As an emerging fashion brand, I'm sure you've heard lots and lots of talk about the importance of a line sheet, and you're probably wondering how to create a line sheet. We'll break it down for you in a simple-to-follow Q&A format, because who really has the time to read through a lengthy article? No aspiring fashion designer we know!
What is a line sheet?
A line sheet is a sales tool that is presented to buyers and store owners when developing your wholesale business. It contains all the necessary information that a buyer needs to review your collection and place an order.
What should be included when you create a line sheet?
A line sheet should include general information, product information, and wholesale terms, as follows:
General information:
- Logo
- Company name
- Website URL
- Phone number
- E-mail address
Product information:
- Image of each style (see below Q&A on the type of images that should be used)
- Detailed product information, including style names and descriptions, color names, and numbers or pattern names and numbers
- Fabric information for each style
- Size offerings
- Season (if applicable)
- Delivery dates by style
- Order cut-off dates
- Care instructions
- Special features: Made in the U.S.A. or made with certified organic cotton
- Minimums:Â this can be a flat dollar amount, number of units per style, or total number of units. You can also include a lower re-order minimum as an incentive.
- Wholesale cost per unit
- Suggested MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price): this is a personal preference; some brands offer this information, some do not. If a buyer specifically requests this information, then you should certainly provide it
Terms:
- Call-to-action and contact info:Â Â For example: “To place an order, contact xx at (phone number) and (email address).”
- Terms of payment: Indicate when you would like to be paid (upfront at the time of order, 50% deposit, when the products ship, COD, or with credit terms, such as Net 30 [30 days after the order is received]).
- Type of payment accepted: Indicate what types of payment methods you accept (PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, business checks, etc.)
- Shipping terms: Indicate shipping method (FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS), shipping fees (if applicable) and your lead time (how long the order will take to ship).
- Cancellation and return policy, including return policy for defective merchandise
- Special promos or offers: Dropshipping, custom orders, special discounts or promotions, etc.
How many pages should a line sheet consist of?
Less is more. It is best that you include all the necessary information that a buyer requires on a one-page document, if at all possible.
What type of images should be included?
Images that work best for your line sheet are shots that feature only your product. A perfect way to execute this is to photograph each garment on a mannequin. If you don't have a mannequin, hang the garment on a hanger and place it against a white background/wall for a clean look that shows off the details of the garment. You should never include lifestyle images or product shots on a model, which are best reserved for your media kit or lookbook.
What is the best format?
We find that a PDF version of a line sheet is the most buyer-friendly because it can just as easily be emailed or printed for an in-person buyer presentation, at a moment's notice.
What should never be included on a line sheet?
Never include an ‘About us' section on a line sheet. A line sheet is a selling tool that is used to book wholesale orders. It is not meant to describe the story behind your brand or to give a background on you, the fashion designer.
Helpful Tip: Your goal is to make it super easy for a buyer to place an order. That means having all the necessary information in a simple-to-follow format.
This is a guest post by Lisa Sprinsteel Dupree of Launch Your Collection. Visit Lisa at www.launchyourcollection.com to learn more.
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