How to Start a Pet Clothing Company

Many owners like to dress up their pets.

While fashion and animals have very little in common, the two don't necessarily have to be exclusive interests or business ideas. Selling clothing for pets is a way for entrepreneurs to combine a flair for fashion with their love for animals. For many pet owners, their four-legged friends are considered a part of the family, and like children they are adored and pampered. As a result, the pet industry is a thriving one, which includes clothing and accessories for dogs, cats and other types of animals.

Things You'll Need

• Business license
• Computer
• Fax
• Business Phone
• Seamstress (optional)
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Business website

Instructions

1. Research your area for market viability. Prior to starting a new business in the pet industry, conduct research to discover if there is a market for this type of business in your region and who the competition is. You'll also need to find out roughly how many pets there are in your area, what types of animals they are and how receptive their owners are to clothing them. If you are uncertain which type of animal to clothe, this will help you to recognize which pet is the most profitable to cater to. Also, make contact with the competition to check how they are pricing their services and to get a feeling if the market is already saturated.

2. Create a business plan. A well thought-out business plan is a blueprint of your business and can often mean the difference between success and failure. This is particularly important if you are in need of a business loan, as most banks will not even consider you without one.

3. Obtain the correct licensing. Research carefully and obtain any and all licenses and permits before selling merchandise. You will need to obtain a business license, even if you plan on running it from home and your storefront is Internet-based.

4. Buy the tools needed to run a successful business. If you don't already own a computer, this is the time to purchase one and the software needed to keep track of your inventory and invoices. In addition, consider buying a fax machine and a dedicated business phone line.

5. Decide how you plan to stock your clothing store. Do you plan on creating your own designs? If so, do you have a seamstress lined up or are you planning to sew your own designs? Another option is to find a pet clothing wholesaler and purchase in bulk. You can then sell your merchandise at a markup for profit.

6. Set up a business website. The Internet is an invaluable tool in starting any business and gives you access to potential customers from anywhere in the world. Create a web presence by buying a domain name and signing up with a web host provider. Hire a website designer, or if keeping costs low is a concern, go with a web host that offers easy-to-use website design templates that you can use to create your own website.

7. Advertise your business in local papers, online directories and fliers. Make business cards, and pass them out to any and everyone who has a dog, cat or any other type of animal that can wear pet clothing. Turn your own pet into a walking advertisement by dressing her in the clothing that you sell.

Tips & Warnings

• The Small Business Association (SBA) can help you in creating a business plan and has local agencies in place that offer counseling sessions with new and potential business owners.

• Consider joining organizations, such as the American Pet Products Association (APPA), that give you valuable guidance on the pet industry.

• There may be fabric labeling requirements for clothing that you design. Contact the Federal Trade Commission for further information on any regulations that may apply.

References

• The Small Business Association: Starting a Business
• The American Pet Products Association: Before Enterting the Pet Products Industry

Resources

• Federal Trade Commission: Business Information for Clothing and Textiles