Action: take 1 – Dec 2006. Six months after writing business plan, the first shipment of kids bamboo t-shirts arrive at customs. Oh shoot now they have to be sold. Best advice ever received “The plan is everything and the plan is nothing”.
Granville Island Organix welcomes me with open arms. I LOVE YOU PAT! Here’s a plug for you
1812 Boatlift Lane
Granville Island
Vancouver
Organix has a beautiful selection of organic clothing for adults, children and babies. AAANND a place for your kids to play. Muy importante!
What I got right: Timing – The market for eco-clothing was at it’s height, I was the first distributor of children’s bamboo t-shirts in Vancouver.
What I got wrong: I was afraid to sell the product before I got it because I was not sure when it would arrive, if it would arrive or if it would come in one piece.
What you can learn from this: Carrying inventory is the biggest killer. Try and sell things before you make them. Properties are often sold years before being built. That does not mean you get all the money up front. It could mean a down payment or just an order, but something, anything to show that the money will be coming is well. . . golden. Get your marketing materials in order and get the hell out there!
Cheers
Amy
