As you all have probably read in previous posts from other Bee Blog contributors, the approach many boutiques are taking toward selecting and purchasing the product lines for their stores has dramatically changed in the recent months.  In recent months, many boutiques and galleries that previously purchased their products wholesale from designers are now asking for consignment agreements with their vendors, instead.

It's always a thrill to be contacted and chosen by a boutique to sell your products.  However, how do you work with boutique and gallery owners under consignment arrangements, and still protect your own product? 

I'm a rare designer that likes consignment.  In addition to doing monthly festivals and having wholesale accounts with several boutique clients, I also have many store clients with whom I have consignment agreements.  Bottom line?  I like consignment because I like receiving a monthly check that supplements my income in between wholesale orders.

So, how do you deal with a consignment boutique/gallery client without getting "burned?"  You have a choice to be selective in how you choose in what kind of stores you'll allow to sell your wares. 

Before contacting a store, I always do sufficient research to see how much I could learn about the store, their reputation, and the owner's relationship the vendors.  Reputation is everything, and when you read or hear something bad from several sources, there may be some edifice to that information.

So, here's a small checklist you can follow in order to determine whether or not a store is right for you:

1. Look up the boutique's website.  Do they have one?  If so, is it updated and current?  Does it list participating designers?
2. See how many years the store has been open.  Is it brand new? If the boutique has been open more than 3 years, it most likely has stable ownership/management (although exceptions always exist).
3. Contact the store with a professional sounding email.  Do they answer you expeditiously?  Does the owner seem to falter at your professionalism?  If so, it may not be the right place for you.
4. Did the owner/buyer keep his or her appointment with you, or were they tardy or cancel the appointment altogether?  If so, it may not be the right place for you.
5. See a list of existing designers in the store.  Remember, you want to be in "good company" and want to make sure the store doesn't carry brands that directly compete with your product.
6. Will the owner allow you to provide a consignment contract?  Does the store have its own for you?  If so, then things look pretty good.
7. Is the owner bent out of shape about you dropping in to see how your product is displayed?  Do they like your interest in protecting your product?  Both of these questions are pertinent in determining whether the boutique is right for you.
8. Check websites like www.yelp.com and your local city guide reviews to see what people are saying about the boutique.  After all, what the customer thinks is important and directly reflects what future buyers may think about the store.

All in all, these steps will help you make the right determination as to whether or not a boutique is right to sell your wares.  Every boutique and boutique owner is not made equal, and it's important for you to create long-lasting relationships with other successful ventures by where you both can grow your businesses and earn money.  Making your own checklist is the first step toward that goal.

until next time, Creative People......    

I was supposed to write an interesting note to you on sustainable living yesterday. I'm sorry but the ideas just did not come. Probably because I'm operating on no sleep and have way too much going on this week. So, in lieu of that, and in keeping with Obama's, sorry President Obama, messaging, I am going to go back to basics.

Now most of you will already know most of this stuff but surprisingly, as I learned this week, an number of you either overlook it or just aren't quite sure what to do.

Consigning your merchandise is going to be a reality for the next few years. Retailers are going to be hard pressed to take risks on new designers and they are looking for ways to lower their overhead. Just refusing to do any consignment is going to be a very hard path to take. Consignment can actually be a very good deal for both designer and retailer PROVIDED that all your i’s are dotted and t’s crossed.

Here are some tips and things that you absolutely must do when consigning your merchandise…
1. Do your homework. Here are some things to look for or questions to ask.

Is the store the right fit visually and conceptually for you and your merchandise?
Does the store owner welcome you to come by and freshen up your work and merchandising whenever you want?
How is the product accounted for on the retailers end? Is it logged into a computer or hand written in a notebook – this can tell a lot about the organizational qualities of the owner.
What happens in case of theft? Or damage?
Would the owner be open to special events or trunk shows?

2. If you’re uncertain trust your gut. Ask for a reference – maybe another designer who consigns at the store but if it feel's wrong it probably is. Just try eleswhere.

3. Always fill out a contract when leaving your merchandise that stipulates the agreement you make regarding commission, how and when you will be paid, and how many items you will be leaving. This should be signed by both parties and each should have a copy.

4. Bring an inventory list with you if you know exactly what you will be leaving. BUT this should not replace a signed contract.

5. Go through each piece together checking for any damage so each accepts that what is left is in mint condition – much like what you do when you rent a car.

6. Check in…as often as you can. Make sure your work is being displaying in a way that does it justice and makes you proud. If you are unhappy … don’t be afraid to pull it out and try a different store!

Bottom line is be proactive and engaged in the process. Just dumping your stuff off often does not bode well for a quality relationship between you and the retailer. AND if anything does happen you don't have documentation or recourse. So, basically it’s common sense but sometimes it helps to get a little reminder of the basics. Consignment is not inherently troublesome if you manage it well!