Understanding Wholesale Clothing for Retailers

As a clothing business owner, the more you know about the fashion industry, the better, and that includes learning about buying wholesale apparel. At its most straightforward meaning, purchasing wholesale involves getting bulk quantities of products for a discounted price. There’s a lot to understand whether you’re thinking about doing it now or in the future or just curious about what it means. Let’s talk about what you should know regarding wholesale clothing for retailers. 

Wholesale prices differ from retail prices

Each piece of wholesale clothing will be more affordable than what it would be on a rack in a clothing store. Therefore, retailers buy apparel at discounted prices from wholesalers, increase the cost, then sell each piece through their own business to make a profit. 

Ordering in bulk allows retailers to save money while acquiring many items with one purchase, such as buying the Bella + Canvas wholesale zip-up hoodies. In addition, they likely will only need to place another order once a certain number of items remain in their inventory, giving the store time to earn back the money they spent. 

The total order price on wholesale websites can vary

Depending on the wholesaler, the price per piece may get lower as quantities increase. Usually, if a wholesaler offers this option, the information will be available on the individual product pages and show the price-per-piece for each quantity range. 

Prices may also vary between color selections and sizes. For example, ordering a specific white sweatshirt on one wholesaler’s website may be cheaper than buying the same one in another color. 

The order total before final checkout may change depending on the discounts retail business owners use if any, and what type the wholesaler offers. Discounts may be available for various reasons, such as if the retailer is a new customer. However, the order total may increase if there’s a shipping charge or stay the same if the retailer qualifies for free shipping.  

It lets the retailer stock up

Constantly placing orders can be stressful, but buying wholesale clothing in bulk lets retailers place larger orders and set for a while without reordering. It can be great for several reasons and in many scenarios, including when the clothing store first opens and establishes its inventory from nothing. The retailer can order specific products in a range of colors and sizes if they so choose, appealing to many customers, and have a selection of products on the floor for shoppers while having stock in the back to replace it with as it sells. 

Wholesalers are domestic and international

One of the decisions many clothing store owners need to make is ordering from a domestic wholesaler, such as one in the United States, or purchasing from a wholesaler in another country. Two factors influencing this decision are typically price and shipping times. Prices are often cheaper for clothing coming from overseas, but it can usually take longer for the items to arrive. On the other hand, domestic clothing prices may be higher, but they’ll usually arrive faster. 

Researching the pros and cons can help you choose between the two. However, it’s not a decision you should rush based on more than one or two factors alone, like price and shipping. Instead, examine every aspect and consider what would be best for you and your business. 

Wholesalers might not only sell bulk quantities

Although wholesalers are typically known for selling in bulk, that means only some wholesalers sell large quantities. Some don’t have minimum quantity requirements or a minimum spending amount to place an order. However, different wholesalers may have varying policies, such as no minimum quantity, but the retailer has to spend a specific dollar amount or vice versa. Others may grant no minimum guidelines to those in a particular location but put minimums in place for those based elsewhere. 

As a retail business owner, it’s essential to look into this beforehand so you know how to order, not just at that moment but in the future. The more you know about the policies, the better decisions you can make for your business. 

Customer service matters for everyone involved

There must be trust, mutual respect, excellent customer service, and interactions between everyone involved when there’s so much money at stake. A wholesaler wants the business of your clothing store because you could place bulk orders, which means giving them large amounts of money. If you like and sell enough of their products, that also means the potential for your repeat business.

It would be best to get quality products for what you’re paying, especially since your store’s reputation is at stake. You want to sell sub-par clothing to your shoppers and avoid them being unhappy. Customers will shop again at your store when they like the clothes you sell in style, quality, and price.

As part of a mutually-beneficial arrangement, you and the wholesaler should always opt for pleasant, professional interactions, even if an order has an issue. It is the ideal approach for both parties. 

Setting up an account

If you’re interested in ordering from a wholesaler, you’ll likely have to set up an account and submit documentation. Keep this in mind if you need bulk clothing by a specific date. Chances are they will only approve and process your information the same day you submit it, so anticipate it taking at least a few business days before you can order the apparel. 

When choosing a wholesaler to work with, carefully evaluate each potential business. However, this doesn’t just pertain to the products they offer and their prices, but also their policies. The more you get to know the wholesaler before you order from them, the better it can be for your peace of mind, your profits, and your clothing store.

Susan Paige

Susan Paige is a prolific female writer known for her insightful analyses on business news, particularly focusing on the stock market, cryptocurrency, and related topics. With a keen eye for trends and a knack for distilling complex concepts into accessible pieces, she captivates readers with her expertise and clarity.