TIPS FOR FASHION DESIGNERS: HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT LINE SHEET
A line sheet is a vital document for any designer and a good one will provide all the necessary information a buyer needs for taking a decision on whether or not to purchase a collection.
Cover page
On the cover, you simply need the logo of your brand and a short sentence that introduces your brand and summarises what you do.
Product information
This is the most important part of the document and you really need to take some time here to consider the content. Less is definitely more as buyers do not have time to read a long document with lots of text and images. Chose your content wisely and make sure it’s what reflects your brand the best.
It should include:
A good picture (also from the back if relevant) of the item on a neutral background. If it is an accessory it might be good to have it worn to demonstrate the size and shape of it
The style name/number of the collection if it isn’t a very big a name can be easier to remember and to write, than a long number
A short description of the item. It can include composition if relevant or detail about fabric.
The size, range and color range (aside each item/SKU)
Cost price and suggested retail price (SRP). Do keep in mind that retailers work on a 2.5 mark-up minimum, 2.7 for accessories. Regarding retail prices, make sure the prices are the same on your site and on your line sheet. Customers will always compare prices they see in shops with on-line prices.
Example of products drawn for a line sheet, always show the front and the back of the product, ideally include fabric swatches to make sure buyers know the available color range.
Terms and conditions
The delivery window of the collection must be written on the first page, or at the top of each page, for example for SS19: 15 of December to 15 of February.
Payment terms should be just under deliveries. Recommended terms would be net 10 days after the retailer receives the goods.
Make it bespoke - consider your audience
Make sure you edit the line sheet correctly for each business you send it to. If a buyer tells you they are only interested in your accessories, don’t send them the RTW collection line sheet.
Format
The digital version of your line sheet should not exceed 2MG and should have a very consistent look and feel with all your other marketing materials. You will also need to have a printed color version that you have available at all times for buyers you encounter - whether at a fair, a show-room or unexpectedly.
It is important that you chose a template that it easy to edit from season to season and it is of course essential that you keep it up to date.
Final tips
Use the fact that you are a small company and have short lead time to ask the buyer when they most need new goods in their business. This might be a decisive key success factor when introducing your brand to a retailer.
Try to include some continuity styles in your collection, buyers love them as they never go on sale!
Katja Noschis Delaloye, fashion brand strategist
