Comments on: Contract for a clothing sales rep

By: Mauricio Alberti

Mauricio Alberti — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 03:49:47 +0000

Our company have beautiful garments made of Peruvian Alpaca that people loves but unfortunately fashion shows such a Moda Manhattan did not give us the best results (even though it has open doors for us) . In the beginning we did not wanted to use any reps but now I realized that they are indispensable specially in the states that people seems to like our products the most NY, MA etc. I’m thinking on buying your book it has good reviews.

By: sunflowers

sunflowers — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:02:40 +0000

This is a very interesting blog. I am also trying to seek a good sale reps for my line. yes, this is hard to seek. So, it would be helpful if there is a website that shows all the sale reps’ profiles national wide.
Recently, I called a company specialized in helping manufacturers to seek an appropriate sale reps, and he charges $1900 to $2400 for a one time fee.

By: jonathan

jonathan — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 18:25:49 +0000

Is the 12% commission your discussing based on net or gross of sales?

By: Carla Behrle

Carla Behrle — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:25:36 +0000

Not sure if this might be covered in the book or not, 12% seems fair for better wholesale, but does anybody know what commission rates might be for high end retail sales?

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:12:47 +0000

Alison means The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing which is listed off to the right side of every page. I wrote it. This is my site. It has a lot of information that you will find useful and not in any other books. Because I know that it cannot answer every question, I created a forum (click on “member’s forum” at the top of the page) where people can ask questions and compare notes. Members range from startups to sales reps, suppliers, sewing contractors, fabric salesmen as well as well established apparel manufacturers. Because we discuss a lot of proprietary information not intended for public viewing, it is private but you’re welcome to join.

By: Buxton

Buxton — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:49:09 +0000

what book? by whom?

By: Alison Cummins

Alison Cummins — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 22:57:34 +0000

Buxton,
This is a great topic to discuss in the forum. Buy the book and join!

By: Buxton

Buxton — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:12:30 +0000

I am interested in finding out the typical partnership details between a clothing manufacturer and a showroom? I have been visiting different markets and have had several showrooms provide me with different information they claim is the “industry standard”.

In a contract with a showroom – there is a basic commission structure that is agreed upon. Is there also a territory that showrooms generally also manage? Is this the norm to have a showroom claim a territory? And if so – does each market have a standard “territory area”?

If a showroom has road reps – i can understand that they may want to claim a territory based on their road reps – but if a showroom does not have road reps – is it still “industry standard” to ask for 4-6 states as a territory? If so – what is the % that is normally paid for sales in this territory and is it split or 100%?

I hope this is not too confusing – but would really appreciate any help with understanding how showrooms work. My biggest concern is partnering with a showroom and having them claim a large 4-7 state territory on top of the showroom – especially if they do not have road reps?

And – if i attend shows myself and sell to a store that is brand new to me and has never been to the showroom – am i supposed to pay the showroom a fee if the new store is based in their territory? even if the new “store” does not ever attend that show?

thanks so much

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:13:54 +0000

In spite of your continuing obfuscation, I understand your question well enough. As someone who claims to know the ropes, it is a mystery as to why you didn’t phrase it properly -then as now. Fwiw, “rep” is not how this job is described -another source of confusion you’re certain to run across.

Speaking of, your IP confirms you’re from California (your cavalier verbiage was the first hint). You will be sure to mention to any future clients that they will need to a license as a foreign entity garment manufacturer within the state of California lest their and your means of production be confiscated? Legally, you cannot accept any contracts from those out of state unless they have a license. Knowing all that you do, I’m sure you have a plan to facilitate that complex, expensive and lengthy process too since it is the reason contractors in the state of California aren’t getting any contract work.

I’ve written several entries about this particular job including customary commission rate as well as the requirement of foreign entities placing work within the state to be licensed but am not motivated to point them out to you. Good luck.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 04:19:45 +0000

It seems you are still confused by my question….The rep would not be representing the “sewing” contractor only but the complete “manufacturing” process of making the garment, which involves many processes including sourcing, pricing, knitting/weaving, dying, printing, sewing, washing, packaging etc. and shipping of the garment to the branded labels warehouse. Of course it is a given that the manufacturer must be sure to take orders from only financially stable companies, there are also certain criteria the branded label must agree to, including pricing, order/color minimums and delivery dates. I have been working for a manufacturer for over 10 years and am well aware of the “production” process. Our company was looking to expand to the east coast and we were looking into hiring a rep there. My question was, and still is, in reference to the “commission” part – I was asking if a rep for a clothing manufacturing company would make the same sales commission as a sales rep for a branded labels sportswear line. Thanks anyway – I will inquire within the industry to get my answer.