Becoming a rep/buyer ?

[thatoreoguy]

Hey all, I am interested in getting into the fashion scene as either a rep or buyer.

I come from a family who's mother worked in the fur trade and who also was a buyer for several company's and owned her own store. This having been 20-30 years ago. Having been taught the old ways im wondering how a mature young man can break into the scene organically in the MODERN DAY. Is the best way to get back into retail and just start from the ground up? or is there a way that makes more sense? As i am a little older

Im not looking to rep famous brands over night but i am looking for a foot in the door. I have never taken any formal education in Fashion/Design i do hold a bachelors of psychology and have a great sales background.

Thoughts? comments? queestions?

Also located in Vancouver and speak japanese (still needs work).

Appreciate it Sufu

[Bigyen]

Take drugs and dress funny, you're the life of the party!

[Guest on-display]

Sell your soul.

[Spaghettini]

a lot of the buyers i have dealt with either own their own store, got hired on because they had experience, or they worked their way up from a sales associate position, to assistant buyer, to buyer.

i became a rep because i got extremely lucky, someone i discussed fashion with throughout college got a job at a showroom, and they needed an intern. i worked for free for about a month and a half, busting my ass, and they offered me a job, even though i had no experience cause i'm a fast learner and a hard worker.

my sister was an SA and just asked clients/connects of hers if they were looking for any reps and got her job through that.

so the best advice i can offer you is to cultivate as many connections as possible, go to events, parties, openings, hang out in stores and chat people up. you never know where that helping hand could come from.

[PaperSt.]

The best way is to get a degree in that area. Most company want that now unless you want to work your way up from the inside but there is no certain way to know that's what you'll be doing. Check these out:

http://fidm.edu/academics/majors/merchandise-marketing/a.a.-p.d.-/index.html

http://www.parsons.edu/departments/department.aspx?dID=82&sdID=108&pType=3

[goat]

bouwnt rep sale! everything must go! buy 2, get the 3rd one free!

[Spaghettini]

bouwnt got that good rep girl, you didnt know?

[selaviso]

from my experience (skate industry) all the reps i knew were pretty much loyal to the company before they got the gig pretty much a homie hook up ya know but the skate industry is more care free.

and i also thought this thread was about selling rep too haha

[mrip]

would you like to purchase my rep

it is very powerful

[Pandemonium]

how a mature young man can break into the scene organically in the MODERN DAY. Is the best way to get back into retail and just start from the ground up? or is there a way that makes more sense? As i am a little older

lol 'organically' what the fuck does that have to do with anything?

[jayrock]

your mom worked in the fur trade?

heh.

[thatoreoguy]

thanks for all the help from several users.

Organically meaning i want to work hard and do what i do well. Im not looking to be a rep over night meaning i know it will take time.