Lessons Learned: 8 Things To Avoid When Starting A Brand

We call on some of our favorite brands to drop some horror stories on things to try and avoid when starting a brand.

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Image via Complex Original
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When starting a brand, there are a lot of very important things you need to know before getting into the thick of things. You may think you have it all down because you have a cool product with some sort of demand and a few decent connections, but that ain't even the half of it. While there is a lot of advice out there on how to make it, do you know the things you need to avoid? 

When talking to brands that have already been through the ups and downs, knowing their mistakes and setbacks is probably more important than knowing their successes. Learning from mistakes has helped these brands become some of our favorites, so if you don't want to eff up when you're ready to roll out, check out 10 Things To Avoid When You're Starting A Brand.

Too Big Of Sales

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Manufacturing Problems

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Lacking Patience

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Designing For Trends

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Michael Kuhle, Epaulet 

"The biggest mistake that I've made is designing for someone outside of my customer base. As much as I might personally admire really directional and off-kilter designs, our customers ultimately come to us for things which are modern, versatile, and classic. When I've tried to make things which are too trendy and expensive, they've generally flopped. That's not what guys want from our brand.  

"Overall, this experience has helped me to keep centered. You can't—and shouldn't try to be—all things to all people. Doing good clothing design isn't a speech, it's a conversation. You have to listen to your customers and work to make what they're really looking for. You need to push the envelope and use your own vision, but you should be conscious of delivering a product that people will want and accept from you. Ultimately, I'm very good at selling navy sportcoats, wingtips, and slim trousers. I need to leave the hardcore directional streetwear stuff to the people who do it best."

Taking A Gamble On Product Volume

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Wrong Brand Identity And Starting A Business With Friends

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No Product Testing

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Not Following Your Own Rules

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