Everyone makes mistakes – This is a characteristic of the human race. But when talking about business, the fewer the errors, the better, right? For accessory development, there are some important steps you can follow that will reduce mistakes that might happen as you begin your journey in manufacturing; like improving your business knowledge by learning about your target audience or studying the market you're in. However, there are some production tips only experienced professionals know. So, we decided to compile three mistakes that we see happening all the time and give you a heads-up on how to avoid them.
1. Choosing low-quality materials because they’re cheaper
Even though it might seem to be cost-cutting at first, choosing cheaper materials instead of high-quality ones isn’t a good choice to make. It will reflect later in your sales.
For instance, if you develop a handbag with low-quality material, it most likely will not last. Try to imagine a customer purchasing one of your handbags and thinking about how beautiful, useful, and well-made they think it is. Come to find out that within a couple of months of use, it starts peeling, losing its colors, or falling apart. Most likely this customer won’t buy from you again and won’t recommend your brand to anyone.
To maintain a high standard of quality for the benefit of a good reputation of your brand, it is a smart idea to just invest in high-quality materials from the outset!
2. Not making a sample before starting the accessory production
Jumping directly from Tech Pack to manufacturing is one of the biggest mistakes you can make during the accessory production process. That’s because if you start producing an accessory before having a sample, you will not be sure of the final details, size, and materials. Thus, starting your production without the approved final sample will most likely turn the production into a waste of money.
The sample-making process is the step when you’re able to see if what you thought would look good actually does. Let’s think this through together: at least once in your life you went through the scenario of imagining an outfit you wanted to wear and then, when dressing it up, it didn’t look as good as you thought, right? The same situation can happen with the development of an accessory. The Sample is the test product you need to understand what final result you want to achieve.
Keep in mind: when you make a great sample, with all final, approved details designed into it, you are assured of a production that will be as good as you wanted it to be.
3. Not using social media's APp to promote your product
Your social media platforms are the windows to your brand. Your Social Media voice along with your content, hashtags, and posts are all key ingredients to your brand and digital success. Knowing that you do not need all of the social platforms to post your brand's message and content is a big relief. But choosing the platforms that work best for your brand is what matters, be that Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Pinterest.
If you don’t make use of social media to promote your product, you are already behind your competitors, because they’ll certainly be using it.
In able to be seen and followed, the building of the audience being the goal, you need to start your content posting ASAP. Most of the time this means building the brand, even without the product. It is important to have the world (brand) in place so that the product can be born into it. It is the brand that the audience is interested in being a part of. The product serves as a benefit or membership into this brand.
Manufacturing in the USA with the Clutch Made Factory
All of these tips can really make your job easier as a beginner during the process of accessory production, but none of these recommendations will work if you don’t have someone with expertise to assist you.
That’s why we at The Clutch Made Factory provide design and manufacturing services to individuals and brands looking to source and produce in the USA. We are proudly locally made, encouraging our clients to use sustainable materials, with an ethical process of designing and manufacturing.
We are experts in sourcing, accessory design, brand development, sample making, and social media set-up and maintenance. We are ready to assist you in your accessory development and production! Click the link here to learn more about our services – start developing your accessory brand today with the best guidance you could have!