Are you curious to know where to buy bulk clothes for resale?

Buying clothing in bulk to resale in your boutique has many benefits, including higher profit margins and revenue. The problem some retailers face is finding the right place to buy quality, trendy wholesale clothing that will sell. Also, they don’t want to make substantial financial commitments initially with a company they barely know. Boutique owners cannot afford to be on the losing end of a buyer-seller relationship.

These concerns are nothing new; over the previous centuries, winners in the industry have been happy to share advice with retailers. The number one recommendation is to buy bulk clothes for resale from a wholesale supplier. Below is a guide to buying wholesale, including how to find a supplier.

Understand Wholesale Purchasing

When you hear someone say they buy from a wholesale supplier, they are talking about a middleman between a manufacturer and a retailer. They purchase large quantities of clothing directly from the manufacturer at discounted prices and then resell them to you.

Your first thought may be to skip the middleman and go straight to the designer or manufacturer. You are not alone. Many have had the same thoughts but quickly learn they cannot meet most manufacturers’ demands, which consist of buying in bulk much larger than what you would buy from a wholesaler.

Wholesale suppliers do all the sourcing from various manufacturers, so you only must visit one place for all your boutique needs. 

Finding a Wholesaler

Finding a quality wholesaler should be conducted similarly to a job interview. You are, after all, paying them to provide a service. You may even sign a contract with them. Therefore, you must do your due diligence in the search for the best. Below are some questions and answers to help you throughout the process.

• Where Is the Wholesaler Located?

Your boutique business will benefit most by working with a wholesale supplier within the same country as your shop. You want to be able to visit them in person, when possible, to see how they operate. Visiting in person will help you evaluate their standards and whether they match yours. Meeting them in person lets you meet your customer service contact, ask questions, and strengthen that relationship. 

If your boutique is in the United States, having an American wholesale supplier means delivery deadlines can be met without shipping delays or customs departments. You can expect quick returns or exchanges, cheaper shipping costs, and receiving items matching your order.

Checking the quality of the merchandise before you purchase is vital. You can do so in person when you choose an accessible wholesaler.

• What is The Wholesaler’s Online Reputation?

Social media makes it easy for people to post positive and negative statements about a company online. You can check their comments to learn the advantages and disadvantages of working with that wholesaler. You may even want to message some reviewers for more feedback to know if the wholesaler will be able to meet your needs.

Conduct Google searches using various wholesale terms, such as “wholesale fashion clothing,” “buy clothing to resale,” or “wholesale clothing. Your search will likely turn up hundreds of listings. Don’t stop scrolling after the first few pages. The wholesale companies that show up first have conquered the task of search engine optimization and gotten their listing to show up in search results before other companies. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best supplier for you.

Jump to pages five or six to extend the number of wholesalers that you view online. Also, check the Better Business Bureau, which reports complaints and grades a company online. Also, jump into social media groups and quorums to ask for feedback on a wholesaler.

• Which Wholesalers Participate in Trade Shows?

Retail trade shows are events where wholesale suppliers show off the products for sale to boutique owners and online sellers. Trade shows are a great way to meet a wholesaler in person. You can sign up for individual meetings or attend panel discussions where you can get answers to your questions, learn more about the wholesaler, and test the quality of the products. 

While at a trade show, place a small order from the wholesaler you like. This is your way to evaluate their business practices and sales processes, which should be clearly defined and easily understood. You want to know if they use pen and paper or computer software to process orders. You can discuss shipping deadlines and then see if they deliver in the time promised. Most importantly, you can review their customer service with topics such as returns, delays, and damaged items.

• What is On the Wholesaler’s Website?

A company’s website can tell you a lot about how they operate. It can tell you if they adapt well to modern technological changes or are stuck in the past. Being stuck can mean longer wait times and more room for errors. The following is a must for wholesale suppliers:

• Online ordering
• Online communications (chats, emails) with customer service
• Easy-to-navigate website
• Great pictures of their products, with bulk prices of each
• Listing of their policies and terms
• Information about their company
• Certificates or awards, if applicable

How Much Do Their Products Cost?

The cost of a wholesaler’s products determines your profit margins and revenue expectations. Making money is what keeps your boutique doors open. Most retailers aim to make between 40% and 45% profit margins. 

Characteristics of a Quality Wholesale Supplier

Think of a wholesale supplier as a partner who will help you become a successful boutique owner. While they are not official or legal partners, your success determines whether you will be a return customer. If you succeed, they succeed. A quality wholesaler should exhibit the following characteristics:

• Reliability
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Supportive relationships
• Willingness to negotiate prices, deadlines, order size, etc.
• Excited to sell their products
• Excellent communication

Reports suggest that to maximize profits, find the right suppliers. Following the guidelines and tips here, you can find the best wholesaler to buy bulk clothes for resale.

Final Thought

If you’re looking for a quality wholesale clothing and jewelry supplier, feel free to reach out to us for information and with any questions. We serve California and Texas with their wholesale needs, and throughout the United States.

BUY WHOLESALE CLOTHING NOW!