How to Start a Tailored Apron Business

Start a Tailored Apron Business by following these 10 steps:

1. Plan your Tailored Apron Business
2. Form your Tailored Apron Business into a Legal Entity
3. Register your Tailored Apron Business for Taxes
4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
5. Set up Accounting for your Tailored Apron Business
6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Tailored Apron Business
7. Get Tailored Apron Business Insurance
8. Define your Tailored Apron Business Brand
9. Create your Tailored Apron Business Website
10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your Tailored Apron Business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

• What will you name your business?
• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?
• How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is very important. Read our detailed guide on how to name your business. We recommend checking if the business name you choose is available as a web domain and securing it early so no one else can take it.

What are the costs involved in opening a Tailored Apron Business?

If you seek professional training, you might spend around $150 to $500 on a screen-printing course. It costs more to undergo comprehensive education and earn a certificate. A heavy-duty sewing machine sells for $250 to $550. Embroidery or screen printing equipment will probably add at least $8,000 to your initial expenses. You may need to spend $100 to $450 on cutting equipment as well. Many entrepreneurs conserve cash by purchasing used machinery.

What are the ongoing expenses for a Tailored Apron Business?

You'll have to order various supplies regularly. One option is to make products from scratch using fabric and thread. You can also buy basic aprons to customize. They only cost about $2 to $3 each when purchased in sets of 10. Ink is necessary if you use screen printing.

Commercial or industrial space will add at least $500 to your monthly expenses. If you have a spacious house, you could avoid paying rent by starting a home business. Your residence may require improvements before you can accomplish this. Either way, tailored apron businesses need to insure costly equipment and obtain product liability coverage.

If you sell merchandise outside of your local community, you'll spend cash on shipping and associated supplies. You can also plan on advertising your website or paying seller fees at online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. Keep in mind that free promotional methods sometimes outperform paid advertisements.

Who is the target market?

You can sell tailored aprons to artists, barbers, gardeners, mechanics, bakers, chefs, and anyone who enjoys cooking at home. Some people give these products as gifts. You could also market them to business owners with employees who perform messy tasks. Buyers generally have moderate to high incomes; they're not content purchasing cheap, basic aprons.

How does a Tailored Apron Business make money?

The customer pays a per-unit price in exchange for one or more personalized aprons. Some sellers offer flat prices, but you can also charge different amounts depending on the clients' specific needs.

How much can you charge customers?

The average personalized apron sells for $23.34, according to Etsy. Most products cost $18 to $60, but child-size aprons fetch somewhat lower prices. Many sellers offer bulk discounts, making it affordable for a restaurant or salon to buy garments for multiple employees. Prices vary based on the size, material, and level of customization.

How much profit can a Tailored Apron Business make?

It will take some time to recoup initial equipment costs. You might spend around $4 to $7 on the materials for an apron. If it sells at the average price of $23, you should earn at least $16. However, you won't start making a profit until you've sold enough units to pay for insurance, marketing, and any rent or wages.

How can you make your business more profitable?

One approach is to find ways to raise prices without losing customers to your rivals. Aim to develop fashionable, high-quality products that appeal to clients who are willing to pay a premium. On the other hand, you could try to cut costs. Seek business clients who order large quantities to save money on materials, shipping, and advertising. Consider these tips as well:

• Avoid returns: Confirm details and offer previews if possible.
• Use eBay or Etsy shipping labels to benefit from discount rates.
• Consider mailing multiple aprons in a flat-rate shipping box.

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation.

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your Tailored Apron Business is sued.

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a tailored apron business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

Is this Business Right For You?

If you pay attention to details and like to work with your hands, you might excel at apron tailoring. You will also benefit from in-depth knowledge of an industry that uses aprons. It's best if you can easily recognize designs that other people will find visually appealing, comfortable, and practical.

What happens during a typical day at a Tailored Apron Business?

You'll probably spend much of the day working with fabric. Tasks will include sewing, cutting materials, and adding graphics or text. You will need to carefully inspect products before delivering or shipping them. This business also involves cleaning up debris, ordering supplies, contacting customers, advertising, organization, and equipment maintenance.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful Tailored Apron Business?

Personalization requires clear communication; you may need to discuss the details with clients or talk about modifying an image that isn't suitable for embroidering. Experience with a sewing machine will help you start tailoring aprons. Training in embroidery or screen printing also proves beneficial. Various businesses and universities offer classes. For instance, Santa Ana College has a certificate program that covers both methods.

What is the growth potential for a Tailored Apron Business?

Garments are comparatively easy to ship; you could serve customers across the nation if you have enough space and equipment. Hedley & Bennett provides an example of rapid growth in a company that produces high-quality personalized aprons. A young entrepreneur created the brand and succeeded in attracting well-known buyers like Bon Appetit and Martha Stewart. The business expanded its manufacturing space to 14,000 square feet within five years, according to NBC News. Your company could also grow by using the same equipment to make similar products, such as custom t-shirts.