instructions
1
Find the right space for your bridal dress business. Making sure your retail space is the right fit is one of the most important things for your business. Be sure the space has ample room for a bride's family and friends (since often two to four additional people are in tow), as well as sitting areas. Shopping for a bridal dress is an experience, so be sure your space reflects the kind of experience you want to create.
2
Make the space client friendly. Hire a contractor and get to work revamping the interior of your retail space. Unless it was a bridal shop before, you want to make some changes to make the space warm and inviting, with plenty of sitting areas, large fitting rooms that boast good lighting, and a consultation area for brides and sales associates to hash out what the bride is looking for in a gown.
3
Purchase your dresses. Decide if you'd like to cater to all brides or a certain type of bride. Wedding dresses have come a long way and there are now many brands that do budget friendly gowns, while others do gowns costing five figures. Decide what type of client you want and let that guide you in selecting the gowns you will sell. Purchasing gowns wholesale becomes difficult for high end brands because the labels do not want to be available in every store. When meeting with high-end wedding gown labels such as Vera Wang, Reem Acra and Kenneth Pool, be sure to distinguish how you stand apart from other bridal dress businesses in your area. Don't forget to also buy bridal accessories such as shoes, veils and headpieces so your bride can create her entire look at your shop. Having these things on hand also helps complete the look of a dress and can be the make-or-break factor in whether a bride makes a purchase.
4
Merchandise the store. Merchandising the store is one of the key ways to make your bridal dress business appealing to the client. Group like dresses together according to style so it is easier for both brides and sales associates to locate certain gowns. Strapless dresses, sheath dresses, gowns with intricate beading and rhinestones all should be grouped together. The only exception is if you are carrying high-end designers, in which case each designer should have a designated section. Many brides shop looking for "the" Vera Wang gown and will want to see all of their options in one place.
5
Hire knowledgeable sales staff. Guiding a bride to find her ideal wedding gown is unlike any other sales position. Be sure the associates you hire understand that patience is key in selling bridal dresses, and they should at least have some background in retail sales. Brides become very picky when it comes to fit, and a good sales associate knows what undergarments to suggest for a particular gown and knows what type of dress suits different body types. Be prepared to train sales staff in these areas. Remind them that shopping for a bridal gown is an experience and they should work with each bride to give her an exceptional one.
6
Open for business. Once the dresses have arrived, and your staff is hired, it's time to open the doors. Create buzz by going to area bridal vendors and making your bridal dress shop known. It's also important to attend any wedding shows or bridal conventions in your area to let brides know you are there to assist their gown purchase. Get to know area wedding planners, who often recommend bridal shops for their clients and sometimes accompany the bride when she starts her quest for a bridal gown.
Tips &- Warnings
Leased retail space varies on the city you're in. Overall, plan on at least $50,000 overhead for opening a bridal dress business because it is important to invest ample funds up front to increase the quality of your space and product.
You should have some experience in managing retail sales before taking on a project like opening a bridal dress business. It is a niche market and requires someone who understands trends in the wedding industry and is able to go the extra mile for a client on a regular basis.
Tags: bridal dress, bridal dress business, dress business, sales staff, your bridal, your bridal dress, area bridesSource: www.ehow.com
