Clothing is a pretty safe bet when it comes to finding products with infinite demand. Most people need to wear clothes, and it’s considered a basic necessity in most places. So when discretionary spending tanks along with the economy, there’s still a pretty reasonable demand for clothes.
Likewise, there are tons of options available to the aspiring apparel entrepreneur. You can design and style your own items. But that’s not for everyone. If you’re anything like me (ahem, *not* a designer), you’ll likely look to source ready-made designs that fit your brand aesthetic and meet a customer need.
Let’s take a look at some of the best wholesale clothing vendors and how you can choose the right partner for your business.
How To Find Wholesale Clothing Vendors
Finding a wholesale clothing supplier can feel intimidating – you’re not alone there. It’s all about finding the right partner for your business and your customers.
Look for a wholesaler online. Check wholesale sites that you already know or have researched. Though you might have purchased different kinds of products from them in the past, they might also have clothing for sale. You can also use a marketplace like Handshake, which features makers and suppliers who have been carefully handpicked for their quality products.
Embrace an in-person search. If you’re lucky enough to be in an area that has a decent manufacturing and/or fashion industry – like Los Angeles or New York City – visit local showrooms to see what catches your attention. Going local is also likely to get you more affordable and convenient shipping options.
Research reviews. Just because a wholesaler and their products look great doesn’t mean that’s actually the case. You want to hear from real-life merchants and their experiences working with the suppliers you’re considering. Google around to find out what people say, and pay extra attention to red flags and complaints.
Remember to check information about shipping and order minimums. Some suppliers only ship locally or to select international locations, while others will ship almost anywhere. For international shipping, remember to consider customs and duties (not to mention the potential for additional delays). It’s also important to inquire about order minimums, especially at the start. You might not feel comfortable making a big inventory investment with a new vendor, in which case small order minimums are ideal.
Moving Forward With Your Clothing Business
Finding the right suppliers requires work up front, but when you’ve found the perfect match, the ROI is significant. Always remember to vet your suppliers and do your due diligence to ensure you’re not only getting high-quality products that will please your customers but also not losing money to a scam – with nothing to show for it. When you source products from Handshake, you can rest assured knowing your vendor has been carefully vetted and handpicked for their high-quality products and customer service.