CROSS TALK 1
Importance of making proposals from my side
The OEM business consists of manufacturing pieces of clothing ordered from fashion brands. It tends to be seen as a passive business that proceeds with work as demanded by customers, but the real thrill as a manufacturer seems to lie in making proposals. We engaged in a crosstalk between three people who look to create new sensations in the apparel industry by coming up with ideas right from the planning stage.
Manager, Sales Division, Sales Department
SATO Daisuke
Product Planning & Marketing Representative, Sales Division, Sales Department
KITAMURA Kota
Product Planning Assistant, Sales Division, Sales Department
MAKINO Takato
Product Planning proposals are “80% preparation, 20% actual performance”
What kind of members form this team?
SATO
We are members of a team that often discuss various matters and carry out a proposal type of sales activity. I, as a sales representative, grasp current situations and needs of our clients, and build plans in consultation with MAKINO in charge of women’s wear and KITAMURA in charge of men’s wear.
KITAMURA
This is my 6th year since joining the company, and I am in charge of product planning coordination. I proceed with preparations by collecting information provided by SATO on a daily basis like “Isn’t it possible to expand the range of items by making this kind of fabric?” or “Maybe this kind of information might serve as a useful reference for new products?” It starts with what kind of information the client-side designers want to know and what kind of information might lead to clues in product planning.
MAKINO
I mainly interact with factories, and I prepare so that we can improve the accuracy of technical matters, delivery dates, and so on in the proposal stage. I make various preparations because, in many cases, firsthand information from sites does not reach the clients. With a stock of information, even if it is not immediately useful, we can have dynamic discussions during product planning meetings.
We are not afraid of mistakes.
It is better to regret trying than regret not trying!
Is there a particular mindset that you think is important for work?
MAKINO
Now, the reality is that there are fewer and fewer manufacturing places around the world. For us, who have our own factories mainly in the ASEAN region, this is a great opportunity. We have knowledge from fabric development to factory operations, which lets us make propose ideas that span the entire process. That is a strength that not many can boast about.
KITAMURA
I think it is also our strength that we can create almost all samples for any kind of material. We can realize almost anything that a designer can come up with, generating variations with the same material or changing fabrics with the same design. Our customers can make things together with us from scratch.
SATO
Not all proposals go well, of course. But with an increase in what we can offer, even in small increments, gives us new possibilities. I suppose the history of growth by repeated trial and error is MATSUOKA’s strength. The exciting part of product planning proposals is that every single idea generated can lead to orders on a scale of millions. The core idea behind it is “It is better to have regrets about trying something, rather than not trying at all!” I believe the lessons learned from bold attempts and eventual failure will be truly valuable to our life in the future.
Be cool, be curious
What kind of people do you want to work with?
SATO
Our job is to seek possibilities in aggressively. Therefore, I want to be curious and open minded about anything, from work to play. I want everyone to be a person who is well thought of by others, because I learned a lot from such persons. It is something I always keep in mind.
KITAMURA
I am given a lot of freedom in my work, but I can feel the responsibility that comes with it. If you are serious about meeting expectations, then your actions naturally have more weight. That is why when things go well, the whole team can be satisfied. Our work is supportive and behind the scenes in nature, but I think the ambition to stand out with great work in the fashion industry anyway is healthy and should be nurtured!
MAKINO
I think I’ve finally come to understand the fun of work in my 4th year in this company. I have experienced the satisfaction of my proposals leading to orders, but also felt the anxiety of the responsibility that implies. I recall SATO and KITAMURA telling me: “Not forgetting this fear of failure is important.”
KITAMURA
One of the interesting things about this job is that you get to know the hidden processes of manufacturing. For example, when I pick up products on a sales floor, or see clothes people are wearing as they walk by, I have an understanding how those clothes have been made. Training that eye for craftsmanship might be what I enjoy about this profession the most.
SATO
Since the sales, product planning, and production personnel of the company are team-based, I would like to work with people who can grow together. Because we spend many hours working in our lives, a positive attitude is important, isn’t it? Assertive people are always welcome!
* The departments and content of the interview are as of the time of the interview.
