Ushi Ordered 7-8 Samples, Allowing Him To Create Great Product Photography.
If you are as passionate about starting your brand as I am, you love to hear about how other people are being successful and what they did to succeed.
That’s exactly what I just did with Ushi and we discussed how he used samples (a term that is used when producing only a single item to evaluate quality and customer appeal as opposed to producing a large quantity to resell).
Let’s see how samples build confidence and successfully funded his campaign.
How many samples did you order?
I ordered around 7-8 different products before the official campaign clothing was ordered.
Did you decide to move forward with all of them?
Nope. That’s what samples are for, right? Samples are perfect to figure out what you like about certain materials, and most importantly samples help you decide what you do not like. The more you know your materials the better the product comes out.
Did you make any tweaks to your designs based on what you saw in the samples?
Of course. Most of the sample items came out almost perfect, but it really helps to see and feel the actual product before you buy in bulk. I found myself tweaking the placement of the designs more than any other aspects.
Artist Ushi Umagashi, recently funded a successful campaign to start his brand.
How important were samples in creating product photography?
Good pictures are KEY. You can’t truly do the product justice if the only picture you have in the mockup template on apliiq website. With an actual product in your hands you can take pictures from different angles, detail shots, people wearing or using the product. Showing the product actually getting used by some body really helps the consumer get an idea of what they might be buying.
How important were samples in building confidence in your designs?
Very important. Whenever a new sample came in I would wear it that day. Hearing opinions from others and seeing the piece of clothing actually on a person helps a ton. It is definitely a confidence builder when someone asks you where you got what your wearing, and you get to tell them you made it.
What advice would you give to others that are thinking about ordering samples?
Find a way to raise the money, and DO IT. Get your designs off the computer screen and out into the real world.
Do you think the price of samples was worth it? Why?
It depends on the product, but the price usually worth it. The reason I love and use Apliiq is the ability to get one of a kind products made. Manufacturers usually require a minimum product amount, and as a brand new business you cannot afford to buy in bulk right off the bat.
Are you happy with the results of your indiegogo campaign?
Extremely happy, the indiegogo went better than I could have ever imagined. I owe everything to the people who have support USHI so far. Without people supporting USHI, it is nothing. I love you all.
How did having samples support your indiegogo campaign?
I think that if I did not have samples made, there would have been no way for me to film the video I did for the campaign. Being able to show the physical product helps the fans understand the product on a more intimate level. Basically, without the samples I could not have launched the campaign.
How will you create, promote and sell your designs now that the campaign is over?
I always try to remember that you are your best promoter, so every day I try to wear at least one piece of clothing that I designed. Other than word of mouth, social media is key. Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are necessities. Think about it, it costs you nothing to use those platforms. When you use them right and are fortunate enough to build a following, social media is an easy way to show the world what you have created immediately.
What is your brand about?
USHI is about really going out and doing what you want to do, while inspiring others to do the same. There’s something to learn from everything, you just have to look.
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