Pre-Order Model for Custom Apparel

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Pre-Order Model for Custom Apparel

Inspired by a conversation on:

The Side Hustle Show

The Side Hustle Show

702: I Turned My Disney-Inspired Running Skirts into a Profitable Side Hustle and a $120,000 Exit

Host: Nick Loper

Timestamp: 00:29:44 - 00:30:14

Listen to Episode • View Podcast • All Ideas from The Side Hustle Show

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Direct Quote

"We did start sort of adapting to a bit of a pre-order model to sort of figure out exactly what that demand was."

Market Gap

Inventory management can be a challenge for small product-based businesses.

Small businesses often face challenges related to inventory management, particularly when demand fluctuates. This can lead to stockouts, disappointed customers, and lost sales opportunities. Traditional inventory models may require upfront capital investment in stock that may not sell, resulting in cash flow issues. Additionally, the risk of overstock can lead to increased holding costs and wasted resources. Without a clear understanding of customer demand, businesses can struggle to balance the need for inventory with the desire to keep operating costs low. Therefore, developing a solution that effectively manages these inventory challenges is essential for sustaining growth in a competitive market.

Summary

Adopting a pre-order model can provide a strategic solution for businesses selling custom apparel. This model allows entrepreneurs to gauge customer demand before committing to production, reducing the risk of overstock and unsold inventory. By offering products on a pre-order basis, businesses can tailor production to actual demand, maintaining a lean operation. This approach not only helps manage cash flow but also creates a sense of urgency among customers, encouraging them to place orders. Entrepreneurs can promote the pre-order concept through their marketing channels, emphasizing the exclusivity and limited availability of items. This model is particularly effective in niche markets where demand can be unpredictable, such as themed apparel.

Categorization

Business Model
Product
Target Founder
Generalist
Difficulty
Medium
Time to Revenue
3-6 months
Initial Investment
$1,000-$10,000

Potential MRR (18-24 months)

Conservative
$2,000 - $4,000 MRR
Moderate (Most Likely)
$8,000 - $12,000 MRR
Optimistic
$15,000 - $25,000 MRR

* Estimates assume solo founder/bootstrap scenario with competent execution

Scores

Clarity
8/10
Novelty
7/10
Feasibility
8/10
Market Potential
8/10
Evidence
7/10
Overall
7.6/10
Found on October 16, 2025 • Analyzed on October 16, 2025 12:02 PM

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