So you’ve worked tirelessly to create a clothing line that’s just like you imagined it would be. What happens now? Time to sell the idea and everything your brand represents by creating a line sheet. A clear and concise document that makes ordering collections easy for buyers.
What is a line sheet?
A line sheet is a document used in the fashion industry to present present a collection of products to prospective buyers and retailers. Line sheets tend to include photographs, descriptions and pricing information for each product. It helps buyers to make informed choices about which products to purchase and forms an essential part of the sales funnel.
In a nutshell:
Gather all the necessary information
Create a professional looking layout
Build trustworthiness
Proofread
Create a distribution plan
How to create your line sheet
Step 1. Gather all the necessary information
Photos of your products: Include good-quality imagery - we want to create a good first impression.
Keep it simple
Keep a neutral background
Keep lighting consistent
Keep dimension and orientation consistent
Product descriptions: Include a brief description of each product, including it's material, sizing, and any other relevant details.
Pricing information: Include the wholesale price for each product, as well as any applicable discounts or minimum order quantities.
Contact information: Include your company's name address, phone number, and email address so buyers can get in touch with you.
Design tip
Complete breakdown of information
Step 2. Create a professional looking layout
Now that you have all your information in one place, you're going to want to create a document that includes all of the necessary information in a clean, organised and professional looking format.
When organising the layout of your line sheet, you’re going to want to focus on the needs of the end user. It’s unlikely that you’re going to be the only brand on a buyers radar. As a result, you have a limited amount of time to persuade them to place an order - make your layout easy to scan.
Design tips and key concepts
F-shaped scanning pattern
2 x 3 grid
Clothing item cards
First impressions and grouping
Step 3. Build trustworthiness
Retail buyers are taking a risk by buying from a new brand. As a result, you’re going to want to make sure that your line sheet indicates trustworthiness. Here are some simple ways to signal that your brand is trustworthy.
Tell retailers who you are - provide an about us section
Include information about your returns policy
No spelling mistakes - get somebody else to proofread
Use a professional email address (@yourbrand.com NOT @outlook.com)
Provide up-to-date and complete information.
Step 4. Proofread
Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure all the information on your line sheet is accurate and up-to-date.
Step 5. Create a distribution plan
Once you have put together your killer line sheet, you’ll want to come up with a distribution strategy. Here are a few channels that you can use to distribute your line sheet.
Email
Tradeshows
Meeting with buyers
Your website
Social media.
In conclusion
Covering all these areas creates a lasting impression about the longevity of your brand and reassures them that you're worth their time and investment.
Download our free line sheet template
Mac users
FAQs
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