Today, Tope, my apprentice asked me what is the barest  minimum needed to sell a line... it did not take me long to respond...  I've done this, and seen others do it also!

• One sample to show quality, fit and construction (honestly  sometimes just a sketch!)
• Swatches to show color and fabrication
• Line sheet that is well laid out with proper product  descriptions
• You should also have arrangements made for production

Oh, and a buyer! Yes!  At the end of it all designers need to reach buyers, whether consumer or trade to sell their goods!

So why Fashion & Runway shows designers are addicted to the fame why spend $10k (as I saw in a recent Craig’s list ad requesting a $1-3k fee for a fashion show). Mind you, no mention of buyers and it was at night! Most buyers I know do not attend party style shows at 9pm!
Glamour - Most designers who do show, DO NOT SELL from those shows. This is their choice for marketing!  Yes, it is also great for PR, and in an increasingly competitive market every edge counts! But, frankly, if I as a designer had $3K and wanted orders they should consider a trade show!

I also see designers doing show after show and when you approach them they have no post-show material ready!

At the end of the runway, trade show, shopping party designers need to make sure that their potential customers have information.  Here is a list of preps we've been taking designers through!  (Please note - actual information is available through our participating designers forum only!
It's common sense really.
you need to SHOW THEM what you have to sell
If you have noproduct to sell, then tthem what are you available for,

Are you available as a fashion business or do you offer a professional service? Then give then info on

• How can they find you?

• About you as a designer?

• About your company?

Have the following ready and easily accessible:

• Designer media for sales and marketing

• Size chart and color swatch card

• Line sheet and line art

• Press and testimonials you’ve received

• Product and editorial shots (images), also helps

Have distinct pricing guides ready and someone to take the information of interested attendees. It gets crazy after a show so designate someone who is clearly defined as the contact person for those wanting to discuss sales!  You will need a wholesale price sheet as well as your suggested retail prices.

And once in  a while...
Make them an offer they cannot refuse

Design the best possible product for your customer

Which means understanding who they are, where they will buy and how to  reach them!

What  productions arrangements do I need to make?

Basically:- have the necessary tech pack, prep, sourcing, warehousing, if needed, etc!

Understand your cost factors and work out both your wholesale and retail price and have a source for funding. Be clear as to your terms and return  policy and make sure these are listed!(I have had boutique owners pay a deposit upfront to cover production!) Boutique owners know that a design that sells, especially one with a solid mark up is worth their investment!

This is a rough outline and sorting through the details takes time Brooklyn Fashion Week http://www.BrooklynFashionWeek.com through it's 28squared program offers workshops and seminars that  quide indie designers THROUGH  the process! Contact us for details!