Startup cost
$2k
TRUiC Business Ideas
How to Start a Fashion Consulting Business
Decision Snapshot
Fashion Consulting
Idea Score
74
Profit margin
41%
Break-even
4 mo–12 mo
Time to launch
2 wk–8 wk
Demand trend
Stable
5-yr failure rate
—
Capital intensity
Low
Time commitment
Full time
Part 1 - How to start a Fashion Consulting business - Background
A fashion consulting business can exist with a variety of scales. For instance, the business may be run by a lone consultant or as a major firm, and the clients may be individuals, retail stores, or major brands. The job can effectively be run from your home, which allows you to do this as a “side job” before making it your primary line of work.
You may also be interested in additional side hustle ideas.
Our guide is in 3 parts:
- Part 1 - How to start a Fashion Consulting business - Background
- Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
- Part 3 - Action plan to get started
What are the costs involved in opening a fashion consulting business?
The costs to open a fashion consultant business are extremely low. You can effectively start from home, and there are no formal education or certification requirements. Ultimately, you could open the business for $2,000 or less. This assumes $500 for a professionally-designed website and $1,500 split across advertising via traditional media channels such as newspapers and radio. Use some of your money to print out high-quality brochures to advertise your business. Your job is very image-oriented, so most of the ongoing marketing will be via your web page as well as social media pages that you can set up via Instagram, Facebook, and so on.
What are the ongoing expenses for a fashion consulting business?
Perhaps the greatest asset of a home-based fashion consulting business is that there are only few ongoing expenses. You will have to pay gas to travel to clients, and pay for the hosting of your website ($100 or less per year). You may also decide to print new brochures from time to time. However, you have no monthly lease to pay, no utilities to worry about, and virtually no overhead at all, which helps you maximize your profits.
Who is the target market?
Typically, your best customers will be young, well-heeled adults. They will have enough money to pursue a really fashionable lifestyle (and to hire you), but are young enough (in both age and their careers) to consider their appearance a major component of their success.
How does a fashion consulting business make money?
A fashion consultant typically makes money by charging an hourly fee for their consulting services. You may consider charging different hourly fees for different services as well as one-time fees for other services (such as reviewing the client’s existing wardrobe).
How much can you charge customers?
How much you can charge may vary greatly based on your experience and location. Typically, a consultant will charge between $35 to $50 an hour for their services, though veteran consultants in pricier areas such as New York City may charge as high as $150. You may also consider offering different prices for things like a wardrobe consultation ($100 or more for what may be a multi-hour process) or combination packages that bundle that consultation with an outfit and shopping planning session (between $126 and $180—basically, offering a ten percent discount).
How much profit can a fashion consulting business make?
The exact amount of profit you make is determined by your pricing and your number of clients. The national average for such a business is about $53,000, but it is possible to make much more than this by having a steady stream of clients. As mentioned before, it is also very possible to start this as a side business to build up your reputation before making it your main business, which will certainly lead to a more robust profit in your first full-time year.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Consider embracing multiple aspects of image consulting. For instance, being able to offer tips on makeup and hair as well as outfits helps to really set you apart. Consider creating monthly consultation packages that are competitive, encouraging customers to keep you as a consultant for longer stretches of time. Finally, make sure to get client testimonials and, with their consent, pictures for your brochures, website, and social media. Some of your best customers will be young adults, and their reliance on customer testimony is legendary.
Day-to-Day and Growth
What happens during a typical day at a fashion consulting business?
A typical day for a fashion consultant involves communicating with and meeting with current clients. During these meetings, the consultant makes recommendations concerning client image and may also help show the client places to purchase certain items or brands. When not communicating or meeting with clients, you will be generating and following leads for potential clients as well as researching both current trends and the best places to obtain them.
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful fashion consulting business?
It’s time-consuming and expensive, but getting a formal degree in Fashion can be a major help. Additionally, intimate familiarity with the various boutiques of your areas can help you steer clients towards places and styles they have never encountered. A network of contacts in fashion retail stores will also help, both in identifying major deals and upcoming styles as well as possibly working out a deal for customer referrals with the store.
What is the growth potential for a fashion consulting business?
This job has modest growth potential: the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the retail industry, including fashion, will grow by about seven percent between 2014 and 2024. As the fashion industry flourishes, fashion consultants will become more in-demand.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a fashion consulting business?
Spend time researching what the latest fashions and trends are and make sure your own appearance shows that you are stylish and chic. Proactively reach out to non-traditional clients to boost your business—for instance, private and public schools may want a consultant regarding school uniforms. Be sure to network with people such as wedding consultants and event planners from whom you may get some client recommendations. Finally, consider printing high-quality brochures that you can send to clients in order to pique their interests.
How and when to build a team
Most consultants start out on their own. However, once you have a strong network of ongoing clients, it may be time to branch out and build a team so that your brand can continue to provide individualized assistance.
Part 2 - Is a Fashion Consulting business the right fit for you?
Business Evaluation & Strategy Tool
We'll walk you through the four pillars every business needs: Points of Leverage, Marketing Strategy, Financial Model, and Personal Compatibility. At the end you'll see a personalized report and your action plan below will be tailored to your answers.
Step 1 of 4 — Points of Leverage
Every viable business has natural advantages. Below are common leverage points across four categories. Pick the ones that apply to your Fashion Consulting business. We've pre-suggested a few based on your idea — review and adjust.
Step 2 of 4 — Marketing Strategy
Without a way to connect with customers, even great businesses fail. Pick the channels you plan to use to reach your customers.
Step 3 of 4 — Financial Model
Enter your monthly baseline costs — the minimum overhead to keep the business running. Then we'll calculate how many sales per month you need to break even.
Step 4 of 4 — Personal Compatibility
A business that doesn't fit your life will fail no matter how good the numbers look. Tell us how this business fits you.
Your Fashion Consulting Evaluation Report
Complete the four pillars and your personalized summary will appear here.
Points of Leverage
Marketing Strategy
Financial Model
Personal Compatibility
Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Fashion Consulting business in 90 days
Nine concrete steps to take you from idea to open business, grouped into 30-day phases. Complete the planner above and we'll highlight what's most important for your situation.
First 30 days — Foundation
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Form your legal entity
An LLC keeps your personal assets separate from business debts and lawsuits — the most common reason small business owners choose this structure. Sole proprietorships and partnerships do not provide this protection.
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Get an EIN and register for taxes
Apply for your free Employer Identification Number through the IRS, then register for any state or local taxes that apply to your business (sales tax, franchise tax).
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Open a business bank account and credit card
A dedicated business account is required to maintain personal asset protection. Mixing personal and business finances ('piercing the corporate veil') can void your LLC's liability shield.
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Set up business accounting
Recording expenses and income from day one makes tax filing easier and lets you see when the business is actually profitable. Use software (QuickBooks, Wave) or a part-time bookkeeper.
Days 30–60 — Compliance & Risk
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Get permits and licenses
State and local requirements vary widely. Brick-and-mortar businesses typically need a Certificate of Occupancy; service businesses may need specific professional licensing; food businesses need health permits.
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Get business insurance
General Liability Insurance is the most common starting point. If you'll have employees, most states require Workers' Compensation. Specific industries need additional coverage (product liability, professional liability, etc.).
Days 60–90 — Launch
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Define your brand
Your brand is how customers perceive and remember you. A clear name, logo, and visual identity make every later marketing decision easier and protect you legally as you grow.
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Create your business website
Every legitimate business needs a website. Social media pages are not a substitute — you don't own the platform. Modern website builders mean you can launch a clean site in a weekend without a developer.
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Set up your business phone system
A dedicated business number keeps your personal life private, makes the business look legitimate, and lets you route calls professionally. Cloud phone services start under $20/month.