Joanna Track
| Name | Joanna Track |
|---|---|
| Location | Toronto, ON |
| Website | www.dealuxe.ca |
| Bio | Co-founder & CEO of Dealuxe.ca, founder of Sweetspot.ca, fashion lover, math geek, step-mom to two tween boys and mom of one little dude. |
Sign in with Twitter
Sign in with Facebook
-
Hi Joanna. How does one find a factory sourcing professional? I have started a purse business and need a factory in N. America, S. America and/or the Caribbean. The purses are very unique and require a lot of handwork. Despite extensive online searches I cannot find a reputable factory for my purses or a factory sourcer. What should I do? Where can I find a professional that can help me with my search?
-
I don’t work on the manufacturing side of retail, so unfortunately I don’t have any expertise there.
-
-
Hi Joanna. I cannot afford brand identity and packaging design from a really good firm, however, one proposes design services in exchange for equity in the brand. Do you think trading equity for design services is a good idea? I 'm a micro startup.
-
I support the strategy of trading equity for services and used it myself with Sweetspot and Dealuxe. I would just caution you not to overvalue the service. You may need them now but once you have money you’d rather pay cash than equity so I would start with a small piece of equity with an opportunity to increase it if the relationship continues.
-
-
I am a writer with a unique perspective for a new fashion industry blog. I don't have a budget for the blog but my boyfiriend's a pro photographer and will provide his services if I can get samples of products to shoot for the layouts. I've spent money on a great blog design, but I have no budget for the blog and no ties to the fashion industry. How do I get industry stylists, sourcers, etc to take a starter blog seriously enough to cooperate by granting interviews, sending samples, etc?
-
I would start with some junior people in the fashion industry (assistant editors, for example). Most of them are reachable by Twitter or you can find their emails. They will have more time and may be more open to giving you a chance, as opposed to more season veterans.
-
-
I am launching a fashion accessories company for women - do you have any advice to start up in that field? I'm looking for help/ideas with mostly manufacturing (how do I find somebody I can trust???) but also with marketing, and wholesale. Thanks!
-
I am a retailer, but I don’t manufacture my own goods so unfortunately I don’t have expertise there.
-
-
I am a young female college student that wants to start up an online boutique. I currently live at home so I don't have too many bills to pay. My question is how much product should I order to get my business running. Focus would be women age 18-35. I also need advice on how much it would cost to have an accountant to make sure taxes are being done correctly. Thanks!
-
It sounds like you would benefit from working on a business plan. It is better to map out your objectives before jumping in feet first. This will help you determine start up costs (including accounting fees). I also recommend using Quickbooks as an accounting tool.
-
-
2 Years ago I folded my own business down to concentrate on a career in Management Consulting, however, after 3 years i miss the freedom that comes with running my own business. I had built my own social networking platform focussed solely at higher education establishments in UK, but failed to get any investment to keep the business going. Given the recent 'interest' around social media businesses - would this be a good time to re-ignite my idea? Or would i be seen as jumping on the bandwagon?
-
If you think you have a business that fills a void in the marketplace, I say go for it. I recommend reading ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’. This will help you determine whether or not you have something unique or too similar to what is already out in market,
-
-
I Recently launched a classifieds website 3 months ago and it's in testing mode. The competition seems to be high and I don't have enough money to get the word out or do some kind of marketing. What's the best way to get the word out. Is it possible to get a funding for a working product? Thanks
-
I would put your marketing spend into online advertising. You could do PPC that way you are only paying when there is click thru.
-
-
What is the best way to identify your tasks/goals when starting a website?
-
Identify what your offer/message is. Does it fill a void in the marketplace? Check out the book Blue Ocean Strategy. Great tips on identifying whether or not you have a good business idea.
-
-
how do you find a reputable web design company. What characteristics do you look for?
-
Word of mouth goes a long way. Look for companies with a good reputation, ratings and design aesthetics (that are in line with your vision).
-
-
How can one protect a technology based idea, when discussing development options with developers?
-
You could ask them to sign an NDA.
-