Lessons Learned from Meeting with Amazon’s Creative Product Advisor
In 2015 I reached out to Amazon in the hopes of becoming a vendor for one of their private label programs. I met Sandra T. Finkelstein Creative Product Advisor and we discussed my factory capabilities and after reviewing them, decided that Reunion Sourcing wasn’t ready. In hindsight, Sandra was right, we weren’t ready for the Amazon accelerator program.
Over the years, I have made it a point to stay in touch with Sandra, and recently she joined my Parsons School of Design Graduate Manufacturing & Production class. She spoke for two hours, sharing insights about some of the brands she's helped build and lead over the years. Her wisdom and experience offered countless teachable moments about designing for retail.
Sandra talked about the importance of having a unique selling proposition (USP) in the fashion industry, as it can make all the difference when it comes to standing out from the competition. She advised us to focus on creating something that hasn't been done before or finding a way to improve the existing process. A USP is essential as it helps to make your brand identifiable and memorable to your customers.
Sandra also highlighted the importance of building good relationships with manufacturers, as they play a critical role in bringing your designs to life. She advised us to be careful when choosing a factory and to consider factors such as their location, capacity, capability, and quality of production. Sandra emphasized that building trust and strong communication with the factory is essential, as it helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensures successful collaboration.
Another critical piece of advice Sandra offered was about the importance of understanding the retail market and knowing your target audience. She emphasized the need to conduct thorough market research, including analyzing industry trends, customer preferences, and behavior patterns. This knowledge will help you to make informed decisions when it comes to designing your product and marketing it to your target audience.
Lastly, Sandra highlighted the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges. She reminded us that the fashion industry is ever-changing, and it's crucial to adapt to new trends and technologies. She advised us to stay informed about the emerging technologies and integrate them into our production processes whenever possible. Additionally, it's crucial to be resilient in the face of setbacks and failures, as they play a significant role in business growth and personal development.
My encounter with Sandra, back in 2015 was a valuable experience that taught me a lot about the fashion industry. Her recent visit reaffirmed the critical lessons I learned from her and offered new insights into the fashion retail market. By focusing on creating a unique selling proposition, building strong relationships with manufacturers, understanding the retail market and target audience, and being adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges, aspiring fashion designers and entrepreneurs can develop successful brands that stand out from the competition. And a reminder to keep your friends close and your professional network even closer - you never know when you'll need their guidance and support.
