Suzara Checks in On Belly Dancing

Hi John,
 
I have a belly dance outfit that is unique in design.  I have been in belly dance for 12 years and have not ever seen this design on anyone else.  I bought it used years ago.  It was hand made in India.  I would like to have this design reproduced with a few modifications in the design.  I am fond of this outfit because the design is flattering to wear and will be affordable- if made in India.  Belly Dance costumes generally sell in the range of $250-800.  Bead work is inexpensive in India and unreasonable in USA.  I can have my sample design created here in Denver which will cost me probably a few hundred more than I can sell it for but it will be used as a sample.  I think this should sell for $150-200.

Unless you have been introduced to belly dance you aren't aware that the market for belly dance is HUGE and there is a lot of competition.  Belly dance costumes are primarily sold on the internet, at belly dance events (vending booths), and retail out of instructors homes.  Although there are probably some retail stores, I have never seen any.  So, I think I would have to contact retailers (customers) through the internet.  I'm unsure how to approach this.  There are sites that list instructors worldwide that would give contact numbers.  I could cold call these instructors in USA and ask if they retail...
 
We talked about walking into stores as a customer to find a market.  What do you suggest my first step should be?  How should I approach this?  Should I first work on finding someone to make a sample of the product?  Then contact retailers through the internet and telephone - mail photo's or email photo's of a model wearing it to get an idea of interest?
 
Do you think this is a good idea?
--
Susan R. Bailey
"Suzara"
http://www.bellyendeavors.com/

On Thu, Jun 26, 2008 at 10:42 AM, John Spiers wrote:

On Jun 26, 2008, at 7:44 AM, Susan Bailey wrote:
.  So, I think I would have to contact retailers (customers) through the internet.  I'm unsure how to approach this.  There are sites that list instructors worldwide that would give contact numbers.  I could cold call these instructors in USA and ask if they retail...

***Sounds right...  but my kid has introduced me to youtube...  anyone with a digital video camera can make a 2 minute video opening with you dancing and closing pitching your costume, parts, costs, where to get it... and have a "chyron" across the screen the whole time with your website address, etc...  as part of your email or other campaign you have the link to youtube where people can go and see you and your product...***

 
We talked about walking into stores as a customer to find a market.  What do you suggest my first step should be?  How should I approach this?  Should I first work on finding someone to make a sample of the product? 

***Since you'd be happy to own a sample of the item, then I would find the best place in the world to have these made...  once I know all of the costs, then set a price...  next do the video, as above, then email off to all those contacts, asking them if they have a favorite retail store for belly dancing costumes...  if not, then would your peers retail to students (you wholesale, they retail...)***

Then contact retailers through the internet and telephone - mail photo's or email photo's of a model wearing it to get an idea of interest?

***Well, I went to your website, and I saw your pictures... and if you will allow me, WOW!.  I am sure you will take that as a performer would.  Why not you in the costume?  Why hire a model...  ?***


Do you think this is a good idea?

*** I met woman who sells kid sized accourtements for saying a Catholic Mass.  She markets to religious stores.  She nets 80k a year, very part time.  The market is for people who want to encourage their kids to join the priesthood.   AS to whether somethign is a good idea, you custoemrs will decide, but if you are asking me whether there might be money in it, worthwhile, I've seen far more improbably businesses.

Also, if done right, the costume would be just the beginning... think of all the other things that go with the dancer... then think of the audience... the drinking vessels, hookahs, etc...

Finally, have you thought of a 4 way promotion?  A dance studio, you, a boutique and garment wholesaler?   A boutique has a trunk showing of fashion, in a dance studio, where the health and beauty of belly dancing is tied in with all of the above?  If that paid off locally, then take it on the road...***


Susan R. Bailey
"Suzara"
http://www.bellyendeavors.com/

John,

Utube - amazing advice and a fabulous approach to get the product seen.

I know of 2 costume designers that are very capable of creating my design- one here in Denver and the other (I prefer) in San Antonio but I would have to travel. I'll have another lady do all the bead/sequence work on the costume- which is the difficult, time consuming part of creating the outfit.

My question: If I split up the work (or not)- will either party feel they should get "credit" for the sample creation? And, are their any legalities to the design creation if they are the person doing this work physically?

Yes, WOW, is an appreciated response. :)

I have a dance studio in my home basement. I currently do some retail in my studio. I have a contact in Thailand (agent) that gets the merchandise from the supplier and ships it to me. I have had about 4 shipments in about 1.5 years (approx. $800 each). Not a big amount but I do have a couple of ladies that are selling my necklaces and a vendor that purchased wholesale from me -about $500 of the $800 shipment. I also have jewelry from Bali on consignment. I purchase Eqpytian products from a contact in AZ, and outfits made in India from a Wholesaler in CA. But- I'm not excited about the retail part- buying merchandise, waiting for it to sell, and wrapping up my money into products. My goal originally was to sell on the internet and have retail space / dance studio as you suggested. However, I still don't feel passionate about the idea because it feels too big (if that makes any sense). I just finished a course to learn how to use my website software. Next is to learn how to make a template, take photo's, place products & photo's, hire a merchant for check out....etc. It's a lot of work. This has been tiresome. I am pleased that you have now redirected my attention to wholesaling. I'm so open for another direction. This feels better. :)

Question: Regarding the 4 way promotion you suggested, dance studio, me, a boutique, and garment wholesaler. I'm not sure what you mean by "...take it on the road?" Do you meaning wearing the costume/performing/wholesale vending to get exposure?

Thank you for your help,
Susan

On Jun 26, 2008, at 12:59 PM, Susan Bailey wrote:


Question: Regarding the 4 way promotion you suggested, dance studio, me, a boutique, and garment wholesaler. I'm not sure what you mean by "...take it on the road?" Do you meaning wearing the costume/performing/wholesale vending to get exposure?

I mean

I mean that if all four entities make money at this promo, then you find other retailers or otehr studios in other towns to host the same gig... kind of a rolling promotion...just an idea...

JOhn
e.

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