CUEmu - Thread Posts

Kaili

Thu Apr 08, 2004 9:10 pm

Hey all,

I'm a new Tailor on Naritus, just about to hit Master (in an hour or so, provided I find some Apprenticeship xp), and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on developing a business (empire?).

Not really so much on the pricing side, though. I've read a lot of good posts on pricing guides, especially for Bio-Engineered clothes which I intend to specialize in (have a few BE friends, and that will help).

Also, I have a shop in my PA Hall just West of Coronet on one of those two islands. Away from the mad cities of shops so its not crowded and I have room to place, but close enough so I should attract a decent customer base.

Anyway, any further help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Colonel Lib Soldar
Master Smuggler
Master TKA

Topaz_Radiant

Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:53 am

#2

Well I have a pretty active shop on Radiant called Eclectic Edge. I would have to agree with keeping your vendors stocked and keeping a variety of items in it. Also be fair on your pricing. In my shop thou I just don't rely onmy tailor vendorto bring in business I have other vendors in there. I am also a master Architect and Artisan and have allowed some guild members to come into my shop.

The bottom line is we help each other. Some of there items will draw customers in. They may come there for one item and end up buying from several vendors.

It's a give and take.There is powerwith usingthebazaar and with everything you post on thebazaar make sure to advertise your shop and give out waypoint. I also send a thank you note to everybody who buy from the bazaar with a waypoint to my shop.

Another good source of revenue for a tailor is to hook up with Armorsmith for cloth and now the wookie padding (thou I can't keep those in my vendor but for a few hours).

Well those are my two cents.

GypsyRiver

Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:58 am

#3

I run two successful shops, one near Coronet and one near Bestine (as you can see in my sig). I don't do custom orders, and most of my business comes from the "Black & White" vendor I have in each shop. I hate that so many people wear black, but it's a good seller. Also, like Zarh'Ina said, keep your vendors stocked! I have over 1000 items on each of my four vendors, and you have no idea how many thank you's I have gotten for having such a good selesction. Definitely make plenty of the items you know will sell (Doctor's Dresses, Grand Healer's Robes, Exotic Leotards, Hot Pants, Paramilitary Camos...just keep an eye out for what people are weaing) and in the colors you know will sell (Black, White, Red, Blue...), but also have a nice selection of colors not many people wear; some players are looking for something different. And of course....Location, Location, Location!! South Coronet is like a ghetto now on Bloodfin (it's really crowded and full of empty vendors). Both of my shops are north of the cities; in very good location, but not in the middle of all the BS shops). If you're going to do custom orders, be sure to be available (and ve ready to deal with some rude and ignorant people). Mostly, though, you just need to love what you do and not get bored or burnt out! Also, another thing that might help...put cool pieces of clothing on the bazaar as an "auction" and put an ad for your shop in the description. If people like your shop and service, they will definitely come back! Sorry if this was too much advice...and good luck with your business!

Marah (retired) ... Shylen Zen
Zen & the Art of Fashion
Ahriman's Keep, Naboo
/way -3179, 5275

Olvenskol

Fri Apr 09, 2004 9:32 am

#4

A lot depends too on the type of tailor you want to be. I do a lot of custom fittings, but not everyone likes doing that.

I personally prefer to deliver high service. This does cause problems with my vendor... I can't find enough time to get more than 200 items on it. I want to, but all my time gets sucked into do custom work.

Don't worry too much about pricing. I am high-average and have never once had push-back on price. When round-trip air to Yavin is 6000 credits, a 10k outfit that lasts the life of the character is dirt cheap.

Tailors tend to get loyal customers. While I am sure this is true for other professions too, there are factors in tailoring that are unique...

a. many customers will rely on their tailor for styling and suggestions
b. most players do not know what the entire range of clothing options are
c.most players do not know the Byzantine rules about BE clothing and need guidance

Once someone finds a tailor that can help with these, they tend to latch on, and for good reason!

All this means is that service and fair dealings are agreat way to build a business.

In terms of getting one off the ground, the key factors are advertising and location. My own advertising was done using word-of-mouth from some early clients and the planetary vendor ads. Location is key because clothing is often an impulse buy and people won't travel far to find a shop.

FWIW, here is my breakdown as to which tailoring lines I earn the most revenue from, in order from highest to lowest...

a. Specialty items (crafting aprons, agent backpacks, etc). This might be a short-term market, but it is extremely profitable right now.
b. BE clothting
c. Supplies to chefs, armorers and architects (this tends to be big on some days, and nothing at all on others)
d. Regular clothing

Best of luck!

Jeni
Fatal Fashions
Moenia and Coronet
Shadowfire

Kaili

Fri Apr 09, 2004 10:18 am

#5

Thanks for the help everyone!

About to log on now, hopefully I'll get Advertising 3 today and register my 3 vendors. I think that will helpa lot with sales.

Colonel Lib Soldar
Master Smuggler
Master TKA

ZahrIna

Fri Apr 09, 2004 12:59 pm

#6

Always keep your vendors stocked. You will lose more business, faster by letting someone find an empty vendor.

Edit: gosh I'm mean... BTW: Good Luck!! and Grats on Master

Message Edited by ZahrIna on 04-09-2004 04:00 AM

Zahr'Ina :::: Formerly of Everquest~7th Hammer (4yrs), Everquest II~Steamfont (launch) and Starwars Galaxies~Eclipse (Launch). Choosing to ENJOY my playtime. :::: I wish nothing but happiness to all who remain. Ran out of patience: 6/15/05. Husband and wife team. Four accounts and two station passes, terminated.

ArthurDentOnBria

Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:33 pm

#7

Every city has a mall, and there are cities dotting every planet, so simply the fact of being in a mall means nothing. You'll get the occasional walk-in business from people living in your city (if they spend time there, and if it is a good sized city) but little more than that. Also, there are undoubtedly tailors in your area that have been playing for a long time that have big client lists, so it's going to be tough to crack into that market.

I think what you have to ask yourslef is why would someone spend 20min of travel time (to catch the shuttle from coronet to the island) to visit your store? Price is not a reason. Convenience is usually the biggest factor. Your location I'd say is a negative as it's on the very edge of the map not near any significant POI's, so the odds of you just getting "random" walk-ins is about zero. I think that if you are intent on making it work there, and you are just starting out, and want to really build a "big business", you have a long uphill battle on your hands. If it were me I'd probably reconsider your location.

Here's what I would do if I were trying to pull this off today. I'd partner with at least one, if not two or three other big-time master crafters. By big-time I mean people that put a lot of effort into it and maintain well stocked vendors of high quality, highly desirable goods. There are people with master titles everywhere but most of them are worthless as they don't put in the effort necessary to maintain a viable business. The key is finding the ones that do. You might start by asking yourself: where do you buy the stuff that you need? Your guns, armor, food, pets, droids, med supplies, and so forth. Next time you are buying those things you might just check to see if there is a clothing vendor there. If not, bingo, you might have a really nice opportunity to get your foot in the door.

ArthurDent - former Bio Engineer, Tailor, and Droid Engineer
Account cancelled 7/8/05 due to game breaking bugs in these professions that have been neglected for FAR too long. Last day July 27 2005
custom tailoring and droid orders welcome. "making Evil products since July 2003"
Achiever: 80%, Explorer: 60%, Socializer: 46%, Killa 13%

Kaili

Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:40 pm

#8

Arthur, I think that you're thinking about the wrong Island. Mine is one of the VERY small ones to the WSW of Coronet, just less than 1000m away, so travel isn't any longer than to any of the other shops, I've just avoided the clump.

Colonel Lib Soldar
Master Smuggler
Master TKA

PerilousWish

Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:57 pm

#9

Hiya Lib.

My sense of direction is a lil screwy.

You're by the outdoor concert hall ornearTrolls?

Lamia La'RueProprietor of Corellia Outfitters
Master Tailor Shop & Costume Emporium
Corellia: 1150 -4630
"Never tempt a woman with that which you wish to keep"

Kaili

Fri Apr 09, 2004 4:51 pm

#10

The WP is just NW of Coronet, not SW like I said. There's two small islands in the easternmost border of that big lake in the SW. WP -1875 -4396.

Had a few custom orders today from shouting in Coronet, getting my name out. Mostly for bio-enhanced clothing.

Still waiting on Apprenticeship for master, but once I make that, I plan on advertising on the Naritus forums and on the Trade forums to get to more people.

And I just want to thank everyone that has given their thoughts here, some really good ideas, hope they're as useful to me as they've been to you all..

Thanks!

Colonel Lib Soldar
Master Smuggler
Master TKA

PerilousWish

Fri Apr 09, 2004 5:20 pm

#11

Best advice is be cordial and patient. Especially if you're going in to BE tailoring. There's a lot of desire for BE clothes, and the need is not being effectively met on the Naritus server. If you can provide great customer service, you're going to be *very* popular indeed. ^_^

Lamia La'RueProprietor of Corellia Outfitters
Master Tailor Shop & Costume Emporium
Corellia: 1150 -4630
"Never tempt a woman with that which you wish to keep"

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