How to Order Clothes in Bulk: The Complete 2025 Guide for Entrepreneurs

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Want to launch a clothing line or fill your new boutique? The very first secret is getting the hang of ordering clothes in bulk. It sounds hard but it really is a prerequisite for success.

how to order clothes in bulk

Discounting the retail price on a larger scale means you are able to purchase clothes at a lower cost. This way, you can stay competitive in the market by offering good retail prices while generating a decent profit.

We have put together this guide to help you. The guide is comprehensive. You will learn about planning, locating suppliers, and making the first purchase order. Your roadmap to success is here!

Step 1: Your Strategic Blueprint

You first need a great plan before you spend any money. The process of pre-planning will help you to avoid any expensive mistakes. The very first thing you need to do is to come up with a well-developed strategy for successfully buying wholesale clothing.

Define Your Niche

First, think about whom you want to reach. A targeted niche is better than a broader landingpage selling to everybody. Some ideas for niches are: eco-friendly yoga wear, retro graphic tees, and plus-size formal wear.

You must know your customers. Who are they? What are their hobbies? What is their budget? These are some of the factors that you will consider when planning to order clothing in bulk.

Set a Realistic Budget

Your budget isn’t just about the price of clothes. You will have to determine the “landed cost” which is the overall expense of getting products from the supplier to your location.

Here are the costs that you have to include in your budget:
* Per-unit item rate
* Shipping costs
* Import duties or taxes (tariffs)
* Costs related to ordering samples
* Quality control checks fees
* Storage costs

Understand Legal Needs

In order to buy wholesale, you have to run a legitimate business. Most suppliers would require you to have a business license and an EIN. An EIN is like a social security number for your business.

You will also be required to fill out a Resale Certificate. This is sometimes referred to as a Seller’s Permit. The document shows that you are making the purchase with the purpose of reselling it. Thus, you can buy the items from the supplier without paying the sales tax. You will be the one to collect this tax from your end customer.

Step 1: Your Strategic Blueprint

Step 2: Finding the Right Partner

After your plan is complete, it’s high time to make a move to find a supplier. Choosing the right partner is a must for the good functioning of your business. Suppliers come in different types, and each type suits different kinds of businesses.

Understanding Supplier Types

Not every supplier has the same features. Being able to differentiate will help you make the right choice and be on the right track to your goals. This decision will affect your expenses, the amount of control you have, and the way you will order clothes in bulk for your store.

Supplier Type Best For Pros Cons
Clothing Manufacturers Custom designs, private label Full control, lowest per-unit cost High MOQs, longer lead times
Wholesale Distributors Boutiques, reselling brands Lower MOQs, variety of brands Less control, higher per-unit cost
Blank Apparel Wholesalers Print-on-demand, custom merch No-frills, ready to customize Limited to basic styles
Liquidation Suppliers Discount retailers, bargain hunters Very low prices Poor quality, no choice

For brands that want complete creative freedom, a direct relationship with a clothing manufacturer will be the best decision. You will be the one to control the whole process of the final item.

Where to Find Suppliers

Now, you know what type of supplier you need, right? But, the problem is, where to find them? Here are the best places to seek potential partners.

  • Online B2B Marketplaces: These large websites are like digital meeting points for buyers and sellers from all over the world.
  • Wholesale Directories: Directories provide information on wholesalers as if it was a phone directory. Manufacturers can be tracked on the internet by going to their websites.
  • Trade Shows: Trade shows are gatherings within a specific industry. On these occasions, you meet the suppliers and view their products and build connections.
  • Direct Wholesalers: Several platforms sell brands directly to businesses. For example, Wholesale Fashion Trends is for boutique owners that need ready-to-sell trendy items, while Wholesale Blank Clothing | Quality Apparel at Clothing Authority is a good source for businesses that need blank clothes for printing.

Step 3: The Vetting Process

Finding a supplier is far from the end. You now need to properly vet them. Do thorough checks on their dependability as well as the conformity of their goods to your quality standards. This is how to order clothes in bulk securely.

Make Professional Contact

The first message you send to a supplier is very important. An official email clearly expresses the intent to work together professionally. Informal emails are generally ignored. Our experience shows us that suppliers pay attention to concise and precise queries.

Mention what precisely you are looking for. This makes it easier for the supplier to give you a fair and accurate quote. The fact that you have conducted research comes out clearly. This is a tip that will help you establish a good business relationship.

Step 3: The Vetting Process

Your First Email Template

To help you get started, use this email template for your first contact. This is often called a Request for Quote (RFQ).

Subject: RFQ for [Product Type] – [Your Company Name]

Hello [Supplier Contact Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am the owner of [Your Company Name], a boutique/e-commerce store specializing in [Your Niche].

We are interested in your [Specific Product, e.g., “women’s cotton t-shirts”] and would like to request a quote. We are looking to place an initial order of approximately [Number] units.

Could you please provide us with the following information?

  • Your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) per style/color.
  • Your tiered pricing structure based on volume.
  • Your sample policy and the cost per sample.
  • Your standard production and shipping lead times.
  • Your payment terms for new customers.
  • Detailed product information, including fabric composition and sizing charts.

Thank you for your time. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name]
[Your Website]

While discussing the topic of MOQs, keep in mind that these can be very variable. The minimum order quantity can vary from 50-100 units for smaller wholesalers to over 500-1000 units for bigger manufacturers.

Order and Evaluate Samples

The one rule you must follow is this: do not place a bulk order until you have received a sample for the first time. A sample is the only fair way to appreciate the high standard of quality of your product. Get the product and check it thoroughly.

Use this checklist to check your samples:
* Fabric Quality: What feeling does it give? Does it seem heavier than it should or do you doubt the drape?
* Construction: Are the stitches neat and strong? Do the zippers and buttons work well?
* Fit and Sizing: Is the size of the piece the same as the size chart the supplier gave you?
* Color Accuracy: Is the color the same as what you saw in the photos or picked from a color code?
* Print Quality: If there is a print or embroidery, is it sharp and strong?

Step 4: Placing Your Bulk Order

Once you have vetted a supplier and you have approved the samples, then you are good to go and place your order. A rigid process here benefits both you and the supplier as it protects them.

Negotiating Terms

Bargaining is advisable the most. For bulk orders or in a scenario where you’re a regular client, some suppliers can be put at some flexibility on prices. There’s nothing to lose in asking politely if there is a possibility of a discount for your quantity.

Understanding the Purchase Order

A Purchase Order (PO) is a formal contract between you and the supplier. It is a key legal document. It clearly lists all the details of your order to prevent any confusion.

Step 4: Placing Your Bulk Order

Your PO must include:
* A unique PO number
* Your company and supplier’s information
* A clear description of each item (style number, color, etc.)
* Quantities for each size and color
* The agreed price per unit
* Final shipping address
* Payment and shipping terms

Navigating Payments & Shipping

Most suppliers will ask for a deposit before production kicks off. A normal setup is 50% up front with the final 50% due when the order is shipped.

Also, you need to find out about the shipping terms. The two most popular types are FOB and DDP. FOB means that you cover the shipping expenses and any import taxes when the goods leave the supplier’s port. DDP is when the supplier is responsible for shipping and customs and will deliver it to your door. DDP might be more convenient for newcomers but often costs more. For domestic orders, platforms like Wholesale Clothing at Low Prices | Needen USA often have simple, clear shipping processes that make buying wholesale clothing much easier.

Step 5: After Delivery

The task is not yet over once the boxes have adjusted. What comes next is vital for securing your investment and preparing your company for sale. This final part of learning how to order clothes in bulk is often overlooked.

Inspect Your Shipment

Being professionals in this niche, we would like to urge you to inspect your shipment at once. Do not procrastinate. Waiting could lead to complications in addressing matters with your supplier.

A full inspection of every single item is not necessary. A random check of roughly 5-10% of your bulk clothing order will do. Watch out for mistakes such as wrong sizes, defects, or color mistakes. If something is wrong, just get in touch with your supplier right away and send them clear photos of the issue.

Inventory Management Basics

After you ensure that everything is alright with the order, the next thing you need to do is to track it. A basic spreadsheet is an excellent starting point. Create a suitable system to track SKUs, stock levels, and sales. A good inventory management system enables you to know when to reorder and what products are selling best.

Your Journey to Success

Thinking of ordering clothes in bulk may seem like an intricate web at the start. But with promising planning, the right supplier selection, and following a straightforward process, you can do it seamlessly. The whole process includes proper planning, a meticulous supplier checks, and proper execution.

By following these simple but effective steps, you are determining your business growth and profits. You have acquired the skills to confidently source products and to build the clothing brand you always envisioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business license?

Yes. The majority of genuine wholesale suppliers require you to show a business license and a resale certificate. It serves as proof of your existence as a business. Thus, it also allows them to sell to you without tax, as you will collect it from the end customer.

What is a good MOQ?

A “good” MOQ depends on your budget. For new businesses, the best option is to work with suppliers that have MOQs from 50 to 150 units per style. Some wholesale marketplaces even offer smaller packs. Stay away from suppliers that have very high MOQs (500+) until you have proven sales data.

How much cheaper is bulk?

The bulk buying discount is huge, usually about 40% to 60% from the retail price. The exact discount can vary depending on the supplier, brand, and quantity. The main focus of wholesale pricing is to ensure that you can resell the items at a profit.

Can I order from overseas?

Yes, you can. Making international purchases can sometimes lead to lower costs per item. However, they involve more complex shipping, customs clearance, and import taxes. It is important to calculate these “landed costs” and communicate a lot with your supplier.

How do I avoid scams?

The main way to refrain from scams is to be careful while doing things. Always ask for samples before placing a bulk order. Look for online reviews, use a secure payment method like credit cards, and use a formal Purchase Order. A legitimate supplier would have a professional approach and be transparent with their terms.

Founder and Author - Tesla Luo

Hi, I’m Tesla Luo, the founder of Clothing Manufacturer Ltd.
I entered the apparel manufacturing industry in 2016, and have focused solely on the behind-the-scenes of production: sourcing materials, developing collections, optimizing factory workflows and reacting to market trends. And throughout this 8 year journey, I developed a deep, insider perspective on what it takes to deliver quality and speed in the world of fast fashion today truly.

Building on that foundation of hands-on experience is why, when I started Clothing Manufacturer Ltd. in 2024, I did so deliberately. I wanted to build a streetwear manufacturer that could produce anything from small-batch capsule collections to massive retail orders, within a framework of creativity, consistency and operational rigor.

Well, every bit I post here is rooted in my struggles with stuff like tight timelines and changing style trends and production snafus and client comms. I write not with the notion of scholarly theory, but from the shop floor — solutions that work, sedimented in trial and error over years of practice, interplay and creativity.

Let’s turn your brand’s vision into garments that resonate—and last.

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