Five Useful Tips for Online Fashion Entrepreneurs

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Getting rid of old clothes or new but unworn ones can be time-consuming and tedious, but it has its own benefits aside from clearing out more closet space. You can earn from used and unworn clothes by selling them online and help reduce the problem of textile waste.

Selling clothes online is no easy task, but with proper planning, excellent products, great customer service, and good marketing, one can successfully attract customers and build a loyal following.

Use these tips to help you set up your very own one-stop fashion shop.

Take Excellent Photos

About 20 percent of the human brain is dedicated to vision—one reason people respond so well to visuals. As such, excellent product photos are key to convincing shoppers to buy what they’re looking at.

There’s a lot riding on good pictures in online shopping. Photos replace the actual experience of physically examining the product, so customers like to see actual shots, in different angles and in actual setting.

For that reason, online fashion entrepreneurs must know how to take good clothing photos. There’s no need to purchase expensive equipment (although they can certainly help). A decent camera, good lighting, clean background, and photography tricks can go a long way.

Neat and clear photos attract the eyes, but for preloved clothes, go the extra mile and provide actual photos of them in use, ones that perfectly show off the clothes. This helps the customer visualize how the look may suit them.

Be Extra descriptive

Detailed descriptions should go with excellent photos. Remember, customers want to know everything they can about the clothes before they buy them. That means being transparent about the pieces’ condition. Are the clothes new? Do they have any damages, like a missing button, a little tear, or faded coloring? Customers will always appreciate an honest seller.

Product descriptions must also include the actual sizes, brands, materials, colors, washing instructions, and other important details.  When sharing sizes, it helps to add a reference chart for sizing in different countries.

Keep in mind that writing the product description is like pitching the goods to customers, so do it with creativity and conviction.

Research Different Prices

After the photos, customers usually look at the price next. Pricing can persuade customers or dissuade them from buying a product even when they absolutely want it.

Shoppers are well-informed and are capable of scouring the internet for better deals. Online sellers should research competitors before deciding on their price list. When that’s done, they should come up with enticing deals.

That doesn’t mean that they have to always sell their clothes for a lower price. There are other ways to convince customers to buy from you. Give out coupons, bundles, freebies, seasonal discounts, and other promotions. Customers love those.

Add Value to Customer Experience

Good products please customers, but great customer experience keeps them coming back. That said, online fashion entrepreneurs should put considerable value in customer service. Online buyers can easily go to other sellers with just one click, but they will always choose a seller who gives them a superior shopping experience.

Reply promptly to their messages, and always be polite. Even when a customer is rude, don’t lash out and risk the business’s reputation. Additionally, be friendly, helpful, and clear when responding to customers’ queries.

Aside from an exceptional buying experience, ensure that customers get their purchase on time and in mint condition. Familiarize shipping schedules, costs, and methods. Buyers don’t want late deliveries, nor do they want to pay extra shipping fees.

Most people like to be pleasantly surprised, so always come up with ways to upgrade their shopping experience. For example, account for possible situations that may harm the product. Ship it in durable, attractive packaging.

Market Products Online and Offline

Marketing is a big part of starting an online shop. Building an online presence, especially on social media, should be a priority for startup entrepreneurs. It’s the most convenient way to reach one’s target market.

Be more accessible to your target market. Create your own website for selling clothes online. There are several platforms where you can easily set up your website in less than a day. This way, you can have full control over what you sell and how you sell your clothes.

Leverage personal social media followers to promote the business. It’s easier to get noticed when people are already paying attention. Moreover, familiarity with the seller can translate to trust in the business.

Don’t discount in-person marketing. Talk to family, friends, friends of friends, and coworkers. They may be interested in buying and know somebody who’s interested. Word-of-mouth marketing continues to be one of the most effective strategies to attract more customers.

Final Thoughts

The online market is suffused with so many sellers and similar products. For one to stand out, sellers need an advantage (or more) over their competitors. Online fashion entrepreneurs also have more competition with bigger companies and brands going online to sell their products.

But with about 7.5 billion people in the world, there’s bound to be a market for every seller. They only have to reach out to this market and give their customers a superior shopping experience through excellent products, service, and marketing.

About Carson Derrow

My name is Carson Derrow I'm an entrepreneur, professional blogger, and marketer from Arkansas. I've been writing for startups and small businesses since 2012. I share the latest business news, tools, resources, and marketing tips to help startups and small businesses to grow their business.

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