Don’t shoot the messenger.
But after selling women’s apparel and coaching thousands of product-based entrepreneurs for the last 28 years, I believe this to be true.
The vast majority of consumers care way less than we think they should if the clothing they buy is sustainable.
In fact, they’re only willing to pay 10% extra for sustainable fashion over normal fashion, according to Statista.
And yet, so many small business are leading their marketing message with, “We’re sustainable and that makes us special.”
It doesn’t. Not really. It falls more into the “nice to have” category of making a buying decision.
“While most shoppers are in favour of sustainable production, few have integrated it into their buying habits.”- Vogue Busines
Sustainability is not a true Unique Selling Proposition (USP). It’s not the ONE differentiator that actually makes people want to buy from you. It’s probably about the 4th most important thing to your customer (unless you sell baby clothing – that’s a different story).
Look, I think it’s GREAT if you have a sustainable product. It’s just not the main reason someone will buy your product and you shouldn;t lead with it in your marketing.
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In this episode, I explain…
- why you shouldn’t hang your hat sustainability
- how it’s a bonus, NOT a differentiator
- what consumers truly concerned about sustainability are doing instead of buying your products
- what consumers really care about if it’s not sustainability
- why sustainability in fashion is still only a “nice to have” for most consumers when making buying decisions
Mentioned in this podcast:
- MNOP Jewelry
- How much more are you willing to pay for sustainable fashion than regular fashion? Statista
- Vogue Business quote about buying habits
- If you’re in startup stage of business – Build a Following From Scratch
- Jane’s program to help you sell more products online, The Content Club
Thanks for listening!
-Jane
HI Jane,
Thank you for this!!
Hi Jane, this is something I’ve struggled with basically my whole design career. Definitely something I need to think about. I think I focus on that aspect too much in the products I make. Is coaching part of the monthly program?
This is true. Great topic.
Something that’s been on my mind for quite a while, and just as I’ve thought. “Sustainability” is largely a saturated marketing gimmick, more than anything else.