Locating a suitable wholesaler for your clothing line is the ideal move in your retail business. This is not easy at all. You can not make money if you have poor quality products. It all starts with the right partner.
A clothing wholesaler is a person who buys clothing in bulk from different makers. Then, they sell smaller amounts to various types of stores, including yours. They are also your contact to the factory.
In this article, we will help you find and select the most qualified wholesale clothing distributor. All you need is a step-by-step outline. By following it, you should be able to set a firm foundation for your clothing brand.
Building Blocks: Distributor vs. Manufacturer vs. Wholesaler
If you want to be wise in your choices, there are some terms you have to master first. A lot of fresh business owners confuse these terms and it is only natural. Getting the concepts straight will enable you to look for the required supplier effectively.
What is a Wholesale Clothing Distributor?
In a way, a wholesale clothing distributor is an intermediary. They purchase large items of clothing from various makers. After that, they split these into smaller packages and sell to retailers.
This is what they are: a one-stop shop. You can buy all styles and brands under one roof. This means time saving.
The greatest advantage is the range and small order size. You are not obliged to buy 1000 of the same t-shirt. In contrast, an item bought per piece is more expensive than the same one that is bought directly from the factory. Added to that, you are limited in the choice of clothing’s design.
How is a Manufacturer Different?
A manufacturer is that very factory that produces the clothing. They are the ones who take care of the fabric and the sewing. Thus, by going directly through them, you will be the one who has the most power.
For example, if you aim to create your own apparel designs, the best route is a clothing manufacturer. Here, you will be able to choose fabric, and fit what you envision.
The positive side is that you pay the least amount for each item and you have the opportunity to design it as you wish. Nevertheless, the following drawbacks are considerable for a rookie company. Manufacturers, as a rule, have a very high minimum order amount. You will have to buy a dozen or more articles all at once. Moreover, it takes time. Finally, you have to give clear instructions concerning the design of the garment.
Where Do Wholesalers and Liquidators Fit In?
The term “wholesaler” means the same thing most of the time as “wholesale clothing distributors.” This is a result of the fact that both of these terms are used to refer to businesses that sell goods to others in bulk.
At times, a wholesaler may also act as a liquidator. Those companies auction the clothes that are overstocked or closeout labeled. So these are clothes that were not sold in regular shops.
For instance, a company like DNC Wholesale Distributor – Wholesale Clothing and Handbags is focused on selling off designer brand overstock. That is a fantastic manner of buying high-end products at lower prices. However, the stock is transient and so it is impossible to make predictions.
The following table shows the pivotal differences.
| Feature | Manufacturer | Wholesale Clothing Distributor |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Per Unit | Lowest | Higher |
| Minimum Order (MOQ) | Very High | Low to Medium |
| Product Variety | Single Product Line | High (Many Brands) |
| Customization | Full Control | None to Limited |
Finding a Reliable Wholesale Clothing Distributor
Since you now grasp what you are after, the next step is finding them? Read on for the top sources for nice wholesale clothing distributors.
Online Directories and B2B Marketplaces
The Internet is the first place to go. Many sites exist which can turn out to be the directory of wholesale suppliers. Business-to-business platforms provide a chance for searching for clothing suppliers based on many parameters such as the type of clothing, the cost, and the location.
Trade Shows (An Old-School but Effective Method)
One of the best places for finding new partners is going to a clothing trade show. These such events welcome hundreds of distributors and brands under one roof.
In my experience, there is nothing better than seeing the products with my own eyes. At a trade show, you can test the fabric, examine the stitching and, talk directly to the sales reps to clarify doubts. You feel the buzz of the crowd, and you hand out your cards to dozens of people who you may not be able to build relationships with through your computer screen.
Industry Blogs and Publications
There are several blogs in the fashion business that do the most difficult work for you. Frequently, they post well-researched lists of wholesale clothing vendors. Such articles can make you aware of the existence of some suppliers that you would not have found without them.
Niche-Specific Sourcing
Do you have a specific style that your brand represents? If so, search for a distributor who is an expert in that niche. Say, for instance, if you sell cool streetwear, find a distributor who is familiar with that market.
If your brand is entirely about hoodies, you could look for detached hoodie manufacturers to trace unique styles. For instance, you could even collaborate with a puff print hoodie manufacturer who prefers the art of special printing. A specialized wholesale clothing distributor will have the exact products your customers want.
The Definitive Vetting Checklist: 7 Steps for Choosing the Right Partner
Locating potential suppliers is only the beginning of it all. Now you need to go through all of them. This expert checklist will help you in choosing the right wholesale clothing distributor and thus avoid the wastage of money.
Step 1: Verify Their Business Legitimacy
True hard-core enterprises are going to have a true hard-core presence. Seek out a company that presents a secure web portal with a physical address and a working telephone number. A supplier having only a P.O. box or having a generic email address is a definite no-no. A valid wholesale clothing distributor will be reachable and responsive.
Step 2: Analyze Their Product Catalog & Quality
Closely examine the garments they are offering. Are their styles suitable for your company image? Do they have high-quality and diverse products? Usually, a distributor who has a long tradition of doing business is the best indicator for this. For example, a business like Apparel Source Wholesale Distributor has been around for over 50 years. This speaks for their stability and competence. Their catalog should match what your customers want.
Step 3: Understand Their Pricing and MOQs
Although price is important, it is not everything. Are their prices clear and simple to understand? Ensure that you can make a profit on their prices when you add retail markup to it.
Additionally, make sure you know what their minimum order quantity (MOQ) is. This is the smallest allowed order. Is it within your budget? Some suppliers might have no MOQ at all while others may give the option of buying a “pre-pack’ of 6 or 12 per style.
Step 4: ALWAYS Order Samples
This is the very step you should not miss. The greatest lesson learned is to ALWAYS Order Samples before everything else. It doesn’t matter how nice the photos look. You may be misled by the images.
Upon receiving the samples, you need to do a thorough check. What is the feel of the fabric? Is it soft? Or, durable? Go through the stitching. Is it well done, does it look strong? Have a close size check. Does a “medium” actually fit like a medium? The sample quality reveals everything you need to know about the wholesale clothing distributor.
Step 5: Test Their Customer Service
Before you provide them with a big order, test their support services first. Send an email or call them with a question that is easy to answer.
What will you take notice of in their response time? Are they patient and professional? An able partner will be more than happy to offer their help. Wretched customer service now will remain deteriorated when you are confronted with a legitimate issue.
Step 6: Inquire About Shipping and Return Policies
You need to have the total cost of your order. Flush out their shipping prices and time-limits before purchasing.
How would you handle cases where you receive incorrect items or damaged goods? An honest supplier will have a plain and just return policy. You will need to read and understand it before making the purchase.
Step 7: Read Reviews and Seek Referrals
Search for the supplier on other websites and read reviews. If you search Google, social media, and forums you might find their presence. 0ne or 2 complaints about their services are justified. The pattern of the complaints though is a strong signal. If a boutique has them, consider that the very best.
The Starting Point: Ordering for the First Time and Establishing the Partnership
After having identified your wholesale clothing distributor, the moment comes for you to be the customer. This is if you have all the necessary preparations done.
Document Making
Wholesale suppliers sell only to businesses. To open an account, you must verify your status as a business entity.
The most necessary document is the Resale Certificate. People often refer to it as Seller’s Permit or Tax ID. Resale Certificates are mandated by most states in America. They let you purchase goods without incurring sales tax. The supplier also requires this for their record-keeping.
The Application Process
Most distributors have a simple application on their page. You will need to provide the full name of your business, your address, and your Resale Certificate number. The approval process is usually a day or two.
Placing Your First “Test” Order
We recommend starting with a small order. Do not spend a fortune on your very first order. Start with a small order that you can manage. Include a few different styles.
This serves to test the whole process. You will have a chance to evaluate how simple the ordering is. You can find out the shipping time. You will be able to understand how the final results look like. Your small test order will protect you against massive loss should the turn out not to be as you expect it.
Communication is Key
Being in contact with your account manager not only helps you to stay updated but also builds a personal connection with your sales rep. Their role is to serve as your contact person.
Beneficial relations can produce great advantages. Your rep might give you a headline on the next products that will come even before they are on the page. They may also bring you knowledge of discounts that will soon be available or special promotions. Frequent communication satisfies the good distributor to be your partner in your success.
5 Warning Flags to Keep at Bay When Picking a Wholesale Clothing Distributor
What to select is important. At the same time, knowing what to avoid is vital. Below are five top clues that make it clear that a supplier can’t be trusted.
1. No Real Address or Telephone Number
A genuine business is not in the habit of hiding. If a supplier communicates solely through a web form or a generic email, you should be very careful.
2. Not Willing to Send Samples
A supplier very much believes in their goods will be more than willing to send you some samples. If they don’t want to share or they make it difficult, they might be concealing low quality.
3. No Mention of Policies
Everything related should be clear and simple. If their pricing structure, shipping costs, or return policy is confusing or hard to find, it is a warning sign.
4. Issues of Extremely High-Pressure Sales
The right supplier is one who does not push you into buying but is interested instead in fostering a long-term relationship. They do not want you to feel pressured into making a huge purchase immediately. High-pressure methods usually indicate that the supplier cares more about getting a quick sale than your business thriving.
5. Enough Stated Negative Reviews
Look for the same issues raised through online reviews across the board. If a good number of clients talk about poor service you should keep away. Examples are poor quality, slow shipping, or bad service.
Questions Frequently Asked (FAQ)
Do I need a business license to buy from a wholesale clothing distributor?
Answer: Yes, in nearly every case. The wholesale clothing distributor is going to be selling to businesses only. You will have to show proof that you are a legitimate business. Typically, this requires a Resale Certificate or a Tax ID. This allows you to open an account and buy without taxes.
What is a typical minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Answer: This varies widely. Some distributors have no MOQ at all. Others require a minimum spend (e.g., $100) or certain units per style (e.g., a “pre-pack” of 6 pieces in various sizes). Always make sure to check first before buying.
