Branded or Unbranded... any help appreciated!

[joannelightfoot]

I recently bought some trainers from e-bay which I customised & then wore for a special occasion.... so many people have commented on the shoes that my friend & I are interested in starting a small part-time business/sideline from which we would customise/sell trainers according to peoples individual needs/requirements.

Our first step would be to make an initial supply & see if we can generate enough interest to make the project worthwhile... however, we are slightly confused regarding potential branding issues & therefore need to clarify the position before we proceed.

Initially we assumed there would be need for us to buy unbranded shoes, as we thought there may be issues/legalities surrounding customisation & forward sale of branded products. However, we have found one or two companies offering a similar service (UK & USA based) who openly advertise their ability to customise & sell shoes from brands such as Converse & Nike.

As the types of trainer we would like to customise are more readily available/accessible via well known brands, our preference would lie with purchasing our stock via this method.

Can anyone provide any clarity on this particular topic? Any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!!!

[skeeter]

You must do your own due dilligence (check it out properly).

You can buy a product customise it and sell it on. There is no issue in this. I do not think you will get a supplier arrangement from a wholesaler for this purpose. I imagine it will be against the manufacturers terms. So you should be able to buy retail, customise and then sell.

I suggest, if you can see a market for it...just do it.

Don't be suprised if the manufacturer takes your ideas for themselves. lol. You could see your customisations being sold by manufacturers for less that you make them for.

Locally, you should be fine. Get on with it.

[marketing difference]

I can't see that going the branded route would cause any problems, in fact quite the opposite as the big sportswear brands like to be seen as being cool.

[skeeter]

defacing the value of a brand is not something a wholesaler under contract would support. The manufacturer may like to take the process in-house. Give it a go. Report back your findings...this is how many good things start.