Buisness idea - need advice

[Newforestloverxx]

Hello, I'm hoping to start up my own equine apparel / horse wear range. I know the legal and buisness side but what I'm stuck on is the actual making of the products.
I'm 22 and it's been a dream of mine for ages, I have my idea I know what I want (product wise/designs/colours) but does anyone know how I make that real so I am holding the product in my hand say haha, like manufacturers etc? I have no idea where to start.
Thankyou in advance

 

[TPO]

I reckon that the best bet it to get a job/work experience with a company already doing what you want to be doing.

Then you can pick the brains of people in the know, find contacts, build a network and learn from the mistakes of others so that you don't have to!

There are the big established brands like Ariat, Toggi etc but there are also a lot of new equestrian brands coming through like Apt Cavalier, Huff Equestrian, Equiboodle, Olco, Honest Riders and DVR equestrian to name a few off the top of my head.

Something to consider is what your Unique Selling Point will be. What will set your products apart from what's already on the market? Who will your competitors be? How do you plan to get your brand out there and known? Etc, etc, etc

 

[TheOldTrout]

Do you make your own riding clothes already? That would give you an idea of the time it takes to make an item, costings etc. Plus people could see you wearing them and admire them

 

[Melody Grey]

I know they’re not really a thing at the moment, but talking to manufacturers at trade fairs would be a good way of finding out more.

 

[Bonnie Allie]

Collaborate with a manufacturer, preferably local.

However, before you head down that path develop a robust go to market plan. Thoroughly investigate your competitors and really make sure you know your target market.

What will be your differentiator?

My favourite brand is a local company that has eye wateringly expensive clothing BUT they know their target market really well.

Some differentiators that hit the nail on the head for me as a loyal and frequent customer:

* made locally inside my country, no offshore labour used
* innovative fabric
* specific products aligned to specific body shapes
* aligned with diversity values, their advertising doesn’t just feature white middle class women
* clever use of data - advertising is targeted. With a size 14 bum and a pear shape I don’t get communications about size 6 breeches for skinny minnies
* amazing digital site that interactive and links to delivery service really well so I know when my product will arrive and am kept updated

The market is flooded with generic offshore produced equestrian clothing With limited differentiation between your big brands and the chain store staples.

Make sure you really understand who you are targeting before you put your products together.