The Two Paths: Choose Your Fuel
Most founders start with one of two approaches: bootstrap (learn fast with minimal risk) or investment (scale aggressively). Neither is “right” universally—it's about your risk tolerance, speed goals, and cash runway.
The Bootstrapper's Budget (Lean Startup)
Estimated Cost: $2,000–$5,000. Perfect for testing a niche or running a side hustle without financial paralysis.
Strategy: Launch 1–2 hero products as a small “drop” instead of a full collection.
- Sampling: $200–$500 (2–3 revisions of one style).
- Small Batch Production: $1,500–$2,500 (100–200 unit's of a high-quality tee, dress, or hoodie).
- Branding & Tech Packs: $300–$600.
- Marketing: $500 (organic TikTok/Instagram + light ads).
Pros: You keep 100% ownership and learn the supply chain firsthand. Cons: Slower growth and higher unit costs because you're not buying in bulk.
The Investment Path (Scaling for Growth)
Estimated Cost: $15,000–$50,000+. Built for competing on Amazon FBA or a fully stocked DTC store.
Strategy: Launch 5–10 styles with enough inventory to stay in stock and rank.
- Bulk Manufacturing: $10,000–$25,000 (benefit from volume pricing).
- Logistics & Freight: $2,000–$5,000 (sea freight, duties, warehousing).
- Professional Content: $3,000 (studio shoots, video ads).
- Aggressive Marketing: $5,000+ (influencers, Meta/Google ads).
Pros: Immediate market presence and better margins from bulk pricing. Cons: Higher pressure and risk of dead stock if designs miss.
Detailed Cost Breakdown: What you're Paying For
1) Product Development (Non-Negotiable)
Tech packs and samples are mandatory before production. Saving tip: At Selvyna Atelier, integrated design + manufacturing can save up to 30% versus hiring separate freelancers and then a factory.
2) Manufacturing & Raw Materials
Sustainable fabrics (organic cotton, recycled polyester) can cost 10–15% more but support premium pricing. Bangladesh advantage: Factory-direct pricing for “Tier 1” quality without Western middlemen.
3) Shipping & Landed Costs
don't ignore hidden costs:
- Import duties (varies by country).
- Packaging $0.50–$1.50 per garment (poly bags, hangtags, mailers).
- Freight: Air (7–10 days, expensive) vs Sea (30–40+ days, cheap).
4) Customer Acquisition (Marketing)
Your CAC matters. If it costs $10 to sell a $50 dress, marketing must be 20% of expected revenue. Plan this into your launch budget.
How to Make Your Budget Go Further
- Use Low MOQs: Start with 100–200 unit's to validate before scaling.
- Quality Over Quantity: One perfect garment beats ten mediocre ones for loyalty and reviews.
- End-to-End Partner: A studio like Selvyna Atelier (tech packs → sourcing → production → FBA prep) replaces multiple consultants and saves time and money.
Conclusion: Start Where You Are
The right budget is the one that Let's you start without freezing your finances. Whether you launch lean with $3k or invest $30k, a reliable, transparent supply chain is the multiplier. Nail your tech pack, use low MOQs, and plan your landed costs—then scale what sells.