The retail industry is quickly shifting from brick and mortar shops to online and mobile retail on the go. We are constantly shopping on our phones, browsing online at work, and eyeing the trendy fashion pieces we see popping up. One of the up and coming online clothing retail opportunities is DotDotSmile. Originally e-commerce based, DotDotSmile now sells through independent merchandisers. The influx of in-home boutiques leaves us all asking, “How much does it cost to sell DotDotSmile?”
Just to be blunt- Opening a DotDotSmile Boutique is not a get rich quick scheme. First and foremost, this is a personal boutique business opportunity. The source of income comes only after you put in time and resources. Resources includes initial startup funds.
Do you want to join the DotDotSmile adventure? First, register as a merchandiser by clicking here, and inserting Merchandiser ID Number 813505 as your referral code. That will put you in The Smile Lounge team! (The Smile Lounge is my personal team, with trainings, tutorials, and guidance from yours truly.)
Once you sign up and pay your initial annual $50 registration fee, you’re ready to build your initial inventory package!
Initial Inventory Cost $199-425+
On top of the $50 registration fee (an annual fee, which covers wholesale access, free shipping on boxes 25+ PV and the personal replicated website) a successful boutique must have inventory on hand. Each item in the warehouse is assigned a Point Value (PV). Dresses are $10-22 wholesale (depending on style), and usually 1PV. A box must contain at least 10PV before it will ship with a $10 shipping cost. If a box contains 25+ PV, it will ship free.
Note: Although it is possible to start your boutique business with a box as low as 10 dresses, you must plan you purchase more if you plan to be successful. No, you are not required to make monthly purchases to stay active, but your sales will rely on inventory turnover. (This is all discussed in our Team’s monthly planning session!) If you’re planning on being a boutique hobbiest, you may not need a large inventory. However, if you want to make this a full time business, please be prepared to carry a large inventory.
Your initial order, and all future orders, are chosen by you. There are no required inventory packages. You chose the exact number of each size and style, and can even choose from collections (limitations apply). We do not pick the prints.
From there, the main business overhead includes overhead shipping supplies, marketing, and storage. At some point, you will upgrade your photography equipment. And finally, you will need vendor event supplies. There are no required packages to purchase- you get to pick and choose all of your supplies exactly how you want them. You will not be locked into overhead resources that do not align with your personal business plan.
Storage Supply Cost $20-30
DotDotSmile does not need to take up an entire spare bedroom. In fact, it has the potential to take up no room at all. If your house has a space closet, you may choose to hang the dresses. This will require hangers, which are as cheap as $1.65/10. No closet space, no problem; portable clothing racks can be found about $20, and hold a small inventory.
Merchandisers who don’t have room to hang dresses can still open a boutique. DotDotSmile products arrive in individually wrapped ziptop bags, which fit perfectly in large utility storage totes, which are less that $10.
All other supplies (mentioned below) can be stored in a plastic drawer storage tote for easy access that can be tucked away, or carried to events.
Shipping Supply Cost $10-25+
Selling clothing is the main source of income as a DotDotSmile boutique owner, and only a portion of sales will be in person. The rest of your sales will require shipping the products out to your customers. This requires polymailers, which are most cost effective on Amazon. Plus, Amazon has the cutest bundles. They are approximately $10 for 100.
Some people chose to wrap the dresses in tissue paper, use washi tape or twine, or add cheap extras like hairbows, stickers, bracelets, or tattoos.
At a later point, you may choose to utilize a self-mail service, such as stamps.com or ShippingEasy.com. At that point, you will need to purchase a shipment scale and label printer. These can be purchased for under $200 on Amazon, at the right time. Keep an eye out for sales.
Marketing Cost $10-50+
The most important tool for your DotDotSmile business is your marketing capabilities. Start small with business cards, then as your business grows, you will add care cards, branded stickers, banners, and signs. Business cards are the most important marketing tool you will purchase. These start at $10 at Vistaprint, and will also be available in our Back Office. Posters, signs, and additional products will be at least $20 each, but do not need to be purchased straight out the gate.
Photography Setup and Upgrades Cost
Once the inventory arrives, you are responsible for photographing the items to display in your sales items. You do not need to purchase a fancy camera; any modern smart phone will have a sufficient camera. iPhone users can download the Filmborn app to balance light, saturation, and structure. Natural lighting looks best, so no lighting kits are necessary either.
Dresses can be laid on a simple backdrop; white foam board from the Dollar Tree, beadboard from the Home Depot or Lowes ($10). Some people invest in a vinyl background, and others hang their dresses directly on a plain wall.
Should you choose to upgrade, a tripod starts at $20. Lighting kits run around $50-70+, and open the time frame for when you can take photos.
Vendor Event Cost $20-60+
Vendor events are a great way to supplement business. Events are usually $50+, and may require a donation. If you already have a portable rack with hangers, you’re halfway there. Some events require you bring your own table and chairs ($20), outside events might require a tent ($60) or tablecloth. And a mannequin ($45) will provide a great visual for passer-byes, and encourage them to stop and look.
Miscellaneous Business Costs $30+
Some states require a business license, “Doing business as” (DBA), LLC, sales tax permit, and/or vendor license. These costs and requirements are dependent on your state.
How Much Does it Cost to Sell DotDotSmile?
If you tally up the low end of the costs above, it is very plausible to open your own DotDotSmile Boutique for as low as $300. Remember, this is your business and you are in charge of your own business plan. Set your business goals in the beginning, and determine your costs based on your rate of growth. Owning your own boutique means you can purchase as much or little up front as you’re able, and can always purchase more as the business grows.
Remember– save every single receipt! At the end of the year, your expenses are deductibles. It may be hard to swallow up front, but these expenses are what fund your boutique business.
Are you ready to do it? If you would like to open your own DotDotSmile Boutique, I’m here to help! For about $500, you can be a boutique owners! Let’s chat about it! Let me know when you’re ready to join DotDotSmile!