Many successful apparel companies have never created or needed glossy full color lookbooks to sell their wares.  Often times as far as buyers are concerned if they like the product and the company has great samples and good line sheets–that typically does the trick.

However in this oh-so jumbled marketplace standing out from the crowd couldn’t hurt.  As long as you can afford it (pro look books at the entry level will be at least 5K).

With some stylish lifestyle photography you’ll be on the fast-track to building your brand and bringing your product to life in the eyes of potential buyers.  Also a well put-together lookbook can add to your professional image–making buyers less skeptical that you’re a fly-by-night new company that will be here today gone tomorrow.

Its a judgement call. If you feel like all your other selling ducks are in a row (good showroom, line sheets, color cards and website).  Save the 5-15K it takes to produce a nice lookbook and plan some extra sales trips. Or do the photoshoot only–use the shots on your website and put the printing costs back into your marketing budget.