Having a 'rail/shelf' in a shop; what do I need to ask?

[KatyMac]

Seeing someone this morning and I've realised I'm not sure what to ask

Commission/cost obviously
Insurance
What if something sells online
What if nothing sells at the shop

What else should I have thought of already?

You may need to explain your post a bit more as it's not obvious (to me at least) what you are asking or what the situation is.

Assuming you make your own products and want to sell in a retailers?

I work in an independent gift shop and would ask you -

Is your product guaranteed?
How quick can you supply me with said product - is it personalised?

I'd also need us to agree how long I'm to stock the product, for you to feel like I've gave it a good shot and for me to feel I'm not wasting a shelf in my shop on a product that doesn't sell. (I hope it does though OP!)

Good luck

Right sorry - yes I.m an 'eco-designer' (I just renamed myself) I use vintage household fabrics (bedding/tablecloths/curtains) to make children's and adult clothes

They aren't guaranteed, they are all one-off/individual - I can make different sizes but not identical as I'm unlikely to get that fabric again

A gift shop has asked me to chat about selling my clothes - I would 'hire a rail' in the shop

I think it's probably more like selling art (in a way)

Sorry @msmith501

Thanks @NewYearNewJobNewHome

You need to agree a trial period. Following said time scale both parties can review whether or not it is viable for their business.

Breakages to be paid in full re insurance.

How will they promote your goods? Social media for example. You can do the same for them in return in your social media site.

Do not add items to the rail that are also selling online if you are unable to duplicate.

Who is responsible for the financial hit if something is damaged or stolen?

Shop who wanted to stock my items wanted shelf rental, 50% of the sale price and washed their hands of damage and theft whilst my items were in their shop.
Open an online shop on folksy.com (you must be UK based and make and design the things yourself).

Big thing is whether the shop is acting as agent or principal. I.e. whether they're just selling the item on your behalf and passing the money straight to you, for you to give them their commission. Or whether you're actually selling the item to the shop who in turn are selling it to their customer, and thus making a profit/margin on the sale.

This may not seem important, but it determines who is responsible for insurance, loss, damages, shoplifting, etc.

It is also vitally important if the shop owner is VAT registered, as unless they are acting as principal, one sixth of the selling price will go to HMRC in VAT, leaving you and the shop to share the remaining 5/6ths between you. If the shop was your agent, it would be different in that there'd only be VAT on the agent's commission.

I presume you've downloaded/prepared an agreement to take with you to discuss and agree terms such as these?

Hello,
No advice sorry! But I Just wanted to say I follow you on Instagram and love your stuff!
Good luck!

Aw thanks @coughingbean

I wonder if I could message you with some questions?

I'll update you all later - thanks for replying!

If your products are not guaranteed, what is your approach to statutory rights?

Are you renting the shelf or will they take commission on sales (or any combination thereof)?

How often do they want the items to be changed?

Insurance re damage or theft of your items, keeping them clean etc.

Discuss their system for keeping track of the items that you have there, of sales and money. (One shop near me was very chaotic about this!)

How often will you be paid for any sales and how - eg going in to collect cash or bank transfers.

If the goods sell well then I would want to have a discussion with them about whether they would buy the items from me in the future to sell themselves rather than doing on commision.

I'm not sure what people rights are with regard to second hand clothes

The ones I make come with a hand wash carefully label

The ones I sell on line have a 'sold as seen' line

Can you guarantee clothes - particularly ones made from 'old' fabric

Everything i sell is Sale or return, and the biggest pain is keeping an eye on stock and sizes..
One shop tried to let me know via monthly email spreadsheet, but would often get it wrong, meaning i'd sometimes take in duplicate sizing while others weren't in stock.
Do you live near enough to regularly pop in and stock control yourself? Also give them a delivery note (duplicated) when taking items in, in case there is any dispute, and get them to check it before you leave. Good idea is to name individual items i.e 'sunflower dress' on the swing ticket, which they can note in the sales ledger.

If on a commission basis, find out the percentage and whether this is likely to fluctuate seasonally, or stay as is throughout the year.

Most shops/galleries pay monthly in arrears by BACS, if not and its on a cash basis, make sure you invoice them (again duplicated) for tax purposes and again to avoid any disputes.

Also if they sell it online, who covers the P&P?..

KatyMac, if you put 'cool handwash, do not tumble dry' on the label it covers you a fair bit.. I presume you wash and pre-shrink all the fabrics first, even if its new..

Thanks @jellyKat - I never use new fabric it's all reclaimed, secondhand or rescued. And rather sadly I name each one and create a story for it

They are all individual so no sizing/duplication issues

I put "Clothing should always be hand washed with a mild detergent at 30 degrees. All my designs are handmade and therefore require that little extra love to that of commercially produced items.

XXX are measured flat on a table in inches. To check if they will fit measure a similar item of clothing, if you aren’t sure get in touch and we will work it out.

Clothing is handmade and sold as seen"

Thanks everyone - I have a starting point for negotiations

Sounds like you've really got it covered..
Good luck and hope you do really well!

Thanks so much everyone - it's starting to come together

The ones I sell on line have a 'sold as seen' line

You may wish to brush up on Consumer Contracts Regulations when selling online. Not saying you don't adhere to them but there is no ”sold as seen” when buying online. That only applies if the buyer has the chance to look at and check for flaws personally ie face to face sales (which they can't do by a photo).

All my designs are handmade and therefore require that little extra love to that of commercially produced items

I'm not usually a grammar pedant. Well, only in my head! I think you should consider improving the grammar in this sentence.

I hope you don't mind me being rude enough to point me out. I'm doing it because you and your products sound lovely. Perfect grammar will sound as professional as I'm sure the products look.

. Sorry, honestly just want to help

No improve away - I hate it but everything sounds so complicated - any suggestions

I do worry about returns but I guess I'll just have to refund if that happens

All my designs are handmade and therefore require that little extra love to that of commercially produced items

Maybe

All my designs are handmade and therefore require a little extra love compared to commercially produced items.

Or

All my designs are handmade and therefore require a little more love than commercially produced items.

Also, in your XXX paragraph, maybe start a new sentence when you get to "if you aren't sure".

Best of luck with the shop!

Thanks so much - I am not great at English - I often embarrass myself (I was always better at maths!!)

OK - quite nervous delivering £500worth of stock tomorrow!!

@Gertrudesgarden I am on Folksy but it isn't working terrible well for me - face to face does better

Everything is named, priced & labelled (hangers have my trading name on too)

Would it be sad to print out a little document about how & why I do stuff?