How to Build a Made to Order Fashion Business

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If you make custom dresses on order, one at a time, you're not really growing a business, you're a freelance dressmaker. There's nothing wrong with that, but in this video, I go over how to build a made to order business so you can grow, thrive, delegate tasks to employees, and do crazy things like take vacations while still earning income.
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[@zoehongteaches]

Looking for a private video consult? calendly.com/zoe-hong

[@jamtaylor1992]

Im always scared to watch the videos that could help me the most, what if im doing everything wrong

[@user-ij2sh3ct5x]

we got this, in the same boat

[@zoehongteaches]

That is absolutely a natural reaction. I doubt you're doing everything wrong but even if you are, it's better to fix it early on!

[@bycarolinakobayashi]

Same

[@lydia6147]

same!!!

[@datevilelf5493]

Same here @jamtaylor1992. I need to stop avoiding Zoe Hong's videos because all the info I need is on this channel.

[@alyseceleste]

I am a hobby sewer. I am not looking to start a fashion business of any kind. But listening to this episode while I cleaned my kitchen was awesome!

[@KCSimsStarter]

0:39 that is so true. People would ask me to make dresses for them and I hated it. Then they would tell me "but that's what you need to do" you never make enough money unless they are paying you 4k plus.

[@mitaleedesai4513]

You are amazing. I got two degrees in fashion but I have learnt way more from your channel than any of my professors.

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@Sew_OzzyWar_Made_This]

This sounds about right!! Yay for Zoe Hong!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jaya9298]

Zoe Hong you make things like these not just seem practical but within reach and actionable- for those of us who grew up without avenues to gain such information, you're a massove blessing. Having access to the knowledge you've been giving out makes my abstract dream of doing fashion something tangible. I'm incredibly thankful for all the hardwork you do.

[@kamrybrown6996]

I’ve never clicked so quick I almost dropped my phone i am literally designing work for my online site and everything is made to order with a 3 weeks turnaround

[@idkwuzgoinon]

Can you possibly make a video about starting up a pattern-making business and starting a KZbin channel?

[@Chrisia-Queens]

It's like God asked you to make this video for me. I was talking to my father yesterday that I want to give up on my made to order business because i didn't know how it's possible to scale it. I made a collection of 11 couture dresses with embroidery. I've already done the photoshoot. Now I just need a marketing strategy. And I'll implement some of your ideas. Thank you 🙏

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome and good luck!

[@Mysicalgreenunicorn03]

I worked for a made to measure tailor. Hybrid between bespoke and made to order. It works. Learnt a lot about fabrics and fittings

[@iamamarie]

It’s so ironic that your video popped up because I have a modest fashion brand where I make custom prom dress, wedding dresses, abayas etc and I was just saying how I want to get from behind the machine all the time and start delegating. I’m tired of doing all of the footwork but it’s really hard to find reliable ppl that can sew how I want them to. That’s what I’m scared about. For my abayas I like to get them made from over China or Turkey but it’s so expensive so I want to have my own manufacturing in Philly but it’s super hard finding people. All of the things you said are so on point.

[@saintmaryum1693]

I wish I could vacuum your knowledge into my brain 😭 there’s so much to learnnnn

[@roraraptor]

As a bespoke dressmaker this is giving me a lot of perspective. I went to school and completed an apprenticeship initially with a goal of starting my own business. But I quickly realized my chances of making it in my city were slim to none, considering rent costs, the time and effort required for each customer, and people’s idea of what garments are worth (with fast fashion as the baseline for comparison). I still don’t think there’s a market here for the kind of business I would like to run, but you make a lot of good points which make me wonder if I could do it if I compromise a little. I especially liked your points regarding optimizing, both in terms of workload and cost efficiency. And while it would be difficult, because I want to make everything under the sun, focusing on a niche or core audience is definitely a good idea. I would love to hear your perspective on practical things to consider as a fashion startup, like financing tools, storage systems for patterns, fabrics, etc. Do you think it’s feasible to work from home, or do you recommend renting space to use as a workshop and storefront? Anyway, this was a great video! Thanks for sharing it with us. ✨

[@Joo6240]

Thank you Zoe just what I needed for my son to be business fir disabled adaptive clothing. 😊

[@zoehongteaches]

Great idea and an underserved market! Good luck!

[@thefashionalchemist]

Relieved to have watched this video and confirm that the steps I’m taking for my business is the right direction 😂🎉. Also a tip I got from a financial professional I spoke to regarding invoices, is to charge customers an interest if they are overdue with their payments (after trying to chase them up x amount of times - like a final warning step). Make that clear in the contract this is what happens regarding late payments. That way you stay fair to your business and also clarifies to customers what they’re purchasing and are able to make a well informed decision before ordering from you. Imo this can avoid disputes with them and refunds. Loved this video Zoe and as usual you explained everything really well! ❤️

[@jaslynnegladney8869]

I NEEDED this!! You read me for filth in the first part lol I am a freelance dressmaker but have been trying to figure out how to make it a business that can build so thank you for laying it all out for us!!

[@estheradeoye]

Hey Zoe. Thank you so much for this video. Especially where you mentioned the differences between made to order and bespoke businesses. Please can you do a video that focuses on building a bespoke business as well? Thank you for all you do

[@zoehongteaches]

The structure of a bespoke business is like a made to order business. The difference is in the clothes and level of customization.

[@estheradeoye]

@@zoehongteaches thank you for the explanation.

[@lniebla]

Zoe , you are amazing! You helped me back when I was taking illustration classes, now I'm almost done with my fashion degree and am working on samples of my little girls dresses to launch my small business. There is soo much to take into account and I'm thankful for your videos. This on helped me know I'm on the right track, right now I'm doing everything myself and using my small income from freelance dressmaking. Anyhoo I felt like you made this video for me, thank you and keep them coming you're a great teacher.

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you! Good luck!

[@suzannesgnunez623]

Wow Zoey ! Your videos are always on the mark when am in need of clarification. Always grateful and apperciate your very informative videos.

[@thefm9465]

The fact you did this at the right time!

[@Adailyy_]

I've been waiting for this one!

[@Delvintalks]

Oh man I needed to hear this!!! Thank you so much Zoe!!👑👑

[@frankesantos]

So much good info in this video, thank you, Zoe!

[@Onlygirl1INTHEWORLD1]

Thank you so much for this video! I learned so much!!!

[@godserrandgirl]

Loved it. Very valuable. First time coming across you. Thank you 💖

[@fallonetambwe7732]

Such amazing advice I never thought I needed until now, but hard to implement 😯

[@slrcouture]

This is so good and extremely informative. Thank you for this confirmation. I'm on track with my bridal bespoke business venture ❤

[@atefehhajiagha5500]

yesssss i love say yes to the dress!

[@A_HighPriestess]

Thank you, Zoe! This was so helpful

[@alexanderpons9246]

Excellent video and topic Zoe Hong! Made To Measure is a business and I am glad you pointed out key things to do in order for the business to work. Like you mentioned in previous videos Networking is key and although there are many Creatives who can be shy we all have to get ourselves out of the comfort zone. Thank you again for all the great advice you give us all in this wonderful channel of yours Zoe Hong!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you!

[@yontae3]

This was so so helpful Thank You So So Much!!!

[@conradreyes5391]

Thanks, Zoe for sharing and making this video, you're Divinely sent, its what am looking, answers to questions. Thanks for the guidance and clever suggestions. God bless you and keep you. 😘😘😘

[@emasarts]

Thank you so much Zoe!! you’re the best. Joining your pattern designing course this week!

[@zoehongteaches]

See you over there soon!

[@whatever8817]

I have never understood why I decided to study fashion via university. I am graduating in 2 months and I realised I had learned nothing these 3 years from the university, but Zoe on the other hand taught me literally everything. Thank you so much for being the only professor I always listened to cause ur videos/classes were never boring ❤.

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@amberhenry4236]

Thanks for this video Zoe!! You are a rockstar for this.

[@zoehongteaches]

You're so welcome!

[@na335]

Thank you!!! 🙏🏻❤️😍 Very helpful as always!

[@zoehongteaches]

Happy to help!

[@JuanneanYoung]

Excellent and valuable information. Thanks!🎉

[@elementgypsy]

Great topic. Very informative. I always enjoy your videos. Very incouraging.. For me, i didnt get serious into sewing until i was 50. Always made things, dresses, pajamas, robe, curtains, lap quilt for family and as much as I would love to have a real big business , have many items in my shop and grow, I physically cannot do too much. I love sewing and design. I'm working on a few basic patterns that translate well for sizes and fabrics. Keeping the time it takes to make in mind. I think with attention to detail , and a dew custom orders ,even with a small selection, I'll be busy enough. Every time I wear something I have made, even to the grocery store, I ALWAYS get compliments. Next I am moving to a larger space and will be able to have a large table for cutting. Sewing multiple things and projects takes a lot of space. Can't wait to finalize my name and get labels! I'll keep watching.

[@zoehongteaches]

Good luck!

[@loveletter694]

I ve been doing this for four years and I have to say I have learnt so much. However I will also say that it is very exhausting and the reward isn't very high. My customer base is mostly petite and plus-size. Ideally having a team would be perfect.

[@DigitalDreamG1rl]

Amazing video! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@cobaltlove]

Some great info.Thanks! I'm working to grow the made to order side of my sustainable brand in a high end direction. You gave me a lot to consider for my business.

[@zoehongteaches]

Good luck!

[@cobaltlove]

@@zoehongteaches Thanks! A lifelong dream, that I'm finally making happen at 62!

[@c.walk.6823]

Thank you for this video.

[@polarsingular]

Love this video 😊

[@ritafairclough6470]

Thanks, very relatable and doable.

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@WildAimee]

You're the best Zoe :)

[@ladinembuli9829]

Thank you!!🙏🏼

[@jesusalivepasionporcristoj306]

Thanks a lot I love your videos 👍💯🥰🥰🥰

[@shmwmlam3953]

I was planning to do a made to oder business and this came up. Little bit scared watching it because it may debunk everything I am thinking but I value Zoe's input more than anything . So lets see how it goes..😅

[@zoehongteaches]

Good luck!

[@SewingFaith]

Great info per usual

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@ladybarbarapinsonartist4052]

Cheering for You, Zoe!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you!

[@nomandlovu2731]

I’m saying thank you before I watch because this one is for me!

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@TapiwaMusonza-pe1cc]

THANK YOU!

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@user-rf5nj7qj6v]

Thank you for sharing!!!!! Right now I'm working on my side hustle as a seamstress and working part time for the school district. Most of my sewing is alterations. Love the 💡 ideas!!! I was thinking about during my summer break I want to work more on my side hustle. Keep up the amazing tutorials. Have a wonderful day and stay CREATIVE 😊 Robin N Otis -Clayborne

[@zoehongteaches]

Good luck! You got this!

[@alli_mode]

😂 i love how chaos the first few lines of this was. Thank you for this.

[@zoehongteaches]

hahahaha that much caffeine *is* chaos

[@sheryllfernandes8627]

I immediately hit LIKE when she spoke about "Yes to the dress"😁

[@zoehongteaches]

hahahahahaha~ it's so good!! when Randy gets mad about mean moms, I tear up

[@chojislays1281]

Zoeeeeeeee❤

[@Mysicalgreenunicorn03]

This is so so good I would love to start a business with the made to order model.

[@zoehongteaches]

Well, if you ever do, now you know how!

[@e.m.argiro319]

Zoe, how do you address the “rush job” and what kind of additional fee if any do you attach? Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher

[@zoehongteaches]

That's going to depend on you, how fast you work, what's feasible with your schedule. I would probably do a % of the order total, because of the variety of the kinds of projects you'll be doing. But of course, make sure everyone knows the amount exactly and that they sign off on it. Paper trail!

[@feebzi92]

The most perfect timing for this video, thank you!! Food for thought :)

[@zoehongteaches]

You're so welcome!

[@timat2233]

Hi Zoe! I was wondering if you would have the time to (if you haven’t already, I can’t seem to find a video for it :() talk a bit about suppliers and manufacturers and how to find/get in contact with them! Ive been really struggling in that area

[@stacyacquah5680]

I wish I can give you a hug and a big kiss you. You are a blessing to us. my gosh thank you for this information

[@etoufee21]

I'm building a sustainable capsule brand, especially suited for the hot and humid, all year long, weather here in Miami Beach. I'm repurposing denim and other garments and home decor (men's shirts, bed sheets, bedspreads-crocheted & embroidered/cut-out) from charity shops or donated to me. I also use deadstock and clearance fabrics & trims I have loads of samples of my reversible and concealed vented bucket hats, all kinds of reversible and/or lined bags (beach, totes, slings, minis yoga mat bags), unisex guayabera shirts (casual Cuban shirts), cargo pants. I'm designing some coordinated 2-pc (sun top, bustier & short and skirt) ensembles. And I'm going to throw in some short and long dresses. I design and sew (crochet and embroider everything right now, it's a start-up)I'm considering approaching an upscale charity shop to sell. I know the owners from selling my tote bags with a partner, at a neighborhood vintage market. The charity shop had a booth next to us) Your thoughts on this or other methods?. I also design and make these Frankenstein decorative pillows ( in different shapes and sizes with zippers) I've been sewing since I was 6, I'm now 63. (My mother was a modesta and she had a home fashions atelier for 30+ years. So I learned from her.) I have 0 $.

[@Duskembraced]

Thank you.❤ now i wonder how I can make it work from 1 bedroom apartment…😮 have 0 to invest into studio yet, but want customers

[@SandyGroupie]

hey💃

[@pedroauter2759]

Hi Zoe :) Do those tips work for accessories? my friend and I want to start making leather bags for men. In my country has a nice amount of brands for female bags, but not for men, so my friend and I thought we could do something about it... I was thinking about of instead having a huge in stock for each model and each model for each color, maybe opening a pre-order date, having all the designs for them to choose from and after the pre-order date is closed, start making those bags...

[@agarcia3157]

❤

[@Sew_OzzyWar_Made_This]

I just wanna collaborate with you 🥲 #Goals! Also thanks for this video! I have a hard time articulating myself (currently learning and practicing!) so when I meet anyone into fashion and fashion business, i first send them your videos just so they can understand my jargon 😅😂

[@terrigelbaum8066]

You look great. Family good? Your talk is excellent, as usual. Where can I get some taffeta....moire? Did I spell that right? The search continues .........

[@remymccoy6078]

🎀

[@dolorose2623]

I love fashion, I have ideals but don’t I own how to put on paper and I do not know how to sew either 😢 where can I start?

[@swiftwalkers]

Do you have any advice on implementing options for customization on websites? I do made-to-order and bespoke crochet garments but am still looking for a streamlined order flow that isn't overly complicated. Currently, aside from custom work, I have some designs listed with a set price and then instructions/lookbook for entering personalized info but I'm considering maybe a separate order form with a follow-up invoice? I am not yet in a position to hire a web designer to create a perfect web flow. Thanks so much!!

[@zoehongteaches]

I'm not really well versed in website building. I imagine a customization order form online could work like ordering food like a burger online at a restaurant's website. They have a list of toppings you can check, with prices if add-ons cost more. They might have another section to remove toppings like no rice in a burrito. They have sections where it's required to select before you move on, like spice level. They have a box at the bottom for special instructions. You can customize this menu of options for each garment like each set of options is different for each type of food. I think having customers do it all at once reduces shopping drop off. The more steps required, you're going to lose shoppers at each step. If you have all the steps on one screen, it appears to be all one step. So many restaurants have this functionality I imagine there'd be a template out there for this.

[@swiftwalkers]

@@zoehongteaches Thanks so much for the response! I think when I initially tried to do this, the website told me I had too many variables, so I will seek a different approach to get the same result.

[@dareenalqarni6924]

please make a podcast channel

[@ilynn9794]

Algo

[@randyfernando4442]

👍👍👏👏👏💯

[@calebwilson7472]

I need to meet you in person

[@zoehongteaches]

My private video consult link is in the video description and the pinned comment.

[@calebwilson7472]

Ok thanks

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!