Sell Out (Differently): Circular Business Models That Boost Revenue

You don’t need 1,000 units to build a thriving fashion brand. You just need a smarter model.

Let’s get honest, most small fashion brands don’t struggle with creativity - they struggle with cash flow, overproduction, and burnout. The good news? Circular fashion opens up alternative revenue streams that don’t rely on giant drops or excessive inventory. It’s not about selling more. It’s about selling smarter.

3 Circular Models That Actually Work for Small Brands

1. Made-to-Order and Small-Batch Drops - Create only what you can handle. Build urgency. Eliminate deadstock. When customers know it’s limited, they act faster. You work with what’s available which means better margins, less stress. Examples: open pre-orders once/month, 5-piece micro collections, or one-of-one custom builds. Sausalito Blue uses this model for ElseWEAR custom bespoke upcycling service.

2. Repair & Refurbish Services - Offer repairs, alterations, or redesigns for existing garments—yours or others. Builds customer loyalty. Creates touchpoints post-purchase. Can be priced hourly, flat-rate or by transformation tier. You’re not just a designer—you’re a keeper of stories. People will pay for that.

3. Upcycle-for-Others and Creative Commissions - Your design skills are an asset, lend them out. Offer to upcycle other people’s textiles or clothes (wedding dress to jacket, quilt to skirt) Collaborate with other brands (they send deadstock, you redesign it into something new). Open seasonal commission spots for custom clients.

This is the model that built ElseWEAR: making what matters, from what’s been forgotten. Bonus: sell your scraps, literally. Got good-looking leftovers? Bundle them as patch kits or collage packs and sell to makers, schools, or crafters. It’s sustainable and profitable.

Why These Work:

• No need for upfront inventory investment

• Every sale is intentional, personal, and often higher-margin

• Your work becomes more collaborative, not just consumable

• You build a brand based on value, not just volume

You didn’t get into this to run a warehouse. You’re a creative. A maker. A storyteller. Build a business that reflects that—and let your circular model do the selling for you.

Which of these models could you see working for your brand? Reply in the comments and tell me what you’re considering—or where you’re stuck.

P.S. Sausalito Blue offers small-batch production and ElseWEAR upcycling commissions. If you need more personal insight, let’s chat.