How can a bridal shop buyer budget for sample gown inventory after closing?

Ask for a full list of the samples on the floor and in storage: designer or line, size, condition and when they arrived. Try some on a mannequin and examine seams, hems and cleaning wear. A rack that looks full may be mostly dated or damaged pieces.

Next, understand how the shop gets new samples. Some designers require a minimum purchase, set terms for reorders or want display commitments. Ask the seller what the arrangement is with each line, and find out whether those relationships continue with a new owner. Your lawyer can help you review any written terms.

Then build the budget. Include cleaning, steaming, repairs, mannequins and the cost of replacing the oldest pieces. Think about how you will pay for it: cash, a loan secured on stock or terms from the designer. Ask your accountant how to treat the samples in your books, and keep a reserve for the unexpected. Be careful with gown condition and sizing, since a damaged sample may not sell as new and can also lose its place on the floor. Ask how the shop handles ordering from a sample and how long customers wait. Those details tell you how much stock cash is really needed.

Key takeaways

• Inspect every sample for condition, fit and how current the style is.
• Ask whether designer relationships and terms carry over to you.
• Budget for cleaning, repairs and replacements in your first year.