Post on 10-Jan-2022
transcript
PLANNING FOR A PROFITABLE COSTUME PROCESSWith Tiffany Henderson & Suzanne Blake Gerety
Tiffany Henderson • Owner of nine Tiffany’s Dance
Academy locations in California • 2500 students, enrollment of 4000 • 300 performing company dancers • Teaches 15 hours a week • Produces 29 recitals each year
and holiday shows too • Regular presenter on the dance
conference circuit • Creator of Twinkle Star Dance™
Curriculum
In this webinar you will learn: • What to consider when selecting
costumes; from student age and experience to the vendors, sizing variations, and ship times
• Ways to improve your productions and performances as it relates to costume choices and decisions
• How to set expectations for parents with the entire costume process that leaves them delighted
• Tips on setting pricing that is profitable for your business, yet fair to students
• Plus suggestions on how using a costume and recital planning calendar and other automated tools to save you time and energy
What type of performances do you need costumes for?
• Holiday shows • Nutcracker productions • Competition teams • Performance groups • Recitals • Showcases • Community events • National/Travel-to Events
Pre-Costume Selection Process is Key!
• Recital/Performance • Decide on your recital
structure. IE: Baby Pre School Mini Show, Traditional Recital Production
• Choose a theme to help narrow your search or focus the selection process
• Create a class pairing list
• Competition • When buying from
vendors, be aware of key ship dates.
• Be clear on your in-hand deadline, work your order schedule accordingly
• Have a backup choice, 2nd favorite. This goes for recital too!
Other helpful pre-selection tips • If you can see costumes in
person, it makes a difference!
• Dance conferences & conventions
• Trade shows UDMA [United Dance Merchants of America]
• Costume-Vendor specific events
• Create a timeline for your teachers to make informed decisions if you include them.
Considerations When Selecting Costumes• Style • Price • Student Age • Size Run Availability • Delivery Date • Developmental Age Appropriateness
• Photo Image Quality • Customer Service from Vendors
Studio Owner Insider Tips • In Stock vs Made to Order –
“The Pros and Cons of Imported Costumes”
• Customer Satisfaction – “Is it ok to have all pink costumes?”
• Fatal Mistake – “The pig costume is only cute to the dance teacher”
• Cheap or Good Price? Value Line, Overstock Costumes, Discontinued Styles
Improve Your Productions & Performances• Class pairing list tips: multiple use of one costume
• Delight customers with value: include accessories, tights, garment bag, etc.
• Know what details matter most to you: quality of garment, multi-use, multi-season
Setting Expectations for Parents
• Communicate order deadlines (frequently)
• Give choices • Give measuring and ordering information early
• Decide if you will use a costume management system or in-house
Setting Pricing for Profit• Set your goal on what profit you
aim to make on average per costume (EX: $10, $25, $30)
• Understand your hard expenses if you do this in-house: credit card fees, payroll hours, return & shipping fees, etc.
• Consider stressing the value of what is included in the costume vs the price alone
• IE: $85. Costume price includes: selecting, sizing, shipping, handling, and all fittings and alterations (if necessary).
Costume price examples
• Flat fee for age of dancer • Preschool $70 • Elementary School: $80 • Teens+ $90 • Varied pricing based on costume
price + $fee • Varied price, based on
costume + $fee • Range of $50 - $100+, all
different
Automated tools for the costume process
• Studio management software • Student measurements • Auto sizing
• CostumeManager.com • Parents pay for the
costume, studio doesn’t process
• CM handles exchanges, returns
• You still control the choices!
Plan for a successful season, know the value of your time • How much money, time, or
stress does it cost you to manage the process
• Where could you delegate, improve systems, or use technology?
• Create a plan that works best for you, your studio, and your growth goals.
• http://www.dancestudioowner.com/members/Recital-planning-master-task-list-and-calendar-template.cfm
• http://www.dancestudioowner.com/public/Costume-Management-Resources.cfm
Thank you! • Post questions on our DanceStudioOwner.com discussion
forum • Use our Costume and Recital Department Resources • Maximize your studio management software features • Connect with Tiffany Henderson
• http://www.twinklestardance.com/
• Learn more about Costume Manager • http://www.costumemanager.com/