Do you like fashion and style? Would you like to have your own fashion boutique but don’t have the funds to invest in a physical store? Keep reading. I have a list of home-based business ideas for fashionistas!
The direct sales industry has made it easier than ever to run your own home-based business within the fashion industry. In my opinion, network marketing companies that sell women’s clothing are some of the best business opportunities out there. Not only do most women LOVE new clothes and accessories, but it’s something every woman needs, and is regularly replaced and updated.
Also, when you sell clothing through the direct sales model, the items tend to be priced higher, so your overall profit is higher.
If you’ve been thinking about launching your own home-based business and you love fashion, here’s a huge list of business ideas for fashion lovers!
List of home-based business ideas for fashionistas
1.taxi
fit was created in 2002 by 12 founding women. The brand sells high-end clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories ranging from $39 to $449. With the cabi business model, you can earn 25-33% commission on all items you sell, plus additional commission on team sales. The initial cost (your seasonal inventory) is $1,000 to $2,500, which can be sold at the end of the season for additional profit and new inventory.
According to this Fortune.com article, cabi has an 85% retention rate, instead of the typical 20% in the direct selling business. Cabi also gives back to the community through its Heart of cabi Foundation. The taxi business opportunity is available to residents of the US, UK and Canada. To learn more about the taxi business opportunity, check out our full review here.
- cabi has a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
2. Carlisle Collection
Founded in 1981, Carlisle Collection is a luxury fashion company based in New York City. Selling couture designs at ready-to-wear prices, Carlisle offers four new clothing lines each year. They currently have two ways to join; Traditional stylist and digital stylist though, I couldn’t find any information on commission rates or startup costs, but clothing and accessories sell for $35-$1,100 and up.
3. Crowned free
crowned free is a social good company that donates a portion of its income to organizations that help women who have escaped human trafficking and exploitation. When you join as a stylist, you’ll sell jewelry, gifts, beauty and wellness products, accessories, and clothing such as women’s and children’s skirts, tank tops, T-shirts, and cardigans. Starter kits range in price from $19.99-$399, and you’ll earn 15-30% commission on sales and get paid every two weeks.
- Crowned Free has a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
4. Essential body clothing
essential body clothing sells bras, panties, girdles, sleepwear, sportswear, and mood-lifting ready-to-wear. Reps can earn up to 25-37% commission on sales, plus jewelry and travel for reaching certain milestones. Starter kits range in price from $199-$499, including three months of free website and email marketing services.
5. Etc.
Etc is a luxury brand and part of the Carlisle family. Clothing prices range from $150 to $650, with a focus on classics with an edge. You can sign up as a Digital Stylist or Trunk Show Stylist by requesting additional information on their website.
6. I thought of you
I thought about you It’s a good option for people who don’t like MLM recruiting or structure. It is a social goods direct sales company that sells accessories, jewelry and clothing. Curators earn a 20-50% commission on sales, and starter kits range in price from $99 to $299. To avoid overcrowding, applications are accepted on a region-by-region basis. They also offer a 4-payment installment plan on starter kits.
7. J. Hillburn
J.Hillburn sells custom men’s clothing such as suits, dress shirts, shoes, and ready-to-wear items. Stylists can earn up to 20-25% commission on sales and an additional commission for building a team. Your initial investment ranges from $199 to $500, and clothing items range from $99 to $1,590. J. Hillburn has been in business since 2007 and has been featured in Inc., Esquire, Men’s Health, USA Today, and more.
8. Keylime Sportswear
Keylime Athletic Wear Sale of sportswear for men and women. With this business idea for fashion lovers, you can launch your business for $79. As a representative, you will receive a 40% discount on clothing sample packs and a 20-40% discount on online orders. You can sell the clothes online through social media, at pop-up parties, one-on-one inquiries, and more.
- Keylime Athletic Wear has a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
9. Midday Collection
Noon is a social good company that sells handcrafted and fair trade jewelry, clothing, accessories, bags, shoes and household items. Ambassadors earn 20-35% commission on personal sales and 6-14% commission on team sales. Payments are distributed weekly and Ambassadors can earn trips to visit artisans in various locations around the world. The Starter Kit is $199 and contains $510 worth of business tools and products, including your personal website, free for one month. After that, it’s a $9.99 monthly fee for your website. With every sale you make, you’ll be helping people in other countries earn income.
10. Ruby Ribbon
ruby ribbon sells clothing options that make women feel good, selling t-shirts, tunics, blouses, leggings, maxi shirts, as well as shapewear. Products range in price from $24-$89. Starter Kits range in price from $45-$299, and independent stylists earn up to 40% commission on each sale. Ruby Ribbon has been featured in Oprah Magazine, WWD, InStyle, Forbes, and others.
- Ruby Ribbon has a A rating with the Better Business Bureau.
11. Trades of Hope
trades of hope is a social good company that sells handmade jewelry, bags, clothing, accessories, and coffee. Partners earn 25-35% of sales. Starter kits range in price from $49-$139, and there are no minimum monthly fees. They also have an affiliate rewards program where you can earn 15% commission on sales, and it has a one-time membership fee of $9.95.
12. Youngevity
youngness is a direct selling company that sells everything under the sun, including clothing, jewelry, and accessories. It costs $30 to become a Distributor and then renews annually for $49.95. They also have a wide variety of starter kits to choose from. I couldn’t find the commission structure so you’ll have to find out before you join.
- Youngevity has a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
13. ZYIA active
ZYIA active sells premium sportswear and accessories for men and women. The starting team is $295 (includes a $100 gift card), and Representatives earn 20-25% on personal sales, plus additional commission when they team up. ZYIA Active also offers product discounts, incentive trips and rewards. The opportunity is available in the US, Canada, and Australia.
- ZYIA Active has a B-grade with the Better Business Bureau.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many direct sales clothing opportunities that allow you to work in the fashion industry. Which of these is correct for you? That will depend on your style, tastes, preferences, and the structure and payment terms of the company. You’ll also need to find out how you can sell the company’s clothing line: house parties, online pop-ups, social media sites like Instagram and Facebook, and catalog and website sales. Be sure to weigh all the pros and cons when doing your research. I’ve seen many direct selling companies close their doors in the last two years, so talk to some current independent consultants to get a real-life overview of the company.
Do you know of any other clothing companies in the direct sales industry? Send us a note; We would love to hear from you!
This post was originally published on May 2, 2013. The content was updated in March 2023.
