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eCommerce is a booming industry, as it allows customers from across the globe to shop for products from the comfort of their homes. With that said, you may be wondering how to create an eCommerce website. Fortunately, there are website builders and e-commerce platforms that make eCommerce website development easy. 

To help you get started, we’ve created this guide on how to build an eCommerce website, as well as information on how Pietra makes it easy for Creators to create an eCommerce website.

## What Is an eCommerce Platform?

An eCommerce platform is software that allows business owners to create and manage an online store. eCommerce platforms come with many tools and resources to make it easy for business owners to manage their online store. 

Pietra is an eCommerce platform that also provides fulfillment and supplier services, helping business owners manage everything from setting up their eCommerce website to handling their inventory and shipping.

## What Are the Different Types of eCommerce Platforms?

In order to create an eCommerce website, you first need to know about the different types of eCommerce platforms. Below are the three most common types of platforms you can choose from when creating an eCommerce website:

- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): A SaaS eCommerce platform is a cloud-based software that allows you to create and host an eCommerce website. Examples of SaaS eCommerce platforms include Shopify and Pietra, which provide eCommerce website builders, payment processing, shipping, inventory management, and more. SaaS eCommerce platforms make it easy for small businesses to build an online presence and create an eCommerce website, as most functions are handled for them.

- Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): A PaaS eCommerce platform is similar to a SaaS eCommerce platform but has one added element—hardware. With a PaaS eCommerce platform, companies receive both hardware and software to run their eCommerce website and gives them the ability to develop applications. While this offers more customizability, managing a PaaS eCommerce platform requires knowledge and more resources.

- On-Premise Platform: Depending on the size and resources of your company, you can create an on-premise eCommerce platform that’s built by your web design and IT departments. However, this requires a lot of bandwidth, knowledge, and resources, which is why it’s typically only used for much larger eCommerce businesses.

These are the most common options businesses can choose from when it comes to choosing an eCommerce platform. 

## What Features Should You Look For in an eCommerce Platform?

Now that you know the different types of eCommerce platforms, it’s important to know what features to look for in the type of platform you choose so you can run your eCommerce website. Consider the features below:

- Customization features: In order to create an eCommerce website, you need to ensure it’s customizable so it can align with your brand. eCommerce website builders should have tools and features that allow you to add your brand’s color palette, logo, products, and images, as well as layouts and templates that meet your needs.

- Integration capabilities: When it comes to eCommerce website design, it’s important to have integration capabilities that allow you to use the applications you need to run your online store. For example, Shopify easily integrates with Pietra, so you can benefit from Pietra’s fulfillment and supplier services while running your store on Shopify’s platform.

- User-friendliness: As a small business owner, your focus should be on growing your brand, not figuring out how to run your website. When looking for an eCommerce platform, ensure it’s user-friendly so you can easily run your website while still having time to dedicate resources to other areas of your business. In addition to an eCommerce platform being user-friendly for you, it should also be user-friendly for your customers, with easy navigation, fast page speeds, and customer reviews.

- Mobile-friendliness: Having an eCommerce website that is mobile-friendly in this day and age is essential. As you look at eCommerce platforms, ensure it’s compatible with mobile devices, is responsive, and easy to use on a smartphone or tablet.

## How to Create an eCommerce Website

Now that you’ve picked an eCommerce platform, it’s time to build your eCommerce website. To create an eCommerce website, follow these simple steps:

1. Choose your theme: Your theme is the layout of your website, and includes elements such as your fonts, color palette, page layouts, and backgrounds.

2. Customize your website: With a theme chosen, you can begin to design your website. With Pietra, you can work with freelance designers to help customize and create your eCommerce website to ensure it aligns with your vision.

3. Add your products: After you’ve designed your website, the next step is adding your products. With Pietra, you can find suppliers and receive samples of thousands of products to find items perfect for your store.

4. Determine your shipping and fulfillment logistics: To get your products to the doorsteps of your customers, you then need to determine your fulfillment logistics. Pietra’s Fulfillment Services can manage your inventory and ship your products straight from one of our warehouses to your customers.

5. Establish your payment options: To ensure you get paid, it’s important to have several payment options for customers to choose from. Additionally, with Pietra, you can easily enter your banking information for payment.

6. Preview and publish your website: Now that all of the logistics are set up for your eCommerce website, the final step is to preview your website to ensure there are no bugs or UX issues and publish it.

## Create and Manage Your eCommerce Website with Pietra

Now that you know how to create an eCommerce website, it’s time to get started. With Pietra, we make it easy to set up shop in the Creator Marketplace to start selling your products. However, Pietra is more than just an eCommerce platform. In addition to our eCommerce website builder, you can gain access to our sourcing marketplace and built-in fulfillment services that make it easy to manage your online business. 

Additionally, Pietra Creators get access to our library of resources, such as tips on how to manage an eCommerce website or draft a business plan. Learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com/) and review [Pietra pricing](https://www.pietrastudio.com/pricing) to find a plan that works for you.


Read this guide on how to build an eCommerce website, as well as information on how Pietra makes it easy for Creators to create an eCommerce website.

Create an eCommerce Website | Pietra

eCommerce is a booming industry, as it allows customers from across the globe to shop for products from the comfort of their homes. With that said, you may be wondering how to create an eCommerce website. Fortunately, there are website builders and e-commerce platforms that make eCommerce website development easy. 

Create and Manage Your eCommerce Website

Creating a brand from start to finish is no easy feat. There are countless factors to consider when building a personal brand, such as your audience, industry, and market. However, that doesn’t mean building a brand is impossible. 

Today, with platforms and resources like Pietra, you can build a brand that’s unique and true to you in a few simple steps. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to build an independent brand in seven steps.

## What Is an Independent Brand?

A personal brand is best defined as a brand people manifest and create for themselves. This could be marked by a signature look, style, personality, or other distinguishing traits. Similarly, companies have their own brand, known as an independent brand. An independent brand is how people view a company, such as their tone, messaging, aesthetic, products, and reputation. 

However, creating a successful brand doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and resources to get your organization’s name known by your audience. If you want to build your own brand, keep reading below to find our seven easy steps.

## How to Build a Brand in 7 Steps

Are you ready to build your own brand? You’re in the right place. Below, we’ll outline how to build a brand, so you can get your products and company known by people across the globe. Take a look.

### Step 1. Determine Your Purpose

The first step in creating a successful brand is determining your purpose. If you don’t have a purpose that motivates you to show up daily to help your company grow, it can be easy to stagnate and lose traction. Staying authentic to yourself will be noticed by your customers, and if you believe in the mission and values of your company, it will resonate with your audience. As you look to start an independent brand, determine the problems your organization will solve and the mission and vision that guide your actions.

### Step 2. Define Your Target Audience

The next step in building a brand is defining your target audience. It’s unrealistic to assume everyone from every background, age, and demographic will be interested in your products or services. With that said, you need to segment your customer pool to define who your true audience is to create a brand that speaks to them.

At Pietra, you can leverage the power of audience insights in your Creator Blueprint, which allows you to analyze your main social channels to determine the demographics of the people who interact with your posts and profiles. By using data collected from social channels like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, you can create buyer personas based on factors like age, gender, income, location, and interests, and use that information to create a brand that aligns with their values.

### Step 3. Conduct Market Research

One of the most important steps in building a brand is conducting market research. Before tapping into any market, you need to know the good, the bad, and the ugly to create a soundproof game plan to succeed. 

When conducting market research, find what’s missing. Are there any gaps that need to be filled? What are customers not getting? Is there anything that can be improved? Answering these questions can help you define your brand and its purpose, resulting in a company that stands out amongst its competitors.

### Step 4. Design Your Brand Logo

Think of any household name brands — you can most likely describe their logo. Your company logo can tell your brand story in one simple graphic. As an independent brand, you need to design a logo consistent with the rest of your branding (we’re talking color palettes and fonts), and captures your brand’s story.

At Pietra, we can connect you with some of the top freelance designers who can help bring your vision to life. Together, you can collaborate by sharing ideas and feedback to create a logo that’s unique and easy to identify based on its font, tagline, photography, colors, and other elements.

### Step 5. Create Your Products

The products you sell also play an integral role in spreading your brand. Through your products, you can make your brand noticed by consumers with your color palette, fonts, logo, brand voice, and more.

At Pietra, we help Creators of all backgrounds and industries create one-of-a-kind products that stay true to their brand. Through Pietra, you can find suppliers who can provide both white label and private label products that you can customize with your logo and colors, or customize from the ground up. From there, you can store your products in any of our low-cost warehouses, where the [Pietra Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment) team will manage and ship inventory to your customers.

### Step 6. Create Your Website

With your products ready and brand guidelines in place, the next step is creating your website. Having an online presence is one of the best ways to make your brand noticed by a broader audience, and at Pietra, we can help make that happen.

By working with freelance designers, Creators can create an eCommerce website that aligns with their brand by sticking to their color palette, creating a clean and easy-to-navigate online storefront, and ensuring a positive user experience.

With Pietra, Creators can also set up shop on the Creator Marketplace and sell their products directly through Pietra. Or, Creators can integrate Pietra with their Shopify store to reap the benefits of our supplier and fulfillment services. With a team who can help you design your website and open your eCommerce store, you’ll be able to share your brand with the world in no time.

### Step 7. Promote Your Brand

With all the pieces in place, the last step in building a brand is promoting it across various channels. There are several routes you can take, such as social media marketing, email marketing, search engine optimization, and traditional advertising like print ads and interviews.

## Build Your Independent Brand with Pietra

Are you ready to bring your independent brand to life? Learn [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) to see how we can help you through every stage of creating a successful brand, from creating a business plan to designing your logo and building an eCommerce website. Review [Pietra pricing](https://www.pietrastudio.com/pricing) to find a plan that works for you.


spa-supplies.jpg

Today, with platforms and resources like Pietra, you can build a brand that’s unique and true to you in a few simple steps. 

Create An Independent Brand in 7 Steps | Pietra

Creating a brand from start to finish is no easy feat. There are countless factors to consider when building a personal brand, such as your audience, industry, and market. However, that doesn’t mean building a brand is impossible.

Create an Independent Brand in 7 Steps

No matter the size of your business, order fulfillment is an essential task that needs to run efficiently. As a business owner, your customers drive your success, and one of the top expectations of all customers is receiving their packages on time and in good condition.

With that said, what is order fulfillment, and how does the order fulfillment process work? This guide will provide an in-depth overview of eCommerce order fulfillment and how Pietra can help you streamline your fulfillment process and run a streamlined business.

## What Does Order Fulfillment Mean?

Order fulfillment refers to the process of receiving, packing, and shipping orders to customers after they’ve purchased a product online. In eCommerce, having an order fulfillment process that runs smoothly is essential, as it ensures customers receive products from your shop on time and in quality condition.

Similarly, you might also wonder, what does order fulfilled mean? In online tracking systems, customers can often view the status of their products from the moment they purchase them, such as payment received, ready for shipping, and shipped. At the end of a package’s journey, the status will often update to order fulfilled or delivered, which means a customer received their product.

## What Is the Order Fulfillment Process?

To have an order fulfillment process that runs smoothly, you need to know each step of this process first. Below, you’ll find the stages of the order fulfillment process and the details each entails:

### **Step 1. Receive and manage inventory**
In the first step of eCommerce order fulfillment, a company will receive and manage its inventory. This step can look different from company to company, depending on how they want to manage their inventory. 

For example, some businesses may have their own warehouse and inventory team receiving their products from their manufacturers and organizing their products to be ready for shipping. In other cases, businesses may turn to order fulfillment companies, where inventory management is taken care of. 

At Pietra, our fulfillment services can do the heavy lifting for you by managing your inventory in our warehouses after your suppliers receive it.

### **Step 2. Customer places an order on your eCommerce site**

The second step of the order fulfillment process is when a customer places an order on your eCommerce website. When creating an online shop, it’s important to integrate your eCommerce website with your inventory tracking system, so the third step of the process can take place.

### **Step 3. Order information is sent to your fulfillment provider**

In the third step of the order fulfillment process, the customer’s order information is sent to your fulfillment provider. After a customer has filled their shopping cart, proceeded to checkout, and placed their order, that information will be sent to the order fulfillment center to prepare for shipping.

### **Step 4. Fulfillment team packs order**
The team providing order fulfillment services will then pack the customer’s order. If you have an in-house team and warehouse, this will take place on-premise. However, this can require a lot of time, money, and management. Often, small businesses will work with order fulfillment companies to save time and reduce overhead costs.

### **Step 5. Customer order is shipped**

In most cases, the final step is shipping the customer’s order. To increase customer satisfaction, working with an order fulfillment company that can provide fast shipping times is essential, as it can help you compete with large eCommerce giants like Amazon.

### **Step 6. Return process is handled**

There will inevitably be situations where a customer decides to return their order. Reasons can vary from product damage to accidentally ordering the wrong size. Having a streamlined order fulfillment process that can handle returns is essential, as it ensures customers receive their refund promptly.

## Why Is Order Fulfillment Important?

There are several reasons why order fulfillment is essential and why you should have an efficient process to ensure business success. Some of the top reasons why order fulfillment is important include:
- Increased customer satisfaction
- Reduced costs
- Customer loyalty
- Scalability

## What Are the Different Order Fulfillment Types?

There are different order fulfillment types that you should know about to find a process that works for your company. The most common include:

- **In-house order fulfillment:** A company handles all inventory and shipping to process customer orders.
Third-party order fulfillment:** A company outsources order fulfillment to an order fulfillment company, such as Pietra, who can manage, ship, and track inventory.
- **Drop shipping:** An order fulfillment process where an eCommerce company doesn’t house inventory themselves. Instead, the eCommerce business makes a sale, and a drop ship supplier will process the order and ship it to customers.
- **Hybrid:** When a company combines several order fulfillment types, such as keeping some inventory in-house while outsourcing order fulfillment to meet seasonal demands or sales periods.

## What Are Challenges with Order Fulfillment?

Order fulfillment can be a complicated and stressful aspect of running a business, as it requires heavy planning and logistics. With that said, several challenges can arise, such as:
- Managing inventory
- Inefficient supply chain strategy
- International shipping
- Seasonal demands

With [Pietra Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment), we can help mitigate these challenges. As a Creator, you can give your order fulfillment service provider specific instructions on how you want your orders to be packaged. This could include custom inserts, labels, and other unique packaging options to make your brand stand out. This gives you control over how your customers receive their orders without having to pack each item yourself.

Additionally, Pietra offers global flat rate shipping, the ability to manage your inventory for you, and low-cost storage in our warehouses.

## Fulfill Orders with Pietra

Are you ready to start selling and create a well-oiled business? At Pietra, we can help make that happen. We offer state-of-the-art order fulfillment services, and we can help Creators during every step of their business journey - from designing an eCommerce website to accessing educational resources to become a more robust business leader.

Learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) and review [Pietra pricing](https://www.pietrastudio.com/pricing) to find a plan that works for you.


a-man-holding-up-packages-for-fulfillment.jpg

What is order fulfillment, and how does the order fulfillment process work? Learn how Pietra can help you streamline your order fulfillment process and run a streamlined business.

What is Order Fulfillment: Strategy & Process | Pietra

What is Order Fulfillment?

Makeup is a great form of expression, and if you've had an interest in the beauty industry, you may be wondering how to start your own makeup line. While creating a makeup business might seem intimidating at first, there are countless resources and platforms that can help you get started. 

Have a product in mind but [don't know where to begin](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sell-on-pietra/register)? Review our step-by-step guide on how to start a makeup line below.

## Step 1. Find a niche or gap in the market

If you're wondering how to start a makeup business, your first assignment is finding a niche or gap in the market that helps you stand out. To do this, think about your own makeup routine and what's lacking. Or, consider your own passion for makeup and think of ideas that you can make to an existing product to make it better. Both routes allow you to differentiate yourself from the thousands of competitors in the market.

Let's look at Ella McFadin as an example. Ella was well-known for her minimal makeup routine, which primarily consisted of blush. Passionate about highlighting her natural glow without the need for a full makeup look, Ella decided to launch Skin by Ella Rose. Her primary product? A simple cream blush for an everyday look that emphasizes natural beauty. With that deep passion and a product in mind, Ella was able to see tremendous success with her makeup line.

To help you get started, some niches or gaps to consider may be vegan or cruelty-free makeup, makeup for more diverse complexions, or adding a twist to a popular product to make it stand out even more.

## Step 2. Use your Pietra Creator business plan

The next step in how to sell makeup is writing a makeup line business plan. At Pietra, we have educational resources accessible to all Creators to help them run a successful online business. This also includes our Creator Blueprint, which can act as your makeup line business plan. With our business plan, you don't need to worry about creating one yourself and figuring out the logistics. Here are the many components:

- Find a makeup supplier to work with
- Order makeup samples to test the quality
- Select the features and customizations for your products
- Hire a creative freelancer to design your logo and artwork
- Order a production run
- Ship makeup products to Pietra's Fulfillment Center
- Have an introductory business setup call with the warehouse
- Connect your website with Pietra's services
- Create content to promote your makeup brand
- Start selling your makeup and have Pietra ship your customer's orders to their home

## Step 3. Find a makeup supplier

Once your makeup product idea is formalized, it's time to find a [makeup supplier](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sourcing/browse/makeup/suppliers) to start selling your products. When choosing a makeup supplier, consider these factors:

- **Formulas:** Review the formulas used in each makeup product. At Pietra, we have a wide selection of makeup manufacturers, including those who create vegan and cruelty-free formulas.
- **Production process:** Determine whether you're interested in private labeling or contract manufacturing. With private labeling, you can attach your brand to an already existing makeup product, while contract manufacturing allows you to partake in each step of the production process.

  This includes creating the formula, finding the right packaging, and designing the labeling. With Pietra, you can find suppliers who offer both production processes to align with your brand vision.
- **Product quality:** One of the top factors to consider is product quality. The last thing people want is makeup that doesn't meet their expectations. Through Pietra, you can order samples before committing to a full makeup line to ensure it checks off each of your boxes.
- **Shipping:** In today's fast-paced world, consumers expect products to show up at their door quickly. When looking for suppliers for your makeup line, review their shipping, handling, and return processes. Pietra Fulfillment Services allow you to ship worldwide and offer your customers two-day shipping.
- **Packaging:** Your packaging is just as important as your logo and makeup containers. With Pietra, you can work with suppliers to create custom packaging that makes your brand stand out.

## Step 4. Create custom packaging + branding

To make your makeup business succeed, you need to clearly define your brand. In the beauty space, your packaging, makeup containers, and logo are vital to your success. Remember, makeup is an art, and consumers want to buy makeup products that catch their eye and allow them to envision who they can become.

Pietra can help you find creative freelancers to bring your brand vision to life. Not only can they help you create custom packaging, but you can find freelance designers to create your logo and build your online website to draw consumers in.

## Step 5. Create an online shop

With most of your business logistics taken care of, the next step on how to start your own makeup line is creating an online shop. There are several options when it comes to opening an online store. You can set up shop on an eCommerce platform like Pietra, where you can sell on the [Pietra Creator Marketplace](https://pietra.store/). Or, you can work with freelance web designers to create your own website on platforms like Shopify.

With Pietra, we can help you sell your makeup on various channels. Not only do we have the [Pietra Creator Marketplace](https://pietra.store/), but we easily integrate with Shopify and social media storefronts like Instagram Shopping and Google Shopping.

## Step 6. Promote your products

The final step in how to create a makeup business is promoting your products. In a competitive industry like beauty, it can be hard to stand out. However, there are several ways to promote your products and gain more visibility, such as social media marketing and SEO. At Pietra, you'll gain access to educational resources aimed at helping small business owners succeed, including tips on how to effectively market your brand.

Creating content is an essential component to running a successful online business. Content can range from blog posts on your website to social media posts on Instagram and TikTok. As a Creator, engaging with your customers can help you grow your makeup line and reach a broader audience. 

To leverage the community you've built, respond to comments, host product giveaways, create social media challenges centered around your brand, and post various types of content, such as videos, photos, and infographics. Doing so is an excellent way of relating to your customer base and making your makeup line more recognizable.

## Start Your Makeup Business with Pietra

You made it—you now know how to start your own makeup line. Pietra provides the services and resources that help any aspiring business owner succeed. From finding suppliers to designing custom packing, Pietra makes it easy to start a makeup line. Learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) and read customer success stories by reviewing PR on [how Pietra helps Creators](https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/30/pietra-raises-15m-from-founders-fund-to-help-creators-launch-their-own-product-lines/).

While creating a makeup business might seem intimidating at first, there are countless resources and platforms that can help you get started. Read to learn how Pietra can help your makeup business, Today!

How To Start Your Own Makeup Line | Pietra Studio

Makeup is a great form of expression, and if you’ve had an interest in the beauty industry, you may be wondering how to start your own makeup line. While creating a makeup business might seem intimidating at first, there are countless resources and platforms that can help you get started.

How to Start Your Own Makeup Line

No matter your candy preference, there's sure to be someone with a similar taste as you. Whether you have a sweet tooth for chocolate or prefer sour gummies, the candy industry knows how to fulfill anyone's cravings. With that said, if you have a passion for sweets and a dream of becoming an entrepreneur, you may consider opening your own custom candy line.

Maybe you have your own custom candy you make at home that you'd like to monetize, or perhaps you're brand-new to the candy market but want to get started. No matter where you are in your journey, we can teach you how to sell candy. In our step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to sell candy from your home with your own online shop. Let's get started.

## 1. Find an eCommerce Platform

The first step in how to sell candy is finding an eCommerce platform that gives you the tools and resources to open up an online shop. There are several eCommerce platforms to choose from that operate differently, such as open-source and SaaS platforms. Additionally, it's important to research each eCommerce platform's offerings and services, such as web support, shipping and fulfillment services, and so forth.

Pietra is an eCommerce platform that helps thousands of business owners sell their products worldwide. At Pietra, you can access educational resources for business owners to help you become a successful shop owner, and benefit from social media integration, assembly and kitting, and much more.

Additionally, Pietra integrates seamlessly with Shopify, one of the world's largest eCommerce platforms. If you have a Shopify website but are interested in Pietra's sourcing and fulfillment sources, we can help connect your online business to our services to bring your store to the next level.

## 2. Determine Your Niche

After you've found an eCommerce platform to run your custom candy company from, it's time to find your niche. The candy industry is vast, with countless companies vying for the top position. To stand out, you need to make a name for yourself by specializing in a particular type of candy that your customers love.

For example, you can create personalized candies for shoppers to order for special events, create vegan candy and gluten-free candy to tap into a fastly growing market, or specialize in a certain type of candy, such as chocolates or sweets.

Take Suckerz, for example. [Suckerz](https://suckerz.com) created their candy product on Pietra and is known for one key characteristic—their products contain 67% less sugar. Candy can be synonymous with unhealthy. However, Suckerz found a way to provide a sweet treat without some of the negative health benefits of containing too much sugar. Suckerz could stand out in a sea of competitors by creating a spin on the classic ball lollipop.

## 3. Research Suppliers

After narrowing down the niche you want to specialize in, you need to research suppliers who can bring your vision for custom candies to life. This is an integral step in how to sell candy because you want to ensure you're creating and selling a product that will perform well in the market. As you research suppliers, consider these qualities:

- **Ingredients:** The key ingredient to any good candy is its ingredients. Depending on how you want to define your brand, think of the ingredients you want or don't want in your products.

Take Suckerz, for example. Their vision was a tasty lollipop but without the excess sugar. During this process, consider what you enjoy, conduct market research to find what consumers enjoy, and find a supplier with the ingredients you need for your custom candies.
- **Quality:** Another important factor to consider is the quality of the candy your supplier produces. The last thing you want is chocolate that melts too fast or custom candies that crumble very easily. Read product reviews and testimonials to see what customers have to say.
- **Customer service:** You want to ensure you can easily contact your candy supplier should any issues arise. Look to see what their customer service offerings look like, such as 24/7 support, a live chat, or other features.
- **Customization:** To create customized candies, your supplier will need the tools and bandwidth to do so. As you research custom candy suppliers, ensure they have the resources to create personalized candies for your customers.

At Pietra, we have a vast network of [custom candy suppliers](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sourcing/browse/chocolate-and-candy/suppliers) for you to choose from. With each supplier, you can order samples of personalized candies to ensure they meet your expectations. By ordering samples, you'll be able to provide feedback and work together to create a final product your customers will love.

## 4. Choose a Fulfillment Partner

With a supplier picked out, the next step for selling custom candy is finding a fulfillment partner who can store your inventory and ship products to customers when they place an order. As you search for a fulfillment partner, consider their shipping options, packaging, and costs.

[Pietra's Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment) allow you to ship globally with several shipment options, such as $1 fulfillment and 2-day shipping, wholesale fulfillment, and more.

## 5. Create Your Brand

One of the most essential steps in starting a custom candy store is creating a strong and identifiable brand. When it comes to personalized candy, color and packaging plays a vital role. Remember—your goal is to appeal to your audience's senses, so create a logo and packaging that lures them in and gives them a glimpse of what they'll taste.

At Pietra, we can connect you with freelance designers who can help bring your brand vision to life. From creating custom candy bar wrappers to designing your logo and building your website, Pietra can help you get your candy business off the ground. Our database of freelance designers can also help create custom packaging, so when your custom candies show up on a customer's doorstep, they'll be greeted with a surprise.

## 6. Open Your Online Store

The last step in how to sell candy from home is opening your online store. With your eCommerce platform, supplier, and fulfillment partner picked out, it's time to finalize your website design and ensure it's ready for customers. Additionally, take time to market your brand through social media, word of mouth, and press releases.

At Pietra, we make it easy to start your custom candy business and sell on various platforms, such as the Pietra Creator Marketplace, Shopify, Instagram Shopping, Google Shopping, and more.

## Start Selling Custom Candy with Pietra Today

You made it. You now know how to sell candy and create a brand that customers love. At Pietra, we have the tools and resources needed for you to succeed. If you're ready to get started, learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com), and read up on [PR about how Pietra helps Creators](https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/30/pietra-raises-15m-from-founders-fund-to-help-creators-launch-their-own-product-lines/).

We've created an all-encompassing guide on how to start a custom candy business. Read on to learn six steps to get your candy business up and running.

How To Sell Your Custom Candy | Pietra Studio

No matter your candy preference, there's sure to be someone with a similar taste as you. Whether you have a sweet tooth for chocolate or prefer sour gummies, the candy industry knows how to fulfill anyone's cravings. With that said, if you have a passion for sweets and a dream of becoming an entrepreneur, you may consider opening your own custom candy line.

How to Sell Your Custom Candy

If you've been toying with the idea of opening an online business, you may have wondered what niche to hop into. There are countless items you can sell online, but one of the most popular and lucrative is the jewelry industry. Jewelry comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms, allowing you to carve out a space for you to create a unique brand. But getting started and finding jewelry manufacturers may seem like a challenge.

In this guide, we'll cover how to find a jewelry manufacturer so you can start creating and selling your own pieces. In six simple steps, you'll be on your way to running a successful online jewelry store.

## 1. Determine the types of jewelry you want to create

The first step in finding custom jewelry manufacturers is determining the types of jewelry you want to create and sell. Finding your niche can help you define your target audience and help limit your scope. This is important because you don't want to have an incohesive collection of jewelry that spans different styles and makes it difficult for your audience to understand your brand.

When it comes to the types of jewelry you want to create, think about the type of jewelry you like, potential gaps in the market, or ways to put a twist on a classic piece of jewelry. You can also focus on a certain type of jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, rings, or bracelets, or consider a market, such as high-end jewelry or bohemian jewelry. Finding a way to distinguish yourself and show your customers your personality goes a long way in the jewelry industry.

## 2. Develop your designs

Once you've determined your niche, it's time to start developing your designs. To develop a design, you'll need computer-aided designs (CADs). CADs can help you create a wide range of products including jewelry, and are beneficial in that they help you make necessary modifications and alterations if needed.

However, creating CADs can seem intimidating, especially if you lack the computer design skills needed to create jewelry concepts. At Pietra, we can pair you with freelance designers who can help you bring your vision to life. When consulting with a freelance designer, you can run your ideas by them and provide real-time feedback and suggestions to create a unique piece of jewelry that speaks to you.

However, you may find a jewelry manufacturer who has in-house support when it comes to creating CADs. Regardless, this is an essential step for any jewelry designer when it comes to creating a custom piece.

## 3. Research different jewelry manufacturers

Not all jewelry manufacturers for small businesses are the same, which means you need to do your due diligence when it comes to finding the right custom fashion jewelry manufacturer for you. As stated, you can find jewelry manufacturers who can help you create your own unique designs, and Pietra can help you source suppliers that can help you define your brand.

However, you can also look into private label jewelry manufacturers. Working with private label jewelry manufacturers is a more affordable option and great for first-time jewelry business owners. This is because when you work with a private label jewelry manufacturer, you can choose pre-made jewelry with lower MOQ's and sell it as your own with your custom packaging. At Pietra, we have over 5,000 private label jewelry products on our marketplace.

## 4. Screen each jewelry manufacturer

Once you've narrowed down your list of custom jewelry manufacturers, it's important to screen each manufacturer to ensure they deliver products that meet your expectations. By interviewing each jewelry manufacturer, you can ensure the jewelry they produce aligns with your brand and vision. Some key topics to talk to your manufacturer about include:

- Minimum order quantities (MOQ's)
- Production costs
- Production turnaround times
- Shipping process
- Quality assurance process
- Materials
- Ability to handle special materials and processes

### Start Selling With Pietra

By covering these topics, you can ensure the jewelry manufacturer has the tools and experience needed to create the products you intend to sell, as well as measures in place to ensure quality and efficiency are in place.

## 5. Order samples of your product designs

After screening various jewelry manufacturers, take the opportunity to order samples of your product designs. By ordering samples, you'll be able to see first-hand if the products are what you envisioned. During this time, you'll be able to make any alterations and work with your manufacturer by providing feedback.

At Pietra, you can order samples from any supplier you want to work with. This process is an essential step to running a successful online jewelry business, as it helps you work toward your final design that will be shipped to your customers.

## 6. Start selling

Now that you've screened and chosen a custom jewelry manufacturer, it's time to get to the fun part—opening your eCommerce site and selling your jewelry pieces. In today's day and age, running an online store is easy, especially with eCommerce platforms like Pietra.

With Pietra, you can set up shop on the Creator Marketplace and work with freelance designers to set up your page and teach you how to manage your online store. Pietra also can connect with Shopify, so if you run a Shopify store but want to leverage the power of [Pietra's Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment) or other services, we can help make that happen.

## Find a Jewelry Manufacturer with Pietra

At Pietra, we can help you find a [jewelry manufacturer](https://www.pietrastudio.com/sourcing/browse/jewelry/suppliers) who can help you design and produce your custom jewelry pieces. Throughout every step of forming your online jewelry business, Pietra can help. Not only can you find jewelry manufacturers, but Pietra can handle all fulfillment services for you, so you don't have to worry about tracking inventory or renting a warehouse.

Additionally, Pietra can help you find freelance designers to create your logos, packaging, and artwork, all of which are vital to welcoming customers into perusing your jewelry items. See success stories by reviewing [PR about how Pietra helps Creators](https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/30/pietra-raises-15m-from-founders-fund-to-help-creators-launch-their-own-product-lines/), and learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com).

Read more on how to find a jewelry manufacturer so you can start creating and selling your own jewelry pieces, today!

How to find a jewelry manufacturer | Pietra Studio

If you've been toying with the idea of opening an online business, you may have wondered what niche to hop into. There are countless items you can sell online, but one of the most popular and lucrative is the jewelry industry. Jewelry comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and forms, allowing you to carve out a space for you to create a unique brand. But getting started and finding jewelry manufacturers may seem like a challenge.

How to Find a Jewelry Manufacturer

An eCommerce platform is a type of software that allows the purchasing and selling of products online anywhere across the globe. eCommerce can follow various business models, such as business to business (B2B), business to consumer (B2C), and consumer to consumer (C2C). With so many ways to sell and buy online, using eCommerce solutions is important for any business, as it allows you to reach an audience anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re a startup or a successful small business, knowing how to use an eCommerce platform is important. In this guide, we’ll cover what an eCommerce platform is, the different types, how to find the best eCommerce platform, and more.

## What Are the Different Types of eCommerce Platforms?

While there are various business models a company can fall under when using an eCommerce platform, such as B2B or B2C, there are different types of eCommerce platforms a business must choose from first. eCommerce platforms can run on various types of software to help a business’s website run. These types of eCommerce solutions include:

- **SaaS:** SaaS, an abbreviation for software as a service, refers to software stored in the cloud rather than on your own computer, which can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection and computing device. An eCommerce platform that uses SaaS offers many benefits, such as not having to download large files or software to your computer, ease of use, affordability, security, and integration capabilities. In most cases, new or small businesses will start with an eCommerce platform that uses SaaS.

  Pietra is an example of an eCommerce platform that uses SaaS, and we can help turn any business idea into a thriving eCommerce business.

- **PaaS:** PaaS stands for platform as a service and is when a company’s own software can be integrated with other business applications. PaaS is also hosted on the cloud by the provider, but gives companies the tools and applications it needs to manage their eCommerce workload.
- **Proprietary software:** Unlike SaaS and PaaS, proprietary or on-premise software is when a company hosts its own eCommerce solutions. While this can give businesses more autonomy and creativity, it can be very expensive, time-consuming, and complicated.

Now that you know about the different types of eCommerce platforms and the software that can power them, let’s take a look at how to choose an eCommerce platform for your business.

## How to Choose an eCommerce Platform

If you’re ready to start selling online, you may be wondering how to choose an eCommerce platform that works for your business. Here’s what you should consider when looking for the best platform for an eCommerce website:

- **Price:** Most eCommerce platforms will charge a monthly fee to use their services. As with any financial decision, make sure to review the price to ensure it aligns with your budget. Pietra has a few plan options starting as low as $39/month.
- **Integrations:** As a business, you’ll have several software that will need to work together to deliver the perfect customer experience, such as your CRM and payment transaction software. This means the eCommerce platform you choose should work harmoniously with them. Pietra, for example, can easily integrate with several programs, such as Shopify and Instagram, to grow your business.
- **Customer Service:** When using an eCommerce platform, quality customer service is a must to ensure your website is running properly and customers can access it easily. Pietra is prepared to support you with processing returns and exchanges in a timely manner to get your customers the best experience.
- **Scalability:** The best eCommerce platforms will be able to grow with you as you scale your business. Pietra is completely scalable and can help manage eCommerce businesses of all sizes. This make it easier to connect as many sales channels as you want, organize supplier communication and shipments, and more.

These are just some of the many factors to consider when searching for the best platform for an eCommerce website. No matter the solution you choose, ensure it’s easy to use, can integrate with your current website, and grow with you.

## Why Choose Pietra?

At Pietra, we offer more than just eCommerce solutions. We can help you turn any business idea into a thriving venture, whether it’s starting your own candle business or opening up an online apparel shop.

With Pietra, you can work with freelance designers to create a logo, brand guidelines, and more. You can also use our fulfillment services to ensure your products get to your customers’ doorsteps, use our sourcing marketplace to find envelopes and packaging, and find suppliers or manufacturers to help create your products.

Once your business is up and running, you can start selling on Pietra’s [Creator Marketplace](https://pietra.store). With your own online shop managed by our team, you can boost sales and grow your audience and get a shareable link for your social media channels like Instagram and TikTok.

In addition to the Creator Marketplace, Pietra seamlessly integrates with Shopify, allowing you to manage backend tasks like order fulfillment while running your website on Shopify. If you’re looking for an eCommerce platform for wholesale, Pietra is your answer. To learn more, browse our [Pietra FAQs](https://help.pietrastudio.com/en/).

## What are the Benefits of Using an eCommerce Platform?

Some of the top reasons you should work with an eCommerce platform include:

- **Heightened security:** eCommerce platforms have extensive security measures, such as encryption, to ensure payments and customer data are secure.
- **Improved customer experience:** When integrating an eCommerce solution with your existing software, you can greatly improve your user experience by streamlining the purchasing process.
- **Trackable inventory:** Keeping track of inventory can be a challenge. However, eCommerce solutions with inventory management help ensure shelves are stocked and inventory is moving.

## Start Selling With Pietra

Pietra is your all-in-one eCommerce solution. With Pietra, you not only have the ability to open your own Pietra Shop, but you can work with freelance designers to help build your website or design logos, find wholesalers to source products, and fulfill your orders so you can place your products in the homes of people around the world.

Learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) and the ways we can help you bring your next business idea to life.

An eCommerce platform is a type of software that allows the purchasing and selling of products online anywhere across the globe. Learn more!

What Is An eCommerce Platform | Pietra Studio

An eCommerce platform is a type of software that allows the purchasing and selling of products online anywhere across the globe. eCommerce can follow various business models, such as business to business (B2B), business to consumer (B2C), and consumer to consumer (C2C). With so many ways to sell and buy online, using eCommerce solutions is important for any business, as it allows you to reach an audience anywhere in the world.

What Is an eCommerce Platform?

If you have a passion for creation — whether it’s candles or home decor — you can turn that interest into a flourishing business by creating an online store. Over the past several years, eCommerce businesses have been skyrocketing, allowing consumers to purchase products from the comfort of their homes.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? Now’s the time. In this guide, we’ll provide six steps on how to create an online store so that you can become a successful entrepreneur.

## How to Create an Online Store

If you’ve been wondering how to create an online business, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s an online jewelry store or an online clothing store, there are a few simple steps you can follow to get your company off the ground.

At Pietra, we can help make this happen by giving you all the tools you need to get started. Take a look at how to create an online store below.

### Step 1. Formalize Your Idea

The first step in forming any business is coming up with your idea. If you have a passion you want to share with others, whether it’s making apparel or designing clothes, formalizing your idea and determining where you want to take it is where you should start.

From there, you’ll then be able to create a business plan. A business plan outlines your company’s goals and objectives and serves as a roadmap for you to follow as you grow and scale your business. At Pietra, we can take your information and ideas and help create a business plan for you. There are a few critical components of an effective business plan, including:

- Executive summary
- Company description
- Market analysis
- Organization and management
- Products and services description
- Marketing and sales information
- Funding request
- Financial projections

At Pietra, we provide users with a wide array of business resources, including a library of tools, resources, and workshops. At Pietra, new business owners can take a free business class to ensure the success of their online store and access videos and tools to grow.

### Step 2. Pick an eCommerce Solution

Once you’ve crafted your business plan for your online store, the next step is finding an eCommerce solution for you to start selling your products. eCommerce platforms can vary depending on their integration capabilities, extensions, and features. It’s essential to take time to research different platforms to determine what features and integrations you need to start your online store.

Pietra is the perfect place to start. We’re more than just an eCommerce storefront. With Pietra, you can create an online store from start to finish. You can work with freelance designers to create a logo, find suppliers to create products for your store, and access our fulfillment services that will manage your inventory for you.

### Step 3. Create Brand Guidelines

In order for your online store to succeed, you need to create a brand identity that consumers will remember. Whether you already have an idea in mind or don’t know where to start, Pietra can help. With Pietra, you can work with highly-talented freelance designers to help create your logo, develop branding guidelines, take product photography, and help design your website.

When creating your brand guidelines, there are certain aspects to consider, such as:

- Font size
- Color scheme
- Page layout
- Photography/videography aesthetic

Staying consistent with your brand guidelines can help make your online store more distinguishable from your competitors.

### Step 4. Add Products to your Store

The next step to creating an online store is adding products to your online shop. There are a few key components needed when adding products to your store, including:

- **Product descriptions:** A product description is a brief description that summarizes what the product is, including materials, sizes, colors, and why a shopper needs the product.
- **Product images:** The images of your products are what get them sold, which means you need product photography that fully encapsulates every angle of the product.
- **Category pages:** Products should also be arranged in categories so shoppers can browse similar products. For example, an online jewelry store can add hoop earrings and stud earrings to the category “earrings.”

At Pietra, you can source products at steep discounts from more than 50 product categories, such as candles, lotions, and even shirts for your online clothing store.

### Step 5. Set Up Fulfillment Services

After you’ve sourced your products for your online store, you need to find a way to get them to your customers’ doorsteps. This is where fulfillment services come into play. Running an online store can be challenging, especially when it comes to inventory management. By using an eCommerce platform, you’ll have access to fulfillment services that can store and track your inventory.

With [Pietra Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment), you’ll have access to affordable storage space and fulfillment rates. Not only will we be able to have a space for your inventory to be received and shipped, but you’ll have access to photography services, assembly, custom boxing, and more when you sign up.

### Step 6. Market your Online Store

With your business plan in place and products picked out, it’s time to start marketing. To attract leads and visitors to your online store, there are different strategies you can use, such as:

- Social media marketing
- Influencer marketing
- Search engine optimization
- Paid advertising

These are some of the different marketing tactics you can use to attract a larger audience to your online store. Pietra provides the tools and resources to help you effectively market your products and convert leads into repetitive customers.

## How Much Does it Cost to Create an Online Store?

You know how to create an online business, but how much does it cost to create an online store? Prices can vary from business to business, but Pietra makes it easy by offering several pricing packages to meet your budget.

[Pietra pricing](https://www.pietrastudio.com/pricing/) starts at $39 per month. However, depending on your business needs like sampling, inventory, and packaging, there are additional expenses that Peitra Creators can pay for to streamline their online business.

## Create an Online Store With Pietra

Ready to bring that business idea floating around in your head to life? Start working with Pietra today. At Pietra, you can join the Creator Marketplace and create your own online store directly on our platform where thousands of monthly users around the globe shop for items they love. Our team can teach you how to create an online store and provide you with the tools and resources needed to succeed. Learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com).

Check out these six steps on how to create an online store so that you can become a successful entrepreneur, today!

Create An Online Store in 6 Steps | Pietra

If you have a passion for creation — whether it's candles or home decor — you can turn that interest into a flourishing business by creating an online store. Over the past several years, eCommerce businesses have been skyrocketing, allowing consumers to purchase products from the comfort of their homes.

Create an Online Store in 6 Steps

If your company is involved in the shipment and delivery of a physical product, such as apparel or home decor, keeping track of inventory is vital. However, this can be challenging, especially for new or smaller businesses that don’t have the tools and resources needed to track and ship their products accurately.

That’s where warehouse automation comes into play. Simply put, warehouse automation can help companies track the flow of inventory in their warehouse to improve the speed and efficiency of receiving materials and sending finished products. No matter the stage of business you’re in, having a fully automated warehouse is a must, and our guide can help.

Learn more about warehouse automation, its benefits, and how Pietra can help manage your inventory with our order fulfillment services and warehouses.

## What is Warehouse Automation?

Warehouse automation is the process of moving inventory in a warehouse with limited human assistance. This means moving and tracking inventory into and out of a warehouse and into the homes of customers with a decreased need for human labor.

Warehouse automation companies will work with businesses to streamline the movement of their inventory in a warehouse to ensure items are packed, shipped, and delivered efficiently. A new warehouse automation trend is employing AI and robots in warehouses. Here, workers can hand packages to robots to place in storage or bring to a delivery truck, for example. The software programmed in the robot will be able to update a company’s systems, so the staff knows the location and status of each piece of inventory.

However, creating a fully automated warehouse with warehouse automation doesn’t have to be as complex as using robots. Other warehouse automation trends simply require using software, such as inventory management software, warehouse management systems, and supply chain systems. With these pieces in place, companies can improve the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of moving inventory into, within, and out of a warehouse.

## Which Processes Can be Automated in the Warehouse?

Running a fully automated warehouse significantly improves your supply chain and customer satisfaction, allowing for speedy shipments and reduced delays or errors. But what processes can be automated in the warehouse with warehouse automation? Several, in fact. Below are some of the manual tasks that can be automated with software to save time and boost efficiency:

- Shipping
- Inventory management
- Picking inventory
- Sorting inventory
- Packing products
- Processing returns & exchanges
- Tracking inventory

Why spend the bulk of your time on repetitive tasks, when you could have them automated? With warehouse automation, your precious time can be better spent elsewhere. Warehouse automation companies have found ways to streamline repetitive and low-skill tasks to increase productivity in more important areas of your business to help you grow.

## What Are the Benefits of Warehouse Automation?

Now that you know what warehouse automation is and the tasks that can be automated, let’s dive into its many benefits and how automating warehouse tasks can help your organization.

- **Lower operating costs:** There are several ways automating warehouse tasks can lower operating costs. First, automating manual tasks doesn’t require the help of workers, which can save on payroll expenses. Additionally, warehouse automation reduces human error, which saves costs on returns, damaged goods, and other related expenses.
- **Increased productivity:** Because warehouse automation eliminates the need for workers to complete repetitive tasks, they can delegate time to more important business matters, such as marketing, customer service, and sales.
- **Data tracking:** Warehouse automation equipment makes it much easier to collect and analyze data in real-time. When an item is moved in the warehouse, automated updates will be made, which can help companies reduce lost inventory, identify items that aren’t selling, and see what items need to be restocked.
- **Improved customer satisfaction:** As we know, warehouse automation reduces errors and improves speed. These are two important traits customers look for in a business. By automating warehouse tasks, customers will be able to receive their orders sooner and with a reduced likelihood of a mistake.
- **Reduced storage costs:** Without warehouse automation equipment, it can be hard to keep track of inventory, which means you might order too much of a certain product that can take up important storage space. A fully automated warehouse means you can downsize to a smaller warehouse if needed and save on rent costs. It also maximizes your space and allows you to grow your production line to produce more goods.
- **Time management:** Rather than spending time shipping orders, tracking inventory, and buying shipping materials to send out your products, you can allocate time for other tasks like creating engaging content and engaging with your audience.

These are some of the many benefits of working with a warehouse automation company. Start creating a fully automated warehouse today to take your company to the next level.

## When Should you Automate your Warehouse?

There are a few key questions to ask yourself to ensure automating your warehouse is the right move:

- Are customer orders getting delayed?
- Is inventory going missing?
- Do you have an overflow of inventory?
- Is customer satisfaction trending downwards?
- Do you have enough staff to keep up with demand?
- Do you want to focus your attention on another aspect of your business?

Bottom line; if you’re unable to control the movement of your inventory, it may be time to automate your warehouse. Warehouse automation allows you to leverage the power of tools and software to track data and make important business decisions.

## Enjoy a Fully Automated Warehouse with Pietra

At Pietra, we can help handle every aspect of your eCommerce business, from conception to delivering your products across the world. [Pietra’s Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment) give Pietra Creators access to the top rates for eCommerce services, including:

- $1 order fulfillment and 2-day shipping
- $1/mo per cubic foot of storage
- $1 kitting and assembly
- $29 eCommerce photography

In addition to our warehouse automation solutions, Pietra can pair you with freelance designers to create logos and brand guidelines, help you source packages for your products, and give you access to workshops and tools to grow your business. Learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) and ways we can help you scale your online business.

No matter the stage of business you're in, having a fully automated warehouse is a must, and our guide can help. Learn how Pietra can help you, today!

Warehouse Automation and It's effect on your Business | Pietra

If your company is involved in the shipment and delivery of a physical product, such as apparel or home decor, keeping track of inventory is vital. However, this can be challenging, especially for new or smaller businesses that don't have the tools and resources needed to track and ship their products accurately.

How Does Warehouse Automation Affect Your Business

If you have a passion for fashion, you may be wondering how to start your own clothing line. Fortunately, creating a clothing line from scratch is much easier today than it was even a few years ago. This is thanks to modern eCommerce platforms, like Pietra, and a growing network of freelancers readily accessible to help turn your visions into reality. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to start a clothing line in eight simple steps and how Pietra can help.

## Step 1. Hone Your Fashion Design Skills

The first step in how to start a clothing line business is honing your fashion design skills. Some aspiring clothing line owners go to fashion school for a formal education while others become  self-taught experts. However, there are plenty of ways to start a clothing line without a technical or specialized background.

At Pietra, you can gain access to an expansive network of freelance fashion designers. When working with a freelancer, you can share your ideas to create a unique tech pack that aligns with the style and vision you’re aiming for. Partnering with a freelancer makes it easy to bring your ideas to life and create a clothing line that's tailored to you.

## Step 2. Write a Business Plan

The next step in how to start a clothing line is creating a clothing line business plan. Drafting a business plan for your clothing line can seem intimidating, especially if you’re finally making the jump to becoming a business owner. However, business plans are essential for the success of

your company, as they serve as a roadmap that outlines your goals, market, customers, finances, and more.

With Pietra, you can gain exclusive access to educational resources and workshops that can help new business owners learn the ins and outs of starting a business. Additionally, Creators can learn how to tailor their clothing line business plan to their brand principles, such as selling clothes made in the USA, apparel made from sustainable materials, or affordable clothes.

Thanks to Pietra, Creators can learn to make a soundproof business plan for their clothing line and find suppliers more easily, as they have a soundproof business plan that can serve as a guide while they grow.

## Step 3. Build Your Brand

The fashion industry is vast and competitive, which means you need to build a brand that aligns with your customers and holds true to its principles. To create an identifiable brand, you need to create brand guidelines with a distinguishable logo that customers will remember.

At Pietra, you can work with freelance designers that can help you turn your brand ideas from a dream to reality. Freelancers can create your brand guidelines, logo, packaging design, tech packs, and so much more. Whatever idea you have for your brand in mind, our network of freelancers can create.

## Step 4. Source Your Products

Once you’ve defined your brand guidelines, it’s time to get your designs and logo on apparel for consumers. This is where sourcing your products comes into play. Finding quality suppliers can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know where to look. Pietra makes sourcing products easy by giving you access to hand-picked, high-quality suppliers. Through our network of suppliers, you can source products based on fabrics, colors, and other materials needed to create your garments.

## Step 5. Produce Your First Collection

Now that you’ve sourced your products and found designers to work with, it’s time to start creating. One of the key steps on how to start your own clothing line is making your first collection. Your clothing line’s first collection will introduce your brand to the world. By starting small with a curated collection of one to five different pieces, you can launch your first line quicker and save money.

Over time, you can add products to your core collection as you grow, and roll out more collections as you begin to expand. Once you’re ready to expand your designs, you can consider collections based on the seasons, such as a fall or winter collection. Or, you can work with a collaborator or artist to create a one-of-a-kind collection.

## Step 6. Create an Online Store

Once all of the aforementioned steps are complete, it’s time to create an online store or work with an eCommerce platform like Pietra. At Pietra, you can create your own online store directly on our platform to start selling. You can learn more about [how Pietra works](https://www.pietrastudio.com) to get started.

In addition to opening up your online storefront with Pietra, you can create an online store with Shopify. Pietra partners with Shopify, so you can create your website while reaping the benefits we have to offer, such as our sourcing and fulfillment services. You can even hire freelancers through Pietra to design and set up your Shopify website.

No matter the route you take when opening your online store, there are key principles to keep in mind to increase search visibility and bring leads to your site. This includes using SEO best practices like boosting page speeds and incorporating keywords in copy, placing CTAs throughout your website to direct users down the sales funnel, and improving user experience on your site.

## Step 7. Determine Your Fulfillment Process

With your store up and running, it’s time to square away your fulfillment processes. Fulfillment refers to the method used to get your products to the doors of your customers when an item is bought. [Pietra Fulfillment Services](https://www.pietrastudio.com/platform/logistics-and-fulfillment) can take care of this step for you, so you don’t have to worry about tracking your inventory or worry about shipping.

## Step 8. Determine Your Launch Date

Lastly, once the website is up and running and the logistics are squared away, it’s time to set up your launch date, which is the day your online shop goes live for customers to view and shop. Through social media marketing and other marketing techniques, you can grow awareness and launch a successful online grand opening.

## How to Start Your Own Clothing Line FAQs

### How Much Does it Cost to Start a Clothing Line?

Depending on the route you take, starting a clothing line can be expensive due to factors like payroll, rent, inventory, and shipping. Additionally, expenses vary from business to business and their overall scale.
With Pietra, you can start a clothing line at an affordable cost. All you have to do is create an online shop. From there, Pietra takes care of most of the logistics without you having to hire a team or pay rent for a brick-and-mortar store.

### How to Start a Clothing Line With No Experience

First, you need to understand your “why,” which is the reason you want to start a clothing line in the first place. From there, you need to get a firm grasp on how to market your clothing line to your target audience and how to scale your business over time. After that, you can use the steps in our guide on how to start your own clothing line to get started.

### How to Sell Clothes Online

If you’re ready to start selling clothes online, there are a few basic steps to take, including:

* Finding a domain name
* Creating a Shopify website
* Ordering inventory through Pietra
* Adding products to your category pages
* Connecting your website to Pietra for order fulfillment

Pietra also helps Creators sell their products on other sales channels, such as Google Shopping, Instagram Shopping, Verishop Marketplace, and Pietra’s Creator Marketplace. Read our [PR about how Pietra helps Creators](https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/30/pietra-raises-15m-from-founders-fund-to-help-creators-launch-their-own-product-lines/) to learn more about how we help creators like you succeed.

Creating a clothing line from scratch is much easier today than it was even a few years ago. Learn how Pietra can help you start your clothing line!

How To Start Your Own Clothing Line | Pietra

If you have a passion for fashion, you may be wondering how to start your own clothing line. Fortunately, creating a clothing line from scratch is much easier today than it was even a few years ago. This is thanks to modern eCommerce platforms, like Pietra, and a growing network of freelancers readily accessible to help turn your visions into reality. Below, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to start a clothing line in eight simple steps and how Pietra can help.

How to Start Your Own Clothing Line

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