If you enjoy sewing, creating interesting clothing patterns or performing alterations and tailoring, starting a sewing business may be the perfect business opportunity for you. Depending on your skills, there are many different types of sewing projects available including dressmaking, costume design, special occasion clothing, embroidery and clothing repair. Keeping up with fashion and sewing trends is the best way to attract a variety of customers and maintain regular clients and, with a bit of luck, referrals from these clients help you build an even larger customer base.
Create a Business Plan
Write a business plan to guide you through each stage of business development when starting a sewing business. The plan should begin with an analysis of your local market as well as similar shops and services, if any, in your area. Next, list and describe the types of services you hope to offer your clients.
The third section should include projected start-up costs, including sewing machines, shop rental, thread, patterns, computer equipment and software. Follow up with a marketing plan, as well as a description of owner and employee roles.
Take Care of Your Paperwork
Research business organization, license and permitting requirements before your grand opening. Register your business with state and local authorities: If you plan to form a limited liability corporation, a corporation, or a partnership, talk to an attorney who can then guide you through the process.
You can protect your new business by purchasing business insurance. If you are operating from home, ask your agent if you can add a home-business rider to your current policy: If not, you'll need a separate policy for your business.
Contact the Internal Revenue Service to apply for an employer identification number to use on business documents and tax forms. You'll also want to contact your state and local tax agencies to set up an account for submitting sales taxes, if they required in your state or municipality.
Make a Space for Your Work
If you are planning to work from your home, contact the local small business administration office or home zoning commission office to inquire about the rules concerning home-based businesses, as some regions do not permit business owners to meet with clients in residential areas. Setting aside a room or area of your home that you use strictly for business not only helps you keep your business supplies organized, but it also has tax benefits. Talk to your accountant or tax preparer about possible deductions for home office space.
Another option is renting commercial space for your business. You could find an office in a local business incubator or co-working space, or you could lease a traditional commercial property.
Buy the Tools of Your Trade
Once you have a space, it's time to purchase start-up equipment such as a sewing machine, thread, needles, embroidery supplies, ready-made patterns, computer software for creating and printing patterns, invoicing and bookkeeping software. Ensure that your workspace has all required permits and licenses before moving your inventory and tools into your shop.
Prepare a Portfolio
Before opening, assemble photos of your best work to use in promotional efforts and in a portfolio to show clients. If possible, have some actual pieces in your office or shop so that clients can examine the quality of your work. Hire a professional to create an online portfolio and website if you do not have the ability to do this yourself, or you want it to really stand out form the crowd.
Reach Out to Potential Clients
There are several ways to promote your new business. Friends, family, and social media contacts are an excellent place to start. Even if they don't plan to use your services, they may have friends or family members who do need custom sewing or alterations.
Display flyers in local dress shops, grocery stores, dry cleaners, wedding shops and other local businesses. Reach out to local print and television reporters to interest them in a feature story on an enterprising new business in their community. Don't forget about online resources: could you list your business in online business directories and services like Google Maps?
You can also use social media services like Facebook and Twitter as outreach tools or sites like Groupon to offer special deals. Include photos, customer testimonials, sewing services, contact information and hours of operation.
