4 Things You Can Outsource In Your Business To Save Time, Money & Help Streamline Your Fashion Brand Today

Running a fashion business is no small feat. From managing design processes to handling production and logistics, not to mention the marketing and ongoing day-to-day operations of running a business. 

The good news? While it may feel overwhelming, you don’t have to go it alone.

Outsourcing is a game-changer for businesses of any size.

A strategic business decision if anything else (why would you spend countless hours trying to master something you could instead hire someone else to do in minutes?), outsourcing allows you to tap into a network and knowledge of expertise and streamline operations while you better focus your attention elsewhere to help grow your business.

How to decide what you should outsource

The four areas we recommend outsourcing in your business as soon as you can:

1. Accounting and Budgeting

Easily the number one area of business we recommend outsourcing first, effective financial management is crucial for the success of any fashion business.

Have you worked out what your net profit will be? Do you know your FOB or landing price? Does your RRP account for wholesale, shipping and tax? 

While outsourcing your accounting needs is one of the primary areas we recommend, the first step is doing your research. This means connecting with those who have specific experience in the fashion industry like the team here at Visionise, who can not only help educate but offer practical and relevant industry guidance and support when it comes to creating a beautiful collection that you know will sell and be profitable at the same time.

As we all know, managing accounting, sales strategies, and budgeting can be time-consuming and requires specialised knowledge, so by outsourcing these tasks and asking as many questions as you can to get a base-level understanding of the numbers you need to know and what they translate to when it comes to the day-to-day of your fashion business, will not only free up your time but help set you up for future success. 

Benefits:

• Accurate product pricing and financial planning
• Strategic sales planning
• Make thoroughly calculated decisions before investing any physical samples and production 

Book a complimentary discovery call with our team today and see how we can help streamline your business and guide you on your path to success.

2. Design and Tech Packs

Particularly if you’re not a trained designer, we highly recommend outsourcing your design and tech pack needs to a professional. This way you can be confident your products get made exactly how you want them to. Tech packs are a crucial communication tool used to translate your designs into wearable garments at every stage of the design and development journey: 

1. As an initial tool used to determine product quotes before investing in samples,
2. As a record of instruction through the entire journey of sampling and development 
3. As maker instructions through the entire journey of bulk production. 
4. In the quality control process of final products before they get shipped to you.

While still remaining in control of the overarching creative vision, outsourcing allows you to tap into a wealth of expertise and knowledge across the entire design process; from fabrics and trimmings to construction and design, not to mention industry contacts and the invaluable time and cost-saving benefits when it comes to your production schedule and ensuring clear, correct and concise communication (and documentation) with your sampling and manufacturing partners.

Your tech packs should consist of a technical CAD drawing, detailed measurements, relevant sizing information, labelling, artwork and packaging requirements as well as any specific garment construction details your manufacturers will need to interpret your designs correctly.

Used consistently, first to give an accurate quote for your designs, and then updated regularly throughout the entire design development and manufacturing stage, without a detailed tech pack filled with the correct information, you could spend thousands of dollars and waste hours and energy going back and forth with samples and ultimately find yourself with a product that doesn’t fit or is made incorrectly to which you’ll have to start the entire process over again. 

Benefits:

• Professional design and high-quality tech packs
• Save time, and money and reduce risk by eliminating confusion and error in production.
• Make calculated decisions early: We can quote production costs based on tech packs.

Do you need help with your tech packs? Book a design consultation with our Senior Fashion Designer today to chat through your needs.

3. Production Management

Production management involves sourcing materials, sampling, and overseeing manufacturing processes. It requires a keen eye for detail and excellent organisational skills so if logistics isn’t your thing (and you’re not a fan of Excel sheets), by outsourcing this role to a dedicated production manager such as the team at Visions, you can streamline these processes and be confident that every step, from design and production, sampling and quality control, meets only the highest quality and ethical standards.

And particularly when it comes to fabric sourcing, which can be incredibly time-consuming and requires a deep understanding of the market both locally and abroad, here at Visionise, we have established relationships with suppliers all around the world which means we can negotiate better deals, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Benefits:

• Efficient sourcing and sampling
• Quality control and consistency
• Timely manufacturing and delivery

Explore the Fashion Framework, our comprehensive package for those looking to streamline their fashion business and tap into a network of suppliers and robust production management tools.

4. Marketing

In the fast-paced world of fashion, having a robust and effective marketing strategy is key to standing out. And in an ever-competitive landscape with constantly changing trends, platforms, and tech, staying relevant can feel like a full-time job where unfortunately, when running a business and your time and attention are being pulled in all directions, marketing can be the first thing to fall by the wayside.

That’s where outsourcing comes in. 

You get the best of both worlds: a strong marketing strategy, engaging content, and a clear, consistent message that resonates with your audience (at a fraction of the cost of an in-house employee) and the time and flexibility to focus your attention elsewhere, while ensuring your marketing remains sharp and on point, and brand at the forefront of your consumer.

Benefits:

• Professional marketing strategy
• High-quality content creation
• Increased brand visibility and engagement

Outsourcing key tasks in your fashion business can significantly streamline your operations, allowing you to focus on what you do best: designing and growing your brand. 

By leveraging the expertise of professionals in accounting, design, production management, and marketing, you can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate your business growth. 

Ready to take your fashion business to the next level?

See how Visionise can help today! See services.