Feed back on a new business idea

[Anonymous]

Linda,
What a fantastic idea. However!!!, I have found the TG, TV, CD movement to be very “underground” and set in their ways. My wife and I started a new business mid last year manufacturing womens clothing taylored specifically for the cross dresser’s shape, and we also retailed jewellery and shoes. It has been an extremely trying time getting the business up and running, cost us thousands and we have ended up with a lot of stock that we are unable to move. A lot of the ladies did not think what we had was very different, but the difference was they could come to us and shop without fear of being recognised and knowing that we understand as opposed to going to the shops, which may have been a bit daunting for those still in the closet. I will be ebaying all the leftovers, and shutting down. I have a back ground in business development so don’t think it was lack of ability. All though it could have been because I have worked in other industries. I applaud any one who wants to step out of their comfort zone and would support any business such as you suggest whole heartedly. So good luck if you decide to go ahead, keep us all informed and if I ever get up your way I will definately make contact.

Luv
Sue

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your input Suz. Maybe not a good idea to sink money into this. I thought it would be great to have a venue that catered for all our needs I know that I would be there ASAP if there was one here on the coast but maybe you and I are the only ones that would be interested in this type of shop. Food for thought though.

Hugz
Linda 3

[Anonymous]

Hello, first post for a while here.
Linda please don’t lose faith in the concept, but adjustments may need to be made.
Personally I’m in tas, and still very much in early stages of seeing what I want. I also am very much in the closet, so to speak.
Therefore if I was going to do something like this, I’d probably set the business up as more an online/mailout exercise, rather than have a physical location. I know I would much rather buy online than attempt to visit a store physically – unless I had complete discretion – I feel the same way about visiting adult stores. Many men I would say would feel the same way.
Having said that, I don’t know anything about the target market in queensland, I haven’t done any research on buying habits, and I’m only one person.
On the other hand, I would love to be able to build a relationship with my provider, not trying to hide my identity, allowing them to know what I like to buy, what works best for me, etc etc. A small, low key office with basic dressmaking facilities for measurements etc (leading to a one-off visit for sizing, photos etc to match items) would perhaps work very well in this type of situation.
Just my thoughts, I hope that it’s given you ideas to develop the concept for success, rather than kill it off.

[Anonymous]

Linda,

My best wishes for your business, may I suggest you cater for larger group, as well as to the needs of our group.
Also, please let us know when you are operating the business as I would love to visit your shop whenever I am at Gold coast. I love the idea of somewhere to go to meet other friendly people for a coffee and be able to browse through clothes, jewellery, makeup, books etc.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am with Mary Kay products and I would love to helpin the Make up and Body products. I was going to go to the next Freedom Group Meeting and let everyone know there if you are able to attend

[Adrian]

Sadly most tranny-only friendly businesses struggle to survive. As a customer group we are very unreliable – its hard enough just trying selling tickets to an event.
I suggest anyone look very closely at what few businesses there are out there and ask how and why they survive. And look at the ones that have failed as well!
Certainly you should look at BreastForm here in NSW – not sure what others there are people might suggest as a reference.
Don’t go in blind assuming things will somehow be different for you – behind every successful business is a strong business plan.

[Anonymous]

Thank you girl’s for all the reply’s. I have had a mixed response from all so some more thought has to be used before anything can happen. Again thank you all. Keep the idea’s filtering in

Mwa

Linda 3

[Rachael_5]

Hi Linda,
Great to hear of another CD/TG venue being considered. I am a CD and love to shop (dressed of coarse)
Most of my shopping is done online, Kaye has a online busines in Sydney as I understand her shop glamfo@glamourworld.net it has many names but only 1 shop. Sydney is way to far, and when I am there I am restricted by non supportive familly
The shopping done in main stream public is by far the most enjoyable but very restricted to available time.
I think you would have to have online sales to survive in business.
Most of us are in the closet to some extent with the time available to enjoy our passion and its acceptance by those immediately arround us seam to govern the extent of which we participate, so I would expect it would have to be available over very extended hours.
Good Luck and I hope to visit what ever you set up.

[Anonymous]

Hi Susan

I am sorry to see you close down so soon. I know your idea was positive and intensions were good but I had no idea you were operational. No fire crackers and introduction Banners. As I comented on this site some time ago that when my weight came down I will be buying from you. Actually my focus was on your clothing as I can get designer clothing that fits length wise. I have lost half the intended weight now. But it looks that time has run out, darn. Are you still operational?. I have a lovely skirt and other stuff I would like duplicated. My idea is get something at half way or loose it.

Jeorjette[/img]

[Anonymous]

I like many here support where I can and when I can, but sizes style and thoiughts make us a hard lot to deal with, So I think Amanda has hit most of the rocks you will face ahead on the road, If you do go ahead I try to keep your doors open on genreal public when it comes to sales.

I know this beacuse I deal with sales everyday as I amanage a warehouse and most times if you have a product thats good it will 99% sell its self. Thats half the battle finding out what will sell best and then over time getting stuff in that will sell over time.