Initiating a new clothing business is something very thrilling. One of the crucial steps in learning to order mass clothing supplies is to figure it out. We are here to make it easy for you.
This can be your road map. We will guide you every step of the way. You will start with the planning of your initial purchase. You will also learn how to get your items. With the right information, it is possible for you to discover excellent suppliers. You can build a sustainable clothing business from there.
Step 1: Prepare Yourself before Ordering
Good planning is the foundation of success. The first thing to do is to get prepared before you search for suppliers. This planning stage will make you save time and money later. Do not ignore this step.
Identify Your Target Market
First, you must identify your clientele. Is it the younger generation that cares about the environment you are targeting? Or are you supplying to sports clubs or companies?
Finding out about your clients enables you to choose your clothes correctly. For example, the right products for a clothing store are not the same as for a work event. This concentrate will assist you with a lot of other decisions.
Establish a Clear Budget
Having a budget is essential. However, it must cover all expenses involved. Think about all the money that you will outlay when you purchase clothes in bulk.
Consider the following costs:
* The cost associated with each piece of clothing.
* The cost for the shipment of items to you.
* Any taxes or fees if purchasing from overseas.
* The cost of samples in the case of checking quality.
Prepare Your Legal Documents
To buy wholesale clothing, you have to be an actual business entity. This means that you need to have the right paperwork. You will require a business license. A resale certificate is another document that you will need. This document is also called a seller’s permit.
A resale certificate is needed by many places. It allows you to procure goods from wholesalers and avoids sales tax. This action is taken because you will be collecting sales tax from your customers. The tax will be charged when you sell the clothes to them.
Step 2: Discover Your Ideal Partner – Supplier Types
There are various types of suppliers, each of which is best for specific needs. Choosing the right one depends on the needs of your business. Recognizing these differences will get you the best partner for the wholesale clothing ordering.
Getting to Know the Supply Chain
The clothing supply chain has several key players. Some make the clothes. Others are involved in buying and reselling them. Your objective is to make the strategy of your business by deciding which way to follow.
Supplier Types: Advantages and Disadvantages
We have prepared a comparison table to help you understand the supplier types better. This will be easier to analyze, and you will know which supplier type is suitable to your plan on how to order bulk clothing.
| Supplier Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Typical MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct-from-Manufacturer | Custom designs, private label, very large orders. | Full control over design, lowest cost per item. | Very high MOQs, long lead times, complex process. | 500-1000+ pieces per style |
| Wholesaler / Distributor | Blank apparel for printing, reselling known brands. | Lower MOQs than factories, variety of items. | Less control over design, higher cost than factory. | 12-100 pieces per style |
| Online Wholesale Marketplace | Boutiques, trendy fashion, testing new products. | Very low MOQs, wide selection, easy to order. | Higher cost per item, many others sell same items. | 1-12 pieces per style |
| Liquidation / Jobber | Discount stores, experienced resellers. | Very low prices, great for deals. | No steady stock, no choice in items, risk of damage. | Varies (often by pallet or lot) |
The best way to go for a distinct brand is to work straight with the factory. For instance, a full-service partner like Clothing Manufacturer Ltd can help you find your way throughout the process. They help from design to delivery.
Wholesalers are a great middle ground. There are wholesalers that gather from many factories. They in turn minimize bulk selling. Large amounts of blank apparel distributors have their websites. You will find them with simply navigable browsing formats to shop for standard items like t-shirts and hoodies.
Online markets are the best choice for new boutiques. You can find many online marketplaces geared towards boutique fashion. These gather trendy items from different sellers in one place. This makes it easy to find new styles.
Step 3: Your Supplier’s Background: Supplier Verification
Finding a supplier is one thing. Finding a good one is another. You have to check every possible partner one by one. This checking provides the safety of your money and your brand.
Your 5-Point Supplier Checking List
Utilize this list to check every supplier. Conduct this step prior to your decision on how to place an order in bulk clothing from them.
- Communication & Professionalism
Do they respond to your questions without delay? Is their English clear and easy to understand? Their professional website with clear contact details is a good mark.
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Account Reviews and References
Seek for other consumer reviews outside of their own site. Research their name on the internet. Check what the others are saying. Do not only consider the star rating. Go through the comments themselves. Are there repeated complaints about shipping delays? Are there people who mention wrong sizing? Do colors look different from the photos? The repeated issues are major red flags; we have learnt to keep an eye on them. -
Terms and Conditions
Talk about their terms before you place the order. You should acquire knowledge about their minimum order quantities (MOQs). You also should understand the payment terms. Verify their policy for returns or dealing with defective items. -
Always Order Samples
This condition is essential among all other rules. Throwing a big order without viewing the product first is a big mistake. Images can be somewhat deceiving. You need to touch the fabric. You need to see the quality for yourself. -
Inspect Sample Quality
After the samples arrive, pay close attention to them. Check for these things:- Fabric Feel: Is it soft? Does it feel like the description?
- Stitching Quality: Are the seams straight and strong? Are there loose threads?
- Color Match: Does the color match the photo on their website?
- Sizing: Does a “medium” fit like a medium?
- Wash Test: How does the item look and feel after one wash? Does it shrink or fade?
Step 4: Place Your First Bulk Clothing Order
You have done your research. You’ve chosen the supplier. Now you’re ready to place your first order. This process should be well-defined and systematically recorded to avoid mistakes.
From Quote to Confirmation in 4 Steps
Follow these steps for a smooth ordering experience.
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Step 1: Request a Formal Quote (RFQ)
Send your supplier a detailed list of what you want. Include item numbers, colors, and a breakdown of sizes. Include how many of each you need. This is how you start the process to buy clothes in bulk. -
Step 2: Review the Purchase Order (PO)
The supplier will send you a Purchase Order. This is your contract. Read it very carefully before you agree to it. Make sure every detail is correct. -
Step 3: Confirm Payment Terms
Understand how you will pay. Some suppliers want 100% of the money upfront. Others ask for 50% upfront and 50% when the order is ready to ship. Make sure you are clear on the terms. -
Step 4: Get Order Confirmation & Lead Time
After you pay, you should get a written confirmation. This email or document should also tell you the lead time. The lead time is how long it will take to make and ship your order.
Reading the Fine Print: Your PO Checklist
Your Purchase Order is a legal document. Check it for these key details.
- Item Pricing: Is the price for each single item clear?
- Total Cost: Does the total price include all fees? This includes shipping and taxes.
- Delivery Terms: Is it clear who pays for shipping? These terms also say when the items legally become yours.
- Delivery Date: Is there a clear timeline for when you will get your order?
- Return Policy: What is the process if you get damaged or wrong items?
Step 5: The Last Step – Getting and Managing Your Stock
Your order has shown up! This marks the end of the process of how to order bulk clothing. Taking care of your new inventory is essential for your business.
Check, Count, and Organize
Now that you have received the boxes, it is necessary to do the following three things.
- Check Everything: Unpack the boxes right away. Verify a few items from each design and color. Confirm if there are any damages or errors. Compare them to your sample and your PO.
- Count Everything: Make sure the number of items you got matches the number you ordered.
- Organize for Sale: Enter the new items into your inventory system. Get them ready to be photographed. Get them ready to be listed on your website or put in your store.
Your Partner for Growth
Learning to order bulk clothing is a skill that you will use repeatedly. It will help your clothing business to be established. Following these steps will allow you to create strong relationships with suppliers. You can get your business ready for success for many years.
Common Queries: FAQ
What is a reasonable Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for a new business?
This varies a lot between different suppliers. Online marketplaces may usually have MOQs for as low as 6-12 items per item type. Factories will usually have way more elevated MOQs. There’s often a range of 100 to 500+ items per style. Starting a new business with low MOQ suppliers will work best. This way, you will be able to test products without losing too much money.
Can I order bulk clothing if I do not have a business license?
A few sites might allow you. However, the majority of the professional suppliers will not. Real wholesalers and all manufacturers need a business license. They need a resale certificate. This serves as a proof that you are a legal business. It also allows you to purchase items tax-free to then resell.
How much can I save if I buy clothes in bulk?
Wholesale prices are generally 40-60% less than retail prices. This gives you the opportunity to allow a profitable margin. The item price also decreases with the quantity ordered. For instance, ordering 1,000 shirts will cost less per item than ordering just 50.
Should I choose local suppliers or overseas suppliers?
Local suppliers in your country will provide you shorter shipping times and more convenient communication. However, they may be charging higher prices. On the other hand, overseas suppliers, for instance in Asia, can have prices that are much lower. But these come at the cost of longer times in shipping, language issues, and complex customs.
What is the main mistake to avoid while ordering bulk clothing?
The primary mistake that you should be aware of is bypassing the sample stage. Do not ever place a big order based purely on photographs. A genuine and tangible sample will always be the best way to check quality. You can check the fabric, the stitching, and the fit. This move allows you to save your money from being wasted on a bad order.
