As a fashion designer in Nigeria, you must understand that there are the do’s and don‘ts of your profession. Understanding these things will help you become better at what you do.
The mistakes fashion designers make cut across ethnicity, geographical locations, and years of experience. There are:
1. Undercharging your clients
Don’t undercharge your clients to keep them happy or make them patronize you. Never charge below your cost of production + profit.
When a client wants to make an outfit, don’t be in a hurry to charge them. Calculate your cost of production. When doing this, make sure you know the current prices of things in the market. If you sew outfits below your cost of production, your business will run at loss.
You should consciously remind yourself that you are running a business. A good business enterprise thrives on profit. Don’t be carried away by emotions.
Let your customers understand why they have to pay the amount charged. It is unhealthy to keep customers by undercharging them so they will keep coming. Be firm with your pricing. Your stand should be clear.
2. Sewing without being paid at all
One common mistake fashion designers make in Nigeria is sewing clients’ dresses with zero payment.
Before you sew a client outfit, you should collect a decent percentage of the payment for your service. The payment is much needed as you will need to buy a thing or two to sew.
Clients are sometimes unpredictable, they may not bother paying again or pay after a very long time. Collect upfront payment, especially in situations where you have to buy everything you need to sew from start to finish.
Make sure your clients pay at the right time, don’t give clients their order without receiving your full payment.
3. Being careless with clients’ fabric
It doesn’t speak well of your business when you don’t take good care of your client’s fabric or clothing.
You should treat your clients’ fabric with utmost care. Make sure it is neatly kept when it is not in use.
During and after sewing, you need to keep your clients fabric as neatly as you can. When they come to get their order, don’t pick their outfit from the floor. Make sure their clothing is neatly packed and arranged.
4. Not keeping to the agreed delivery time
There are many memes about tailors and fashion designers in Nigeria. The popular ones says that tailors and fashion designers are not faithful in keeping to time.
Always make sure your clients orders are ready on the agreed date and time. Don’t keep clients waiting unnecessarily after the agreed time, it is unprofessional.
Most fashion designers in Nigeria don’t find anything wrong in delivering their clients’ orders after so many arguments and maybe insults.
You should avoid that mistake in 2022. In the second half of the year, there will be many festivities going on. Make sure your clients’ orders are ready as when due.
Conclusion
The common mistakes explained above can be avoided. Therefore, it should be avoided. Any business habit that gradually reduces your flow of income should be checked and eradicated.
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