The "Business" of Sewing: How to Start, Achieve and Maintain Success

by Sykes, Barbara Wright

• ISBN13: 9780971782419
• ISBN10: 0971782415
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-03-01
• Publisher: Collins Pubns

Table of Contents

Dedication
What's in both Volumes
A word form Nancy Zieman
From the desk of Barbara Wright Sykes
Acknowledgments
Sewing For Profit System
What Sewing Professionals are Charging	11	(10)
A candid look at Industry Pricing
Sample Price Lists
Custom Tailoring, Alterations
Art-To-Wear, Home Decor
Bridal, Hats, Children's
The Myth about Sewing Professionals
Top 20 States for Sewers
The Industry---Sewers Across US
Sewing: Turning It Into A Business	21	(8)
Getting the right attitude for business
Tackling your fears
How to avoid frustration
Meeting the challenge
Working for Yourself: Making the Transition
Turning Tragedy into Triumph
What Type of Business is Right For You?	29	(6)
Take Inventory of Your Skills
Appling it to a sewing business
Hobby vs. Business
Visualization Exercise
Specialist vs. Generalist
Knowing when you are ready
Investing In Your Knowledge and Expertise	35	(12)
Doing your Homework
Mentors
Critique Your Work
Continuing Education, Online classes
Books/Tapes, Magazines, E-Newsletter
Pattern Companies
Sewing Forum, Professional Organizations
Networking
Finding The Funds To Operate Your Business	47	(6)
Getting the Capital you need
Where to go for Help
Types of Business Loans
Funding Requirements
Special Loan Programs
Buying In Bulk	53	(4)
Saving Money through Buying in Bulk
Co-op buying
Finding Suppliers
How to approach Suppliers
Sample Letter
The Nuts and Bolts of the Business	57	(12)
Goals, Mission statement
Sewing Solo vs. Sewing with a partner
Sewing as a Corporation
License, Permits and Zoning
How to Hire a Contract
Sewing Security: Insurance
Business Plan and Financial Plan
Location, Equipment, Supplies
Human Resources
Managing a Business Plan
Business Check List: Office, Sewing Studio	69	(16)
Designing your Office and Studio
Sewing Machine Update
Designing Business Cards/Letterhead
Sewing Software
Business Forms made Easy
Cash Flow Projections
Inventory/Marketing Plan
Professional Etiquette	85	(14)
Developing healthy Client Relationships
Professional Presence - Image
Setting standards: Performance and Technical
Need analysis
How to conduct Interviews
Business Policy
How to conduct Appointments
Fitting
Pickup
Delivery
Installation
Getting Paid	99	(9)
How to Request Payment
Types of Payment Methods
What is a Merchant Account
Steps involved in Credit Card Processing
Collecting Past Due Accounts
Bounced Checks, 2 Sample letters
What can you do when payment starts aging
3 Sample Collection Letters
About the Author	108	(1)
Appendix
Book/Bibliography	109	(1)
Resource Guide	110	(3)
Index	113	(2)
Products	115	(5)
Order Form	120