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Equipment => Pads => Topic started by: jbrommo on December 28, 2013, 05:19:26 PM

Title: Sourcing softs
Post by: jbrommo on December 28, 2013, 05:19:26 PM
Hi all,

I've been considering this for a while, and due to potential redundancy I'm finally going to source softs for my own brand, which I hope to set up in the new year. Anybody have any advice that could help me in my new venture?
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: Chad on December 28, 2013, 05:31:41 PM
Hi all,

I've been considering this for a while, and due to potential redundancy I'm finally going to source softs for my own brand, which I hope to set up in the new year. Anybody have any advice that could help me in my new venture?

From what I've heard, softs are an absolute nightmare to go through with, and you don't end up with much of a margin at all! I think procricket knows quite a lot about them, so drop him a message if you want some tips. I'm sure Red Ink and Vitas will be great to chat to as well. :)

Good luck with the venture, it's something I would love to do too, but I don't think I'm smart or wise enough to do so yet! :-[
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on December 28, 2013, 05:34:28 PM
I think TomTek has said something about softs being a pain (well someone on here has, apologies if I'm wrong on who).
Might be worth chatting with him too mate.
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: Ciaran on December 28, 2013, 05:43:12 PM
Hi all,

I've been considering this for a while, and due to potential redundancy I'm finally going to source softs for my own brand, which I hope to set up in the new year. Anybody have any advice that could help me in my new venture?

Well your about a year to 18 months behind time if you wanted to get your own softs for the new year.
The lead times are huge, the profit margins small and the competition vast. Not sure its a good business decision
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: joeljonno on December 28, 2013, 05:47:44 PM
Well your about a year to 18 months behind time if you wanted to get your own softs for the new year.
The lead times are huge, the profit margins small and the competition vast. Not sure its a good business decision

You certainly need a unique selling point, available catchment area or other discerning factor.

For instance, in York, there are no small brands without going 20-odd miles. There is space for a small brand there.

There are so many on Twitter/Facebook/Social Media with very little outlay that have popped up, it is unbelievable.  I'd certainly speak to some of the sponsors and others in the know.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: iand123 on December 28, 2013, 06:07:49 PM
I think MOQ's mean if you wanted anything other than standard designs you might be struggling without a big outlay
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: iand123 on December 28, 2013, 06:07:59 PM
Good luck though mate
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: Tom on December 28, 2013, 06:28:38 PM
I know a few guys who did some of the Mongoose gear, who can turn around samples for me in a couple of days. If you're serious, and have your designs, then I can put you in touch.

As for margins. Expect to pay about £18 for top line pads, £12 for gloves. Perhaps £2 or so more if your quantities are small
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: Number 11 on December 29, 2013, 03:56:39 PM
I think you would be better off with something innovative. Stretton Fox has got padding, Ayrtek has helmets....maybe some sort of training or practice equiptment???
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: WalkingWicket37 on December 29, 2013, 05:33:44 PM
I think you would be better off with something innovative. Stretton Fox has got padding, Ayrtek has helmets....maybe some sort of training or practice equiptment???
Go for,a bat with a ball sized hole in the middle, then if you get bowled you know you'd have nailed it in a match!  ;)
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on December 29, 2013, 06:30:15 PM
There is a market for genuine quality equipment at good prices ( good prices are just not copying what others charge!). It would be innovative for someone to do this :)
Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: Ayrtek Cricket on December 29, 2013, 06:39:01 PM
Prices Depend on if its for a hobby for some beer money or as a business.

You have to remember some of the sponsors on here have to earn a living to pay overheads/salaries so making a few quid per set of pads/gloves isn't going to suffice when you have bills to pay.

Title: Re: Sourcing softs
Post by: ProCricketer1982 on December 29, 2013, 10:41:21 PM
Prices Depend on if its for a hobby for some beer money or as a business.

You have to remember some of the sponsors on here have to earn a living to pay overheads/salaries so making a few quid per set of pads/gloves isn't going to suffice when you have bills to pay.

Quite. All depends what business model you want to use.