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A top challenge for new and veteran entrepreneurs is determining how to source products that are worth selling. Trends come and go, which means it’s important to know what trends are worth pursuing and which ones might not align with your business and its goals. But how do you find products to sell? 

In this guide, we’ll cover product sourcing and how to find products to sell that are profitable. Keep reading below to get started.
What is Product Sourcing?
One of the first questions you may have is, “what is product sourcing?” Product sourcing refers to the process of finding products from a manufacturer or supplier and reselling them. 

At Pietra, Creators can use our supplier services to find thousands of manufacturers spanning dozens of industries, from skincare to candles and apparel to jewelry. As you search for the top sourcing companies, you can find great, high-quality products that your customers will love. Now that you know what product sourcing is, let’s explore how to get products for an online store in the section below.

## How to Source Products to Sell Online
A common challenge for eCommerce business owners is learning how to source products to sell online. With so many products out there to choose from, knowing which ones are perfect for your store can be difficult. To make the product sourcing process easier, follow the steps below.

### 1. Research products
If you’re wondering how to source, the first step is researching products. No matter your industry, it’s crucial to conduct market research to find products that your customers are looking for. Market research is the process of gathering information on your target audience, competitors, and industry to analyze gaps in the market, industry trends, and more.

From there, you’ll be able to determine what products might make your brand stand out. For example, are there certain candle scents that are hard to find? Or perhaps there are beauty products that don’t compliment everyone’s skin tone. Learning more about your customers and their wants and needs can help you find products to sell.

### 2. Purchase wholesale products
Once you’ve determined what products you want to sell, it’s time to start sourcing. When you source products, search for manufacturers who can provide wholesale items that you can add to your logo or branding. At Pietra, Creators can search thousands of manufacturers and wholesalers that have unique products that can be easily customized with your logo and branding to sell as your own.

### 3. Consider private label products
Purchasing items in bulk that can be easily customized with your branding and logo is a great way to create unique products for your eCommerce store. However, if you want a completely custom product, consider working with a private label manufacturer. Pietra makes it easy to find and contact private label manufacturers who can help bring your ideas to life to make custom products. Through private label manufacturing, you can work with a manufacturer who listens to all of your requests, including ingredients, materials, packaging, labeling, and more.

### 4. Get samples
When product sourcing, it’s crucial to ensure the products you’re choosing are high-quality and live up to your expectations. This is where sampling comes in. Through Pietra, you can receive samples from any of the manufacturers on our platform, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re providing products to your customers that you truly believe in.

When testing samples, there are certain things to keep in mind, such as their quality, durability, materials or ingredients used, and packaging. If you notice any quality assurance issues, it may be a sign a manufacturer might not be right for you.

### 5. Create custom designs
After you’ve found a manufacturer to create your products, it’s important to make them stand out. To make this happen, it’s important to add customizations to your products and packaging to make them stand out.

Pietra makes it easy to find freelance designers who can turn any concept or idea into a beautiful and eye-catching design. From logos to branding and even your eCommerce store on the Pietra Marketplace or Shopify, our freelance designers can create stunning visuals to make your products pop. They can even design artwork and packaging to go with your products to make each step of the customer journey a great experience, all while boosting your brand.

### 6. Finalize your product
Now that you’ve found products to source, tested your samples, and created your designs, it’s time to finalize your products by working with your manufacturer to create the final product. This means adding any logos or customizations to your pieces that align with your brand. Creators using Pietra can easily communicate with their manufacturers during each step to ensure the creation process goes smoothly. 

Once you’re done sourcing products, you can store your inventory in one of Pietra’s low-cost warehouses. With Pietra’s Fulfillment Services, our team can easily manage your inventory and ship products directly to the doorsteps of your customers. Without the need to manage a warehouse or a team to organize your inventory, you can put more time and resources toward other areas of your business.

### 7. Start selling
Now that you know how to find products to sell, it’s time to make it happen. Creating an eCommerce store is easy with Pietra. On the Pietra Marketplace, you can create your own unique storefront and categorize all of your products for consumers to browse.

Pietra also integrates easily with Shopify. If you have a Shopify store, you can still leverage the power of our manufacturing and fulfillment services, so you can source, organize, and ship products with ease. Creators can also link their storefronts with their social channels like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, so their followers can easily find the products they’re looking for.

## Source Products with Pietra

With this guide on how to find products to sell online, you can easily start [product sourcing](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/sourcing-and-production). To get started, learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) and the different services and features we offer to help business owners succeed. You can also review [Pietra’s pricing](https://www.pietrastudio.com/pricing) to find a plan that works for you.


In this guide, we’ll cover product sourcing and how to find products to sell that are profitable. Read to learn how to get started.

What Is Product Sourcing | Pietra

How to Find Products to Sell

Whether you’re already operating a successful business or are an aspiring entrepreneur, knowing how to create a product that customers love is essential. There’s a lot that goes into building a product, such as thinking of an idea, developing a prototype, and creating the final version for customers to purchase. 

If you’re ready to start creating a product to sell, you’re in the right place. In our guide, we’ll cover the seven steps on how to create a product from scratch. Keep reading below to learn how to get started and ways that Pietra can help.

## 1. Think of a Product Idea
The first, and sometimes the hardest, part of creating and selling a product is thinking of an idea. However, there are ways you can bring your thoughts to life that stand out from your competitors and set you up as a leader in your industry. 

To get started, think about the industry and market you’re in. Examples might include the candle-making industry, skincare, apparel, or home decor. From there, do market research. Market research is the process of collecting information on your consumers and their needs. Are there gaps in the market? Do certain products have inefficiencies that can be improved? These are some of the questions to ask yourself to start thinking of a unique and successful product idea.

Once you’ve determined a product idea, it’s also important to think about the logistics of creating that product and whether it’s feasible and profitable. This means considering the product’s shape and specs, the complexity of the product, and the materials needed. At Pietra, you can work directly with freelance designers who can help you create and design your product, as well as manufacturers on the platform who can create them from start to finish.

## 2. Determine Product Value
The second step in creating a product is determining its value. As a business owner, one of your top goals is making a profit and growing your business. To create a product that’s successful, think about the value your product will add to your customers’ lives. While an idea might seem great in theory, it might not resonate with customers.

Through market research and drafting a strong business plan, you’ll be able to analyze the worth of your product and its potential success. At Pietra, Creators get access to our library of resources that help business owners throughout every step of their business. From our business plan blueprint to webinars and educational materials, you’ll have access to resources that can help you with everything from marketing to scaling your business.

## 3. Prepare Your Product Requirements and Designs
An essential step when you create a product design is getting your product requirements and designs ready. During this step, you’ll work closely with your manufacturer and designers, and Pietra makes it easy to communicate right through our platform.

During the design process, work with your freelancer to ensure everything looks and works properly. For example, if you’re creating candles, do your colors match the scent? Or if you’re building a skincare brand, do the formulas and ingredients create a cream or moisturizer that nourishes the skin? After your design is finalized, you can then send it to your manufacturer to ensure they can produce it at an affordable cost.

## 4. Develop a Prototype
Before ordering your products in bulk, it’s important to first develop a prototype. A prototype is a preliminary model or sample of a product to test its design and features. By creating a prototype, you’ll be able to determine any flaws or areas of improvement that can be corrected before the final design goes into production. 

## 5. Receive Customer Feedback
If you want to know how to create a product that succeeds, it’s crucial to gather customer feedback. During the prototype stage, gather an unbiased sample of customers to test your product and deliver feedback. 

During the trial period, you can ask important questions that can guide your creation process, such as what customers like and don’t like about your product, and any ideas they may have to improve your product that you haven’t thought of. Once you’ve gathered and analyzed this data, you can then add and remove any features, ingredients, or materials to your final design.

## 6. Start Manufacturing
Now that you’ve finalized your product design, it’s time to get to the fun part—building your product. As one of the final steps, you’ll work closely with your manufacturer to create your product and get it ready for your customers. At Pietra, you can find thousands of suppliers through our platform to create one-of-a-kind custom products. 

Once your products are created, you can then have them stored in one of our low-cost warehouses. With Pietra’s Fulfillment Services, you’ll be able to have your inventory managed and shipped to your customers for you, so you can spend more time and resources in other areas to grow your business.

## 7. Enter Your Product Into the Market
Now that you’re done building a product for your business, it’s time to make them accessible to your customers. On your e-commerce platform, whether it’s Pietra’s Creator Marketplace or Shopify, you want to optimize your product pages to make them discoverable by your audience.

With Pietra, you can easily integrate your shop with your social channels, so you can make it easy for your followers on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or other platforms to access your store and shop your products. Pietra can also help you find professional freelance designers who can create your logo, design your website, and create your packaging designs to further grow your brand.

## Build Unique Products with Pietra

Learning how to create a product is easy when working with Pietra and our team. Through our Supplier and Fulfillment Services, you can find [top-of-the-line manufacturers](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/sourcing-and-production) who can create a product that stands out. To get started, learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com/how-pietra-works) and review [Pietra’s pricing](https://www.pietrastudio.com/pricing) to find a plan that works for you.


If you’re ready to start creating a product to sell, you’re in the right place. Check out these seven steps on how to create a product from scratch.

How to Create A Product from Scratch | Pietra

How to Create a Successful Product from Scratch

If you’re looking to start an e-commerce business, one industry you may be interested in is skin care. Skin care is a booming business, and products can range from everything between lotions and creams to moisturizers. With that said, you need to ensure the products you’re selling are high-quality and trusted by your customers. That’s where skin care manufacturers come in. 

In this guide, we’ll provide tips on finding the top skin care manufacturers, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re selling products you stand by. At Pietra, you can work directly with the best private label skin care manufacturers to create products with your formulas and packaging. Keep reading to learn more now.

## 1. Consider Quality
The first step in working with any skin care manufacturer is considering the quality. When creating a skin care line, you want to think about what your products will accomplish. Are you looking to create a moisturizer that hydrates the skin? Or do you want to sell exfoliators that cleanse the pores and remove dirt and grime? 

No matter your goal, you want to ensure your products can achieve them for your customers. As you search for skin care products manufacturers, look at the quality of their products, including the ingredients and formulas they use.

## 2. Review Ingredients and Formulas
One of the key components any shopper looks for in a skin care product is the ingredients and formulas used. Today, information is widely available to anyone thanks to smart devices and search engines. With that said, customers can easily research the ingredients in your products to determine whether they trust them. That’s one of the reasons why today’s consumers are more conscious about the products they use.

As you vet various skin care manufacturers, look at the ingredients and products they use. Maybe you want to work with an organic skin care manufacturer that uses paraben-free ingredients or a manufacturer who can create vegan-friendly products that don’t test on animals. Conduct market research to learn what consumers in your market and audience are looking for in their skin care products, then find a manufacturer who can help produce those products.

## 3. Compare Pricing
Finances are crucial to any business, which is why it’s important to compare the pricing of each skin care manufacturer you’re considering. In order to be successful, you want to keep your costs as low as possible to turn a profit. However, this doesn’t mean you should opt for a bottom-of-the-barrel manufacturer. 

In some cases, the most affordable manufacturer might mean you have to compromise on quality, or a more expensive manufacturer might be known for having poor customer service. As a business owner, you want to ensure you’re making a good investment, so not only should you compare pricing but the qualities and abilities of each manufacturer as well.

## 4. Look for Customizability
In order to grow your brand, you need to ensure your products stick out. In the beauty industry, looks are everything, including your branding. With that said, you need to find a wholesale skin care products manufacturer who can create custom beauty products with the formulas and ingredients you want, as well as the branding and packaging you need.

At Pietra, you can work with freelance designers who can help you bring all of your creative ideas to life. You can start by designing your brand logo and color palette together, which can then be used to customize your products and packaging. Additionally, Pietra makes it easy to work with and communicate with your skin care manufacturer to create both custom skin care products and packaging, such as the bottles and containers your creams, lotions, moisturizers, and other products will come in.

## 5. Ask About Production Times
In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are expected products to be delivered to their doorsteps as soon as possible. With large retail giants like Amazon offering two-day or even same-day shipping, it’s important as a small business to match those times in order to compete. 

When comparing skin care manufacturers, ask about their production times. Sometimes, a manufacturer may have all of the resources and equipment needed to turn products around quickly, while others may not have these same resources available to them. To remain competitive, ensure your skin care manufacturer can produce products in bulk in a short time frame so you can ship them as soon as possible.

At Pietra, once you find your skin care manufacturer, you can have your inventory stored in one of our global low-cost warehouses. From there, our team can offer 2-day flat-rate shipping on most products, allowing you to provide fast shipping times without the hassle of coordinating the fulfillment process yourself. With Pietra’s Fulfillment Services by your side, you can designate more time to other areas of your business, such as customer service and marketing.

## 6. Research Suppliers
To find the best private label skin care manufacturers, do your due diligence by researching your suppliers. This way, you can see what other customers are saying about them, review the brands they’ve worked with in the past, and browse photos of their past work. Through Pietra, you can perform all of these steps so you can find a skin care manufacturer you trust and can rely on.

## 7. Order Samples
After narrowing your decision on the skin care manufacturers you may want to work with, make sure to order samples. The only way to tell if a product is as good as it seems is to try it yourself. Through Pietra, you can order samples of any product from all of our suppliers, so you can test the quality, ingredients, and packaging. This way, you can rest assured knowing you’re selling skin care products that you believe in.

## Find Skin Care Manufacturers with Pietra

Ready to start your skin care brand? Work with Pietra today and work with some of the [top skin care manufacturers](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sourcing/browse/skin-care/suppliers) in the industry. Through Pietra, you can communicate directly with your manufacturer to work through the creation process of your products, as well as freelance designers who can help you set up your e-commerce storefront and design your logo and packaging. Learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) and review [Pietra’s pricing](https://www.pietrastudio.com/pricing) to get started.


With Pietra, you can work directly with the best private label skin care manufacturers to create products with your formulas and packaging. Learn how, today! 

How To Find a Skin Care Manufacturer | Pietra

How To Find a Skin Care Manufacturer

If you’re looking to open an online store, one of the easiest ways to enter the market is through white label products. By working with a white label products manufacturer, you’ll be able to easily customize pre-built products made by your manufacturer with your branding and logos, whether it be jewelry or activewear. 

At Pietra, we help Creators find high-quality manufacturers who offer white label services, so you can get your e-commerce store up and running. So, what is white labeling? In this guide, we’ll answer all of your questions on white label products, so you can get started customizing items for your brand.
What is White Labeling?
White labeling refers to the practice of businesses buying mass-produced products from manufacturers and customizing them with their branding and logos to sell as their own. There are several ways a company can get white label products, such as through drop shipping, print on-demand, and bulk wholesale orders.

An important piece of the white label definition is that multiple businesses can buy the same white label product and brand it as their own. Through white labeling, the manufacturer has complete control over the ingredients, materials, manufacturing process, and other product components. However, retailers have full control over the packaging, branding, and trademark of the products.

## What Does Private Labeling Mean?

You know the white label definition, but what is private labeling? The white label meaning is often confused with the private label definition, as both are fairly similar. Private labeling is when a retailer works with a manufacturer to produce products that are sold exclusively to them. 

At Pietra, we can help Creators find both private label and white label product manufacturers, depending on their business model and preferences. With thousands of products and suppliers to choose from, you can find unique products for your e-commerce store to brand as your own.

## What are the Differences Between White Labeling and Private Labeling?

Now that you know the private label and white label definitions, let’s take a look at the key differences to better understand the two production practices. The important distinction between private labeling and white labeling is exclusivity. With white labeling, any retailer can purchase a mass-produced product from a manufacturer and brand it as their own, while private labeling is when a manufacturer produces products for a retailer on their behalf. However, there are additional differences to note, such as:

- **Customizability:** Privately-labeled products can be customized, such as materials or ingredients used, while white-labeled products can’t.

- **Shipping:** White label products can be shipped and produced faster compared to private labeled products.

- **Cost:** Private label products require more investment and are often more expensive to produce than white label products.

By knowing the differences between private label and white label products, you’ll be able to determine which manufacturing process works best for your business. It’s also important to note that you can sell both white label and private label products, and Pietra can help you find the right suppliers for you.

## Benefits of White Label Manufacturing

There are several reasons why companies, both large and small, choose to use white label services for their business model. Below are some of the top benefits of white label manufacturing worth considering:

- **Low barrier to entry:** If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a great way to start your business is by investing in white label products. This is because there’s a low barrier to entry, as it doesn’t require you to have your own warehouse, design and produce your products yourself, and manage your inventory. Without these factors in your way, selling white label products is easy to get started.

- **Limited overhead costs:** Because there’s a low barrier to entry, it also means there are limited overhead costs when it comes to purchasing white label products. Through white labeling, you don’t need to purchase or rent a warehouse to store your inventory or a team of designers and manufacturers to produce your products through white labeling. With limited overhead costs, you can allocate more resources to other areas of your business, such as marketing and customer service.

- **Easy to monetize:** By purchasing mass-produced products and lightly customizing them with your branding and logo, it can be easy to turn a profit. Through bulk ordering, you can order products that are a fraction of the cost of producing those same products in-house, as the only expense you’ll need is adding your branding, logo, and packaging.  

- **Wide range of product options:** No matter your industry, you can have confidence knowing you’ll be able to find products for your brand. That’s because white label product manufacturers have countless products to choose from that you can customize. Whether you’re looking to start an online apparel store or a candle business, you can find an expansive selection of garments or scents to choose from.

- **Saves time:** One of the biggest benefits of white labeling is the time you save. Without needing to manufacture products in-house and manage a warehouse and production team, you can dedicate more time to other areas of your business, such as managing your social media channels or creating marketing campaigns.

There are numerous advantages that come with white label products, which can help you become a successful business owner. 

## What Are the Best White Label Products to Sell?

So, you know the white label meaning and the benefits that come with purchasing white label products, but what are the best ones to sell? At Pietra, you can find hundreds of manufacturers and choose between thousands of products that you can customize with your branding and logo. Some of the best white label products to sell include:

- Candles

- Jewelry

- Activewear

- Merchandise

- Apparel

- Coffee

- Cosmetics

- Tote bags

- Backpacks

As a Creator, you can work with Pietra’s supplier services to work with a manufacturer who can provide white label services. You can even order samples from any manufacturer to compare quality and specs to find products that align with your brand.

## Sell White Label Products with Pietra

Ready to start selling? Create your Pietra account today. With Pietra, you can find white label product manufacturers who can provide the inventory you need to stock your online store’s shelves with quality products to sell to customers. Creators can also work with freelance designers who can create your logo and branding for your white label products to sell as your own. 

Even better, [Pietra’s Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment) allow you to store your inventory in one of our low-cost warehouses, where our team will package and ship your orders to your customers. If you’re ready to get started, learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) and review [Pietra’s pricing](https://www.pietrastudio.com/pricing) to find a plan that works for you.


At Pietra, we help Creators find high-quality manufacturers who offer white label services, so you can get your e-commerce store up and running. Learn more! 

White Label Products: Sourcing & Manufacturing | Pietra

White Label Products: Sourcing & Manufacturing

If you've been toying with the idea of opening an online business, you may have wondered what niche to hop into. There are countless items you can sell online, but one of the most popular and lucrative is the jewelry industry. Jewelry comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms, allowing you to carve out a space for you to create a unique brand. But getting started and finding jewelry manufacturers may seem like a challenge.

In this guide, we'll cover how to find a jewelry manufacturer so you can start creating and selling your own pieces. In six simple steps, you'll be on your way to running a successful online jewelry store.

## 1. Determine the types of jewelry you want to create

The first step in finding custom jewelry manufacturers is determining the types of jewelry you want to create and sell. Finding your niche can help you define your target audience and help limit your scope. This is important because you don't want to have an incohesive collection of jewelry that spans different styles and makes it difficult for your audience to understand your brand.

When it comes to the types of jewelry you want to create, think about the type of jewelry you like, potential gaps in the market, or ways to put a twist on a classic piece of jewelry. You can also focus on a certain type of jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, rings, or bracelets, or consider a market, such as high-end jewelry or bohemian jewelry. Finding a way to distinguish yourself and show your customers your personality goes a long way in the jewelry industry.

## 2. Develop your designs

Once you've determined your niche, it's time to start developing your designs. To develop a design, you'll need computer-aided designs (CADs). CADs can help you create a wide range of products including jewelry, and are beneficial in that they help you make necessary modifications and alterations if needed.

However, creating CADs can seem intimidating, especially if you lack the computer design skills needed to create jewelry concepts. At Pietra, we can pair you with freelance designers who can help you bring your vision to life. When consulting with a freelance designer, you can run your ideas by them and provide real-time feedback and suggestions to create a unique piece of jewelry that speaks to you.

However, you may find a jewelry manufacturer who has in-house support when it comes to creating CADs. Regardless, this is an essential step for any jewelry designer when it comes to creating a custom piece.

## 3. Research different jewelry manufacturers

Not all jewelry manufacturers for small businesses are the same, which means you need to do your due diligence when it comes to finding the right custom fashion jewelry manufacturer for you. As stated, you can find jewelry manufacturers who can help you create your own unique designs, and Pietra can help you source suppliers that can help you define your brand.

However, you can also look into private label jewelry manufacturers. Working with private label jewelry manufacturers is a more affordable option and great for first-time jewelry business owners. This is because when you work with a private label jewelry manufacturer, you can choose pre-made jewelry with lower MOQ's and sell it as your own with your custom packaging. At Pietra, we have over 5,000 private label jewelry products on our marketplace.

## 4. Screen each jewelry manufacturer

Once you've narrowed down your list of custom jewelry manufacturers, it's important to screen each manufacturer to ensure they deliver products that meet your expectations. By interviewing each jewelry manufacturer, you can ensure the jewelry they produce aligns with your brand and vision. Some key topics to talk to your manufacturer about include:

- Minimum order quantities (MOQ's)
- Production costs
- Production turnaround times
- Shipping process
- Quality assurance process
- Materials
- Ability to handle special materials and processes

### Start Selling With Pietra

By covering these topics, you can ensure the jewelry manufacturer has the tools and experience needed to create the products you intend to sell, as well as measures in place to ensure quality and efficiency are in place.

## 5. Order samples of your product designs

After screening various jewelry manufacturers, take the opportunity to order samples of your product designs. By ordering samples, you'll be able to see first-hand if the products are what you envisioned. During this time, you'll be able to make any alterations and work with your manufacturer by providing feedback.

At Pietra, you can order samples from any supplier you want to work with. This process is an essential step to running a successful online jewelry business, as it helps you work toward your final design that will be shipped to your customers.

## 6. Start selling

Now that you've screened and chosen a custom jewelry manufacturer, it's time to get to the fun part—opening your eCommerce site and selling your jewelry pieces. In today's day and age, running an online store is easy, especially with eCommerce platforms like Pietra.

With Pietra, you can set up shop on the Creator Marketplace and work with freelance designers to set up your page and teach you how to manage your online store. Pietra also can connect with Shopify, so if you run a Shopify store but want to leverage the power of [Pietra's Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment) or other services, we can help make that happen.

## Find a Jewelry Manufacturer with Pietra

At Pietra, we can help you find a [jewelry manufacturer](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sourcing/browse/jewelry/suppliers) who can help you design and produce your custom jewelry pieces. Throughout every step of forming your online jewelry business, Pietra can help. Not only can you find jewelry manufacturers, but Pietra can handle all fulfillment services for you, so you don't have to worry about tracking inventory or renting a warehouse.

Additionally, Pietra can help you find freelance designers to create your logos, packaging, and artwork, all of which are vital to welcoming customers into perusing your jewelry items. See success stories by reviewing [PR about how Pietra helps Creators](https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/30/pietra-raises-15m-from-founders-fund-to-help-creators-launch-their-own-product-lines/), and learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com).

Read more on how to find a jewelry manufacturer so you can start creating and selling your own jewelry pieces, today!

How to find a jewelry manufacturer | Pietra Studio

If you've been toying with the idea of opening an online business, you may have wondered what niche to hop into. There are countless items you can sell online, but one of the most popular and lucrative is the jewelry industry. Jewelry comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms, allowing you to carve out a space for you to create a unique brand. But getting started and finding jewelry manufacturers may seem like a challenge.

How to Find a Jewelry Manufacturer

If you have a passion for fashion, you may be wondering how to start your own clothing line. Fortunately, creating a clothing line from scratch is much easier today than it was even a few years ago. This is thanks to modern eCommerce platforms, like Pietra, and a growing network of freelancers readily accessible to help turn your visions into reality. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to start a clothing line in eight simple steps and how Pietra can help.

## Step 1. Hone Your Fashion Design Skills

The first step in how to start a clothing line business is honing your fashion design skills. Some aspiring clothing line owners go to fashion school for a formal education while others become  self-taught experts. However, there are plenty of ways to start a clothing line without a technical or specialized background.

At Pietra, you can gain access to an expansive network of freelance fashion designers. When working with a freelancer, you can share your ideas to create a unique tech pack that aligns with the style and vision you’re aiming for. Partnering with a freelancer makes it easy to bring your ideas to life and create a clothing line that's tailored to you.

## Step 2. Write a Business Plan

The next step in how to start a clothing line is creating a clothing line business plan. Drafting a business plan for your clothing line can seem intimidating, especially if you’re finally making the jump to becoming a business owner. However, business plans are essential for the success of

your company, as they serve as a roadmap that outlines your goals, market, customers, finances, and more.

With Pietra, you can gain exclusive access to educational resources and workshops that can help new business owners learn the ins and outs of starting a business. Additionally, Creators can learn how to tailor their clothing line business plan to their brand principles, such as selling clothes made in the USA, apparel made from sustainable materials, or affordable clothes.

Thanks to Pietra, Creators can learn to make a soundproof business plan for their clothing line and find suppliers more easily, as they have a soundproof business plan that can serve as a guide while they grow.

## Step 3. Build Your Brand

The fashion industry is vast and competitive, which means you need to build a brand that aligns with your customers and holds true to its principles. To create an identifiable brand, you need to create brand guidelines with a distinguishable logo that customers will remember.

At Pietra, you can work with freelance designers that can help you turn your brand ideas from a dream to reality. Freelancers can create your brand guidelines, logo, packaging design, tech packs, and so much more. Whatever idea you have for your brand in mind, our network of freelancers can create.

## Step 4. Source Your Products

Once you’ve defined your brand guidelines, it’s time to get your designs and logo on apparel for consumers. This is where sourcing your products comes into play. Finding quality suppliers can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know where to look. Pietra makes sourcing products easy by giving you access to hand-picked, high-quality suppliers. Through our network of suppliers, you can source products based on fabrics, colors, and other materials needed to create your garments.

## Step 5. Produce Your First Collection

Now that you’ve sourced your products and found designers to work with, it’s time to start creating. One of the key steps on how to start your own clothing line is making your first collection. Your clothing line’s first collection will introduce your brand to the world. By starting small with a curated collection of one to five different pieces, you can launch your first line quicker and save money.

Over time, you can add products to your core collection as you grow, and roll out more collections as you begin to expand. Once you’re ready to expand your designs, you can consider collections based on the seasons, such as a fall or winter collection. Or, you can work with a collaborator or artist to create a one-of-a-kind collection.

## Step 6. Create an Online Store

Once all of the aforementioned steps are complete, it’s time to create an online store or work with an eCommerce platform like Pietra. At Pietra, you can create your own online store directly on our platform to start selling. You can learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) to get started.

In addition to opening up your online storefront with Pietra, you can create an online store with Shopify. Pietra partners with Shopify, so you can create your website while reaping the benefits we have to offer, such as our sourcing and fulfillment services. You can even hire freelancers through Pietra to design and set up your Shopify website.

No matter the route you take when opening your online store, there are key principles to keep in mind to increase search visibility and bring leads to your site. This includes using SEO best practices like boosting page speeds and incorporating keywords in copy, placing CTAs throughout your website to direct users down the sales funnel, and improving user experience on your site.

## Step 7. Determine Your Fulfillment Process

With your store up and running, it’s time to square away your fulfillment processes. Fulfillment refers to the method used to get your products to the doors of your customers when an item is bought. [Pietra Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment) can take care of this step for you, so you don’t have to worry about tracking your inventory or worry about shipping.

## Step 8. Determine Your Launch Date

Lastly, once the website is up and running and the logistics are squared away, it’s time to set up your launch date, which is the day your online shop goes live for customers to view and shop. Through social media marketing and other marketing techniques, you can grow awareness and launch a successful online grand opening.

## How to Start Your Own Clothing Line FAQs

### How Much Does it Cost to Start a Clothing Line?

Depending on the route you take, starting a clothing line can be expensive due to factors like payroll, rent, inventory, and shipping. Additionally, expenses vary from business to business and their overall scale.
With Pietra, you can start a clothing line at an affordable cost. All you have to do is create an online shop. From there, Pietra takes care of most of the logistics without you having to hire a team or pay rent for a brick-and-mortar store.

### How to Start a Clothing Line With No Experience

First, you need to understand your “why,” which is the reason you want to start a clothing line in the first place. From there, you need to get a firm grasp on how to market your clothing line to your target audience and how to scale your business over time. After that, you can use the steps in our guide on how to start your own clothing line to get started.

### How to Sell Clothes Online

If you’re ready to start selling clothes online, there are a few basic steps to take, including:

* Finding a domain name
* Creating a Shopify website
* Ordering inventory through Pietra
* Adding products to your category pages
* Connecting your website to Pietra for order fulfillment

Pietra also helps Creators sell their products on other sales channels, such as Google Shopping, Instagram Shopping, Verishop Marketplace, and Pietra’s Creator Marketplace. Read our [PR about how Pietra helps Creators](https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/30/pietra-raises-15m-from-founders-fund-to-help-creators-launch-their-own-product-lines/) to learn more about how we help creators like you succeed.

Creating a clothing line from scratch is much easier today than it was even a few years ago. Learn how Pietra can help you start your clothing line!

How To Start Your Own Clothing Line | Pietra

If you have a passion for fashion, you may be wondering how to start your own clothing line. Fortunately, creating a clothing line from scratch is much easier today than it was even a few years ago. This is thanks to modern eCommerce platforms, like Pietra, and a growing network of freelancers readily accessible to help turn your visions into reality. Below, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to start a clothing line in eight simple steps and how Pietra can help.

How to Start Your Own Clothing Line

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## Introduction

In a recent move to protect local industries, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum [signed a decree introducing stricter import regulations and higher tariffs](https://www.americaeconomia.com/en/node/289884) on [apparel, textiles, and home goods](https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/advisories/mexico-increases-tariffs-revises-import-program-in-blow-to-u-s-apparel-import-industry). This shift directly impacts e-commerce operators who’ve relied on Mexico’s IMMEX program and Section 321 of U.S. Customs regulations to reduce costs. The de minimis threshold, which allows low-value shipments valued at $800 or less to clear customs without incurring duties or taxes, plays a significant role in simplifying the customs process for businesses. 

For years, brands large and small have used these provisions to avoid high U.S. tariffs, importing products into Mexico and fulfilling orders across the border duty-free. This strategy—[leveraged heavily by companies like Shein and Temu](https://www.theinformation.com/articles/how-u-s-sellers-are-embracing-trade-loophole-that-has-boosted-shein-and-temu)—enabled brands to save on production, benefit from lower labor costs, and ultimately offer competitive prices to U.S. consumers. Section 321 and the de minimis threshold are responses to evolving global trade patterns and dynamics, ensuring regulatory updates keep pace with the increasing volume of imports.

This move by Mexico is the latest in a [growing string of global protectionist measures reshaping international trade and impacting e-commerce brands](https://www.pietrastudio.com/blog/sourcing/prepare-for-tariffs). Around the world, countries are adopting stricter trade policies, tightening customs regulations, and increasing tariffs to shield local industries. Section 321 and the de minimis threshold have been critical for businesses navigating these evolving trade patterns, but these recent changes highlight how rapidly the landscape is shifting.

But the game is changing. Here’s what you need to know—and how Pietra can help you adapt.

## What is Section 321?

Section 321 is a regulation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows low-value shipments to enter the United States duty-free. This regulation was designed to make importing goods into the U.S. more affordable for both brands and consumers. By exempting low-value shipments—those under $800—from duties and taxes, Section 321 significantly reduces the cost of cross-border shipping. This provision has been a game-changer for brands looking to expand into the U.S. market without incurring additional costs, making it easier to offer competitive prices and grow their customer base.

## Benefits of Section 321

Section 321 offers substantial benefits for brands with products valued under the de minimis value of $800. One of the primary advantages is the opportunity for market expansion. By enabling duty-free imports, brands can save significantly on tax and labor costs, which can then be passed on to consumers. This cost savings makes products more attractive to potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of purchase. Additionally, more affordable shipping can lead to faster delivery times, enhancing the overall shopper experience. Efficient order fulfillment processes not only boost customer satisfaction but also contribute to a brand’s reputation and growth.

## What's Changing?

As of December 20, 2024, the Mexican government has:

* **Increased Tariffs**: Duties on over 100 apparel products and textiles have jumped to 35%, while others are now taxed at 15%.

* **Restricted IMMEX Temporary Imports**: Finished goods like apparel and home textiles can no longer enter Mexico duty-free under the IMMEX program unless destined for further manufacturing.

These changes are part of Mexico’s broader strategy to protect its domestic industries from low-cost imports and level the playing field for local producers.

## What Does This Mean for E-Commerce Brands and Low Value Shipments?

If your brand relies on Section 321 to ship goods into the U.S. from Mexico, these new regulations could upend your business model. Many brands already face tighter scrutiny and compliance challenges as countries worldwide adopt more protectionist policies.

Some of the biggest risks include:

* **Higher Costs**: Labor savings in Mexico may no longer offset tariffs and compliance burdens.

* **Longer Transit Times**: Cross-border logistics could become more complex, leading to slower delivery speeds.

* **Disrupted Supply Chains**: Escalating protectionist policies are forcing brands to reevaluate sourcing strategies and diversify their operations for resilience.

## Stay Prepared with Pietra

Navigating these changes can feel overwhelming, especially with global supply chains becoming increasingly complex. That’s where Pietra comes in.

Pietra’s global supply chain network is built to help e-commerce brands weather any storm:

* **Access a Global Supplier Network**: Our partnerships span the globe, [allowing you to source products from regions less affected by tariffs or trade restrictions](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/sourcing-and-production/products).

* **Seamless U.S. Fulfillment**: With our [U.S.-based fulfillment network offering some of the lowest rates in the industry](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment), you can confidently store and ship your products domestically.

* **Custom Strategies for Your Brand**: Every business is unique, and our team of experts is here to help you develop a tailored plan that minimizes costs and ensures smooth operations.

## Take Action on Tariffs Before It’s Too Late

The supply chain landscape is evolving fast, and brands that wait to adapt risk falling behind. Whether you’re a new e-commerce operator looking for guidance or an established brand seeking innovative solutions, Pietra is here to help.

Reach out to our team today, and let’s build a strategy that works for your business—no matter what the future holds.

With Pietra, you’ll have the tools, network, and expertise to keep your business competitive and thriving. [**Contact our team to get started.**](https://www.pietrastudio.com/existing-brands/signup)

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New tariffs and import rules are disrupting e-commerce networks and closing a key loophole. See how brands are affected and how Pietra can help yours adapt.

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