Thread: What do you look for in a costume company?

Hello!
I am a younger dancer who is just getting into teaching. I have always made my own costumes and I always get compliments on them. I love costuming and I have been thinking about considering going into business and selling. What matters most to me is running a business and making a product that people will be happy with!
Tell me about what products you like, and why, and same with aspects of companies!
I know in a field where most costumes are designed with a specific fit, I want to cater to all body and personality types.
Any comments, tips or advice will be appreciated! Thank you!

You don't say what market you are interested in, but what appeals to tribal dancers may not appeal to dancers interested in ethnic styles. What appeals to students may not appeal to pros. Regardless of that, the two things that I've noticed coming up on Bhuz regarding desirability of a costumer's work are originality of design and customer service.

I know there are some dancers who commission smaller designers to rip off more famous costumers' ideas for them, but if you really want to stand out in the market, then make costumes that don't look like what you can buy elsewhere--even better if you can establish yourself with an original "thematic look" that creates the same kind of brand identity/recognition that big-name designers have. It's not a good idea from an integrity standpoint to copy other designers too much anyway. If you wouldn't want Bella mimicking your costumes sequin for sequin, and undercutting your price or claming it's her original concept, don't do it to her. With the way the Chinese market is evolving, it won't be long before you can't compete with the way they "borrow" design ideas anyway.

Customer service is a running theme. Is it easy to contact you? Do you give customers reliable information about when your costumes will be ready for delivery? What system do you have for making sure the final costumes they receive fit and are what they expect? What mechanism do you have for addressing problems and returns? Having clear, generous policies about these issues goes a long way to building a good reputation and a loyal customer base.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

You don't say what market you are interested in, but what appeals to tribal dancers may not appeal to dancers interested in ethnic styles. What appeals to students may not appeal to pros. Regardless of that, the two things that I've noticed coming up on Bhuz regarding desirability of a costumer's work are originality of design and customer service.

I know there are some dancers who commission smaller designers to rip off more famous costumers' ideas for them, but if you really want to stand out in the market, then make costumes that don't look like what you can buy elsewhere--even better if you can establish yourself with an original "thematic look" that creates the same kind of brand identity/recognition that big-name designers have. It's not a good idea from an integrity standpoint to copy other designers too much anyway. If you wouldn't want Bella mimicking your costumes sequin for sequin, and undercutting your price or claming it's her original concept, don't do it to her. With the way the Chinese market is evolving, it won't be long before you can't compete with the way they "borrow" design ideas anyway.

Customer service is a running theme. Is it easy to contact you? Do you give customers reliable information about when your costumes will be ready for delivery? What system do you have for making sure the final costumes they receive fit and are what they expect? What mechanism do you have for addressing problems and returns? Having clear, generous policies about these issues goes a long way to building a good reputation and a loyal customer base.

Thank you! I don't know if I have a specific market as I do enjoy changing my style often as it is and often will make a costume to fit a certain theme for a performance, which can vary. But that is good for me to take into account!

I definitely wouldn't rip off another designer. I enjoy being unique, and I think many other dancers do too, and I spend alot of time figuring out ways I can create different styles.

And I understand the importance of costumer service! I was already planning on creating a business email, which I think should be sufficiant as long as I can respond quickly.

You actually brought up one of my main worries, sizing! I have a hard time finding things that fit just the way I want them to! Which is kinda what I hope to be able to overcome, but I have yet to come up with an idea that works.

Thank you so much for your input! I really appreciate how well thought out and detailed it was! You have given me some great things to make sure to include.