Ask the Experts: Your Fashion Business Questions, Answered

Real insights. Practical advice. Straight from industry pros.

Whether you’re launching your first collection, preparing for wholesale, or trying to scale your DTC sales—running a fashion brand can be overwhelming. That’s why we asked our team of consultants, creatives, and industry insiders at The Fashion Mansion Group to answer the most common (and urgent) questions fashion founders are asking in 2025.

Let’s dive into your biggest fashion business questions—with expert answers designed to move you forward.

Q1: How do I price my products for both DTC and wholesale without killing my margins?
A: Start with your cost of goods (COG) and build from there. A healthy formula:

• Cost x 2.2–2.5 = Wholesale
• Wholesale x 2.0–2.4 = Retail

Make sure to account for packaging, shipping, platform fees, and future markdowns. Pricing isn’t just about profit—it’s about positioning. Your price point signals your brand's quality, target market, and competitiveness.

Q2: What’s the best way to approach buyers and get into retail stores?
A: You need 3 things before you pitch:

1. A clean line sheet (SKUs, sizes, pricing, delivery windows)
2. A compelling lookbook or brand deck
3. A personalized pitch tailored to the store’s existing assortment

Pitch 4–6 months before the season and follow up with professionalism. No mass emails—do your research. Show buyers that your brand fits their customer.

Q3: How do I find reliable manufacturers without wasting time or getting burned?
A: Vet manufacturers like you would a business partner. Ask for:

• Sample turnaround times
• MOQ requirements
• References or recent client work
• Clear communication channels and timelines

Start small. Test with a capsule or single style before scaling. We always suggest working with a consultant (like us) who can match you with pre-vetted factories in your category and budget.

Q4: How important is influencer marketing in 2025?
A: Critical—but only when done right. In 2025, authenticity and niche influence > follower count.
The best results come from:

• Product seeding with micro or mid-tier creators
• Ongoing ambassador relationships
• Co-created content that feels real—not sponsored

Don’t throw money at big names. Invest in creators who genuinely align with your brand story and visuals.

Q5: What’s the #1 mistake new fashion brands make?
A: Trying to do everything at once.
From over-designing collections to launching without a strategy, many brands burn out before they break through.
Instead:

• Focus on 1–3 hero products
• Build a clear brand story
• Test channels (DTC, pop-ups, influencer seeding) before going all-in
• Hire slow—but get help where it counts (production, marketing, sales)

Success in fashion is rarely fast. But with the right systems and team, it becomes sustainable.

Bonus: Tools We Recommend

• Canva or Pitch for line sheets and decks
• Notion or Trello for production & launch planning
• Shopify + Klaviyo for DTC
• FARFETCH Platform Solutions or Faire for wholesale
• The Fashion Mansion Group for strategy, production, and marketing support 

Running a fashion business comes with endless decisions—but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you're launching, scaling, or repositioning, the right answers can save you months of missteps.

At The Fashion Mansion Group, we don’t just consult—we collaborate. From brand strategy to production and retail placement, we help fashion brands turn questions into clarity and growth.