How to Start a Footwear Line

Shoes are sort of a big thing. Everyone needs them; everyone wears them. Shoes are available in different styles and materials, so you’re likely to find a style that fits your taste. If you’re a lover of shoes and spend a great deal of time admiring them or buying them, you should consider starting a shoe line.

Most of us are always thinking of a business idea that helps express our passion to the world. For the shoe enthusiast, starting a shoe line is it. Starting a shoe line is not as complicated as you may think. In fact, this post will tell you everything you need to start a shoe line.

1. Do the Research

Research is key before starting any business. Starting a shoe line is no different. Find out what the gaps are in the market. What are people looking for that they’re not able to find? Your business should fill a need. Maybe consumers are finding the shoe they want, but with some pain points. Consider creating a shoe that’s already on the market, but make it better to address the pain points. Some other things to consider during your research are:

● What various costs are involved with starting a shoe line?

● What of those costs are ongoing?

● How much will you be able to charge for your shoes?

● How much will you make in profit?

● Who would buy your shoe?

2. Identify Your Target Audience

Your target audience is identified as you’re considering who has pain points to address. You’ll want to know who among consumers would be most likely to buy your shoe: young women, young men, businessmen or women, athletes, etc. Identifying your target audience is a defining factor in creating the right inventory that will sell. Having a clearly stated persona for your target audience is critical to the success of your shoe line. You need to know the age, gender, and annual income of potential customers. By doing so, you’ll figure out how to make your shoe line profitable.

3. Brand Your Business

Now that you’re about to start your business, it’s important to have a business name. Considering your product line and your target audience, think of a name that best describes your business. Your name should help describe what you do, but not be so limited that it doesn’t allow you to scale up or be open to other products or services.

4. Form Your Business Entity

Legalize your business by registering it as a legal structure. The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your shoe line is ever sued.

5. Open a Business Account

It’s important to keep your business account and personal accounts separate. This will not only protect your personal assets but allow you the opportunity to begin building credit for your business. Learning how to build business credit can help you get credit cards and other financings in your business's name (instead of yours), better interest rates, higher lines of credit, and more.

6. Identify Shoe Designs and Sketches

Being in the shoe business allows for so much creativity since there are various styles and materials to choose from. It also means you have to be very descriptive when creating your tech pack and illustrating designs. Your tech pack contains various sketches of the designs your shoe line will feature and will give your manufacturer the details they need to make your shoes.

Your tech pack will contain information like:

● The type of shoe(s)

● The people wearing the shoes

● The materials used

● The height of the heel and type of heel

● The color(s)

● Trims

● Packaging details

7. Create a Business Plan

You’ve already done most of the research. Create a business plan that will feature what your business does, who it helps, and include all the financial aspects, like how much you tend to gain over the next three to five years. With the right information, your business plan could be instrumental in helping you to fund your business. Many startups stay afoot by investors who are willing to lend to your business because it’s such a lucrative business.

8. Create Your Website

With the legalities and designs all set, you’re now ready to build your shoe line website, featuring your creative designs. Be sure to let consumers know what sets your shoes apart from the competition. Ensure to use good copywriters who know how to maximize your exposure with good, SEO content.

9. Launch and Promote Your Shoe Line

It’s now time to start promoting your brand and product line. Although you have your website, take opportunities to provide in-person selling when possible. Most consumers love to try on footwear before buying. As you’re promoting and building your brand, once they become familiar with your product, they won[‘t need to see you because you would have built trust. Use different mediums to promote: social media, website, in person, newsletter campaigns, etc. All of this will be useful in establishing credibility.

Bring Your Shoe Line to Life

At Third Ave Studios, we help bring big ideas to life. From sketch to shelf, Third Ave Studios helps designers navigate the shoe development process. With the capability to rapidly produce prototypes and sales samples we enable the startup, as well as the established wholesale or retail customer, to speed to market, shorten the cycle time, and gain a competitive edge. We are a footwear design agency that provides design, development, strategic planning, and factory sourcing services.

If you’re looking for a complete footwear design firm that will handle your product with care and competence from the drawing board to the production line, then Third Ave Studios is your choice for creating the perfect shoe. Request a call with us so we can help you bring your shoe line to life.