5 Ways to Start an Online Fashion Boutique for Free

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By Holly Reisem Hanna

I’ve often daydreamed of owning my own fashion boutique with piles of designer denim, trendy new tunics, and stylish jewelry hanging from eclectic jewelry stands. But where do you begin? How do you become a wholesaler? And my gosh, what are the startup costs!?

For the majority of the population starting a brick and mortar fashion boutique is simply out of the question. But guess what? Technology has made it possible for you to open your own online fashion store. And better yet — you don’t need any experience or money to get started!

Check are FREE business opportunities for fashion lovers!

Zindigo

Open an online store (FREE for Beta members) and make 40 percent commission on all items sold through your shop. Personalize your boutique and promote your fashion finds using the social media. Earnings are transferred on the 16th of each month to a Zindigo debit Master Card. Zindigo stores are created using Facebook Business Pages. They also have options where you can make 25 percent for sharing gift card offers with friends, and you can earn 3 percent by referring others to the Zindigo platform. Zindigo has been featured on Mashable and Venture Beat.

Personal Shopper by Shop Your Way

This program is sponsored by Lands End, Sears, and Kmart. Through this program, you can sell clothes, shoes, accessories, appliances and much more. Sign up for FREE and then view the startup videos to get started. Simply share items via social media and earn a 5 percent commission for items you sell through your personal shopper link.

fibi & clo

fibi & clo is a direct sales opportunity that allows users to sell their sandals with zero investment. Fashion Ambassadors earn 15 percent commission on sales, plus additional commission when they build and support a team. Ambassadors are paid once a month via PayQuicker and when you sign up for this opportunity, you do have to supply a credit card number for incidental expenses.

Teespring

Teespring allows creative types to design their own t-shirts, tanks, hoodies, sweatshirts, totes, throw pillows and coffee mugs. Create an account for free and then start designing items for sale. I have zero design skills, but I designed this t-shirt which costs $26.99 and for every t-shirt that is sold, I would earn $8.60 profit. Payments are made via PayPal or check. With Teespring they give you a free storefront which you're able to promote on social media sites and email.

Remember, whatever business you decide to start you must have a passion for what you are doing. Without enthusiasm and excitement, you’ll likely become bored, and ultimately it will fail. Just because it's FREE doesn't mean that it's always a good fit.

The following fashion opportunities were free but have since closed their doors. If anything changes or any new opportunities pop up, I'll let you know.

Keaton Row – closed up shop in March 2017

Is a FREE business platform that allows you to create personalized style books for women that you know. For each item that is purchased from your website or lookbooks, you’ll earn a commission. Besides your monthly sales commissions and incentives, stylists can earn trips, exclusive access to fashion shows, and additional cash bonuses. Stylists are given a free website, along with marketing tools and training opportunities. Payments are made via direct deposit. Keaton Row has been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, and NY Mag.

NUMARI – closed operations

NUMARI is a FREE online boutique that allows women to create custom tailored dresses and scarves. Style Ambassadors can earn 30 percent commission on all items sold, unlimited team commissions, and personal discounts on clothing. Clothing can be sold online or via in-home shopping parties. Their website doesn't have a lot of details, so you'll need to contact them for additional information.

Kitsy Lane – closed their doors

Kitsy Lane is a FREE e-commerce platform that allows you to create and curate your own online jewelry and accessories boutique all at no cost, completely risk-free. Customize your own online storefront, choose pieces you want to sell, give personal shopping advice, and promote fabulous finds across your social networks. Earn up to 25 percent in commission for every item you sell and earn additional commissions on sales from your team. Payments are made monthly via check and direct deposit. Kitsy Lane offers a free website, marketing materials, and training videos.

Style Owner – closed down

Is a FREE platform where you customize your online store, choose different items for your store (clothes, shoes, jewelry, skincare products, makeup, gift items, and more) and sell them online. For each product that is sold through your storefront, you’ll earn 10 percent commission. Featured retailers include Lord and Taylor, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Shoe Buy. Style Owner has been featured in InStyle, WSJ Blog, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fast Company. I couldn't find any information on when or how payments are made. To sign up request an invitation on the website or email lex@styleowner.com with questions.

Brick & Portal – changed their business model

Brick & Portal changed their business model. It's now a smartphone app that allows you to curate outfits but it doesn't offer any rewards or perks as it did before.

With Brick and Portal, you can build your very own online fashion boutique for FREE. Choose items for both men and women from a large variety of brands. For each item that you sell – you'll earn points ($1,000 in sales = 1000 points). Points are converted into cash (100 points = 1 dollar). While this isn't a lot of money, Brick & Portal is providing shopping data to brands and retailers so that they can identify influencers for further reviews and collaborations. Payment is made via check, direct deposit, and PayPal.

Lea Black – never relaunched their retail opportunity

This opportunity was supposedly on hold, while they are restructured their website. But, it's been a couple of years now, and they still haven't relaunched, so I'm taking it off the active list.

Is a FREE Facebook Boutique where you can sell skin care products, fashion jewelry, accessories, and glamorous handbags. With this platform, you sign up for free on their site and then set up a Facebook Business Page. Once you’ve completed that step, you'll add the Lea Black store to your Facebook Page and sell products from there. On each product that you sell, you’ll earn 20 percent commission. I couldn’t find any information on how payments are made or how often … in fact this opportunity is very new. However, Lea Black herself is a mother, wife, philanthropist, author, television personality, political fundraiser, entrepreneur, and reality show housewife — and she too sells these products through her own website.

Looking for more business ideas that are FREE? Wondering what other fashion opportunities there are available? Check out these posts for details.

Originally published on March 12, 2015. Content updated on April 28, 2017.

This page includes affiliate links. Please be aware we only promote advertising from companies that we feel we can legitimately recommend to our readers. Please see our disclosure policy for further information.

Do you want to have your own online fashion boutique, but you don't have any money to get started? This post will let you in on five fabulous and FREE fashion opportunities that you can do from home.

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