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This Is How We Roll
Guess what? The business of fashion is rather different in Asia to Australia. Hardly surprising, I know. That said, I’m not sure I was prepared for the system being completely turned on it’s head.
In Australia it seems to generally be the case that boutique buyers do not particularly like dealing with sales agents. I see where they’re coming from – adding another layer between the designer and the consumer probably isn’t the best idea. Moreover, agents working on commission can be pushy and demanding.
Conversely of course, it’s also more convenient for everyone – one sales agent representing multiple complimentary labels means fewer buying / showing appointments.
Since arriving in Singapore last week, we’ve seen approximately a dozen boutiques. Quite unexpectedly every single person we’ve seen has asked who we’re represented by. And the answer – we represent ourselves – doesn’t seem to be the answer they want.
I see two possibilities here… one, how many Australia designers do they get just showing up in Asia? You’d have to imagine they’re all repped by someone. Two, perhaps they prefer dealing with an agent – on their turf, in a language they’re more familiar with?
At any rate, what seems to be abundantly clear is that we’re not getting anywhere fast in Asia without that agent.
Anyone know a good sales agent over here?
I used to deal with Asia, and they all love going thru the agent, An agent will procure them a 10% discount, which they are wanting, freight and shippping and customs clearence details in thier language,
that’s how it’s done,
I did deal with an expat brit over there, and we idi it one on one, But her business partner was chinese, and knew the ins and outs.
At least the import duty into singapore is only 10% ????? (see there goes your discount) and the agent will want at Least 15%.
so you are going to loose 25% in wholesale terms, plus a few more frieght costs along the way, Just to sell the clothes on another Island.
I wish with your persistance, my experience in pattern making and only making selling designs, We could form a win win formula.
It’s all got to do with image, advertising in Asia.
We need role models in Asia wearing the product, and being photographed in the press all the time with the coolest people. the chinese told me all this in shanghai.
they said If i had doulble page glossy adverts in the front of all the Asian Vogues, Marie Claires, cosmopolitans etc etc, they would be honuoured to sell my clothes!!!
I hot footed it back to Melbourne and made as many Shanghai friends living in melbourne, Alas, I was not prada, D&G or chanel. so i reviewed my market here, and tried to make a decent business selling to Aussies, Problem was, My other Aussie fashion mates, had fled the country to get their stock made, cheaper and more boring, in landfill quauntities, and Broke our fashion Industry.
Keep on pushing, I did it for 35 years, (not all those years were hard work)