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What kind of outifts do you like?
Hi all,
First I'm not sure if this goes here or marketplace, but I'm not selling anything yet, so I guessed here was ok...
I'm working on a stripper costume site, pretty much got it ready, just getting stock to sell, and I want to know what kind of stuff you all use the most, what you'd like more of, what you hate, etc. Mostly bikinis, shorts/tops, dresses, gowns, themes, etc? Fave colors, prints - prefer solids or prints?
So far I have wholesale accounts set up with Forplay, Tony, Kaia Designs, Krista Designs, Ooh La La. I'm going to the big lingerie convention in LV next week to shop, set up more accounts, etc. Planning to set up with Bodyzone, Sexy in Miami, Leg Avenue and Nom de Plume also. If any of you ladies are familiar with these or other manufacturing companies, let me know what you think of their stuff. Would/Do you buy it?
The one thing I see with most sites is they have limited selection, mostly stuff from the same manufacturers, usually Forplay and Leg Avenue (cheapest). From what I have seen of girls' preferences over the years, most don't want the same stuff everyone else is wearing. I want to be able to provide a wide variety while keeping prices at a reasonable level - I know everyone wants it as cheap as they can get it!
But here's the thing on price: The quality merchandise costs more! The supercheap stuff on ebay and other sites is mostly low quality stuff and IMO not enough variety. Is price the ultimate factor when buying online? Will you pay a little more for a nicer outfit that is better quality and comes in more/prettier colors? How much more? To give you an idea, I could sell a short dress from a cheaper comany for $25-30 retail, but the fabric/construction will be noticeably cheaper and colors/styles are very limited. I could sell a short dress from a better comany for $40-50 (some with matching thongs), and the fabric/construction will be good quality with more color/style choices. Wholesale prices are not as cheap as you might think! So which do you go for most? Cheapest price or better quality at a reasonable price?
I'm about to go into high gear buying mode, so I need some input here please!
Thanks ladies :)
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
hi Bridgette! Well I do wish you luck in you endeavors. Personally I prefer tops and shorts(it's a butt thing). Over the last two years I"ve only seen a couple skirt or dress outfits that I felt comfortable in. I understand what you are saying about the price thing. If I was bying something off of ebay I'm not sure I'd want to spend a lot of money. I mean what iff the product was not what I thought it was? I do know for myself and a lot of other girls I've worked with that there is a price for not having the same thing three other girls in the club do! I would be willing to pay extra is it was a unique piece. This is assuming that the fabric is off good quality. I have found a couple great pieces that I paid quite a bit for but simply have not lasted!
Good Luck to you.!
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
I love minidresses, especially tight ones. I like vibant colours and unique styles (e.g cut outs and deeeep cowl necks) I also like deep cleavage outfits (I don't have implants so they have to be fairly supportive to my mammaries!)
As for price - I go for a bit of both. The cheap stuff can be extremely flattering whereas the expensive stuff lasts a lot longer and can be more unique (they don't tend to stock as many of them which his good). It's also nice to have outfits that come with thongs. I've been put off buying some crazy outfits because I cannot find a matching thong for it.
Just a few ideas.
I too wish you good luck. Keep us posted! ;)
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
As a note, I'm thinking of offering everything with a thong, matching if available, or at least coordinating. Some would also come with optional garters.
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Good luck, Bridgette!
Though I'm officially retired now, I'll add my two cents anyway.
Personally, if it is better quality and will last, I'd be willing to pay more. I've fallen too many times into cheap traps, only to be disappointed when something didn't last long. In the end, it cost me more money to end up buying something else. :'(
I'd pay more if there were matching thongs and garters. And variety is a big factor. I'm one of the ones that didn't want the same outfit the other chicks were wearing, so yeah, I'd pay more for something different. :)
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
I like really unusual,unique looking costumes. I've always really been attracted to chainmail, rhinestones,exotic looking clothing; and i'd rather pay for quality.
good luck with this. it sounds like alot of fun. the look is one of my favorite things about exotic dancing.
hope i was helpful!
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
I agree with Ferrari ..I like quality and will spend more to get it.
Plus like you said, I don't want to look like everyone else either.
I like matching sets or shoes that match the outfits, I found one site that offers that.
Good luck in your venture and keep us up dated..
:hug:,
Farrah
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Themed outfits are what I'm into right now.
As for normal dance wear: anything that will help a small breasted dancer look bigger (padding in the bra), or just looks good on a petite dancer.
Also, anything that flatters my butt.
As for GStrings.. I stick to black and white or anything that is 'cute' (goes well with my School Girl outfits).
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
I'm pro-bikini- if you're a petite dancer, the less costume, the better. I'm surprised I don't see more nude-colored fabrics worn by dancers...
Good news: I knew a dancewear maker on Guam who said she made well over $40,000 a year just selling club-to-club on the island. I know, I bought a few hundred dollars worth of costumes from her...find a unique marketing angle, like catering to certain considerations (petite, tall, theme, gothic styles, etc.) Always the special angle! Best of luck.
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
I like unique items, and I am fully willing to pay whatever price is necessary for a unique, high-quality item. I have looked alot on-line, and basically the stores are a repeat of the same merchandise. If you can carry some different lines, I think that will be a plus.
I wear alot of lingerie. I have been looking for babydolls that are well-made and different, but not finding much. I always wear boy shorts, lace ones or whatever matches. But this combination is also hard to find.
I like theme outfits too. Alot of these are very cheaply-made. If you could carry a line of good-quality theme outfits, that may work for you too.
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Something I would like to see more of, that I have a hard time finding, are nice halter dresses, both long and short. I'm talking about the kind that are basically a tube with two triangles on top that tie around the neck- they're great for the busty gal.
I would also like to find more of the plain thongs that have a wider strap on the side, not just the string.
I can't wait to see your site. I'm sure it'll kick ass.
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
I usually go for solid colors, and lately I've been into the two peice outfits with the flared skirts.
I go both ways on the pricing, too. If I'm going to buy something cheap, I make sure I get it really cheap tho (ebay or supersale). I'm sometimes hesitant to buy more expensive stuff from webites I don't know - I'll look at a picture and try to guess the brand, and if it doesn't say or I can't tell I usually won't buy it. So I think some of us might pay more more readily if we know what brand it is.
Lena
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Hi,
I also am looking for thongs that offer a little more coverage than just a thin string on the side. Also thongs that are a little wider in the front. I once bought a nice one the the large "O" rings on the sides and it had a more moderate coverage.
As for gowns, (thats all I can wear at the club I work at), I prefer a stretch VELVET or other MATTE fabric in a simple style but sexy. The shiny fabrics and lycra tend to show every lump and bump on my body. Red, black and white are always good colors. Let me know when you're ready for business!
Shelby ;)
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Like GoldCoastGirl, I like to wear costumes (nurse, maid, schoolgirl, etc.) Most dancers that I've seen wear short dresses or bikinis, so it helps me stand out. When buying clothes online, I usually shop at Flirt or Forplay, and once in awhile I'll buy stuff off eBay.
I think the matching thongs and garters with the outfits are a good idea.
I'm willing to pay a higher price for a higher quality outfit. I'd rather pay $80 for an outfit that will last me 2-3 years than $20 for an outfit that falls apart after wearing it twice.
Good luck with your site Bridgette! :)
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
I personally prefer gowns and lingerie, as well as rhinestone jewelry to accessorize.
The matching thongs are an excellent idea.
I've noticed a HUGE surge of popularity in Sexxy Brazil costumes. I would suggest looking into these, they are wildly popular here in Indy. :P
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Thanks ladies for all the responses so far! This does help. What I'm planning for now is some of the mix and match two-piece things, some unique stuff that the costume lady from my club makes (she makes some really cute quality stuff that has alot more detail and cuter prints than the standard stuff out there), some plain and some more 'exotic' looking short and long dresses in solids and prints.
I hadn't really thought about costumes, but I guess I should add a section for that too. Only problem there is the only companies I've found that do costumes are Forplay and Leg Avenue (Pinup Girl carries alot of Forplay stuff) - these are the two major cheap companies and everybody has their stuff! Haven't found a different company yet. Perhaps I could get the costume lady to make some things with her own style....she pretty much does one of a kind stuff, alot of similar styles but she'll use different fabrics or vary the detailing so no two things are exactly alike.
I've also thought about doing some of my own things, like jazzing up the standard tube with rhinestones or beads, something like that. An idea that's been floating around in my mind is to take custom orders for this sort of thing - your stagename in rhinestones, a certain design or phrase you like, your own design that you fax or scan and email to me. Would y'all go for something like that? I have played around with this sort of thing for some of my own outfits, and it always generates customer interest.
Oh and I hear ya about the thongs. Seems too many retailers are going to one or two styles of thong and that's it. There are actually LOADS of thong styles out there, and I am planning to carry a variety.
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Well Bridgette I do have to say I love an awsome dress that makes me feel so sexy so I would say I would pay more for a dress that made me feel super hot not more than 200 dollars if it is a gown though I have my spending limits but I am willing to pay up to that much if the dress is to die for. As far as what style I love sexy gowns that are classy but extremly slutty if you have an idea of what I am talking about. I do like some mini dresses expecialy hologram colors. Oh I also love two peice gowns and dresses anything that exposes the midrif is very sexy. Oh and I am familiar with body zone. My friend at work has her own exotic dancewear store and is always selling out those v-string thongs they are the only kind of thongs I buy anymore EVER! Well good luck I hoped this helped!!
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Try to sell unique and one off and not the same stuff as everyone else. 99% of the web sites sell the same stuff as the rest. The best part is most sell it as "Unique".
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Depending on what mood I'm in, either dresses/robes or skirt sets. I have found, to my detriment, that shorts sets, majority-wise, don't do shit for me.
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
I only need a matching thong with a very unique colored outfit, like lime green. I don't want to pay extra for a black or white thong so every outfit you sell doesn't need to come with those. Matching shoes with things makes it WAY to expensive. I have a carefully planned shoe collection and I don't need to waste my money.
I HATE how many sites use models with breat implants. I can't tell if they will lay right on me or not.
I also don't like the thin, tight spandex. Its not flattering at all.
A good, organized website that gives brand names and has a sale section always gets me to buy something. I don't bother with the sites that are to much trouble to look through (to much clicking to see each outfit) The more explanation and color choices along with each outfit the better. I skip over black outfits and will buy anything that is pink. Other people have their own color quarks as well.
To sell well you need to have a unique balance of quality, price, and uniqueness. Go with your gut when you are picking things out at the LV show.
A professional packaging, prompt shipping, and receipt included also makes me smile.
If you are selling on ebay I probably won't be buying from you cause I would assume you are shady and everything is used. The pictures and explanations on their always look bad to me.
I love accessories like chokers or garters. I can never have enough of those.
For the non unique costumes you need to give good prices or free shipping or something. I do a lot of internet shopping and the same popular costumes are priced differently at every site.
God Luck
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
I've been looking for higher quality gowns for work (that's all we can wear). I need some short dresses, as well.
I have 2 gowns that I bought about a month ago and they are already ripping at the seams...from taking them off and putting them back on eons of times each night. I paid a pretty penny for them, but sometimes, the price doesn't reflect the quality...just the idea that the dress is for strippers. The short dress I have that goes around the neck is at the tailors to have the seams redone and to make the neck wrap separate (it only goes over the head with no clasps, etc).
Anyways, if you could find some great dresses and gowns that look like they will last, then I'm game!! I DO have a price limit of what I am willing to spend (no more than $150). But, IMO, the dresses I bought, I paid about that much and they are not lasting, so if you find better quality I will buy. I don't care for the spandex/latex style dresses. They look nice, but they are not easy to take off and put on a zillion times a night (especially when I am sweaty from my stage show). SO, just about anything else that is a close fit, but looks sexy (I cannot wear 2 pieces, just one pieces) is an option.
I can only wear T-Back thongs at work. They are getting harder and harder to find. I know of one place that sells them, and she makes them fit so tight, that anyone who weighs more than 100 lbs. looks like a cow in a rubber band. I am thinking of making my own...so if you can find T-Backs (color doesn't really matter) that have some stretch, that would be cool, too.
The unique stuff would be cool, too. There are a few sites out there that do that...I am buying a dress from them right now. It's nice to have something that no one else can buy. :D
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Doing things with dancer names/zodiac/initials is a good idea; lots of girls at my club love anything like that.
I prefer mix-and-match tops and bottoms, so I can have multiple tops to wear with any bottom and vice versa. It makes me feel as though I'm getting more for my $. But I also prefer non-solid fabrics, especially for the tops, because most girls wear the solids, and I want something more fun and different.
I would pay for the more expensive stuff if I could, but I can't... I can only work 3 days a week while in school, and my money goes to tuition, books, medical, rent, (upcoming surgery), and the like. I only buy stuff from the net if 1) the shipping costs less than the product I am buying and 2) it's really cheap... I go to the closeout and supersale sections... because I already have clothes to wear to work, and I could do without 1 more.
But I like to window shop at them...
Shoes are hard to find around here in half sizes, especially cool ones. I wouldn't mind buying shoes online.
Also, I frequently go to look for cool flowey costumes, such as robes that hug the body at the top but flare down from the waiste, and there are never very many.
I also frequently look for denim stuff online, but it's all way expensive.
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Bridgette, are you planning to aim your online store for just American dancers or will you have international shipping?
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
One more thing. The law where I live is that we can't wear thongs or T-backs if we dance at a bar which serves hard liquor. Hardly anyplace has a good selection of Brazillians, and adding a thong in with the outfit doesn't do anything for me because it's illegal for me to wear them to work. You may consider having Brazillian/full back optional with the thong sets, or at least have a good selection to buy from. That would help set you apart some as well.
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Re:What kind of outifts do you like?
Malibu, international shipping will be available. Shipping outside the US will cost more, of course, but nothing crazy. Global Priority from the post office would be less than $10 for most orders, to most countries, and should arrive within a week in most cases.
So one of the biggest points I keep seeing here is variety of thongs/bottoms and something other than solid colors. I've always been leaning toward more prints and fun colors, with standards and solids too of course.
Been talking to the costume lady at work and she's willing to work with me. YAY! I've bought some things from her to use myself and it is good quality stuff with MUCH more interesting details than nearly all the commercial stuff I'm finding so far. I'm thinking of getting her to make me a truckload of stuff and use that as my core inventory. It is nice stuff, with belts, ties, straps, ladders, eyeholes, etc. Lots of complicated, but durable, detail and fun colors/prints. Her construction is really good too. Her stuff is a bit expensive, but prices are not crazy, especially for what it is. For example, I recently paid $75 for a skirt/top/thong set, which is a bit high, but the belt, eyehole and ladder detailing make it much more unique and interesting, so for me it's worth it.
Oh yeah, to poster above, this costume lady makes TONS of bikini sets with the scrunch bottom, they're like a low-rise full bottom thing. These have nice detailing too....
Well thanks again ladies! If anyone has anything else to add, please do!