Owning your own boutique can be both exciting and overwhelming. You want to make sure that not only are you successful, but that you are also being smart in your business decisions. There are so many different options out there that it can seem daunting. However there are definitely things to consider that can make the tough decisions not so tough. When choosing which wholesale clothing vendor to go with, it really depends on what exactly you’re looking for. Because there are so many, the best thing to do is narrow down your needs before you start looking for the right one.
For instance, one of my needs when deciding on a reliable wholesale clothing vendor, is samples. We’re all familiar with the “what I got vs. what I ordered” memes.
Now imagine that your boutique is filled with the “what I got” options. Some wholesalers will send you samples of their product if you request it. There may be a small charge, usually just to cover shipping, but this way you are able to really feel the quality of the clothing that you will be ordering. I wouldn’t order from any wholesale clothing vendor without seeing and feeling a sample first.
Another option for you when it comes to trying to find a reliable wholesale clothing vendor, is to go in person. Most of the time buying wholesale equates to buying online and overseas, however there are occasions where you can go and meet the vendors in person. Trade shows are not only fun, but a great way to in person shop around, test the merchandise, and also meet face to face with the wholesalers. You can go online to find trade shows near you, and usually most major cities across the world will host them often.
Another helpful tip for when it comes time to choose a reliable wholesale vendor may seem obvious, but it comes down to knowing your clientele. What are the
demographics of your customers? Age, income, lifestyle, gender, style, all of these things that once you can narrow it down will help you also be able to narrow down where to get your products.
Doing your own research, as well as word of mouth can also be beneficial when looking for a wholesaler. Depending on your inventory need, most wholesalers will offer discounts the more that you purchase. Others will also waive shipping for repeat buyers.
You may not need this if your boutique is on the smaller size, however calculating the discounts offered for larger quantities may just be worth it to go with a vendor that offers these types of deals. Keep in mind though that some clothing wholesalers have a minimum order amount, although that rarely is an issue when buying for inventory.
There are a few different things to consider when choosing the right wholesale clothing vendor for your boutique. You just need to determine what your average
customers’ needs are, the size of your stock you will need, whether you want to shop in person or online, and even whether you want samples beforehand. Once you can answer these questions, and they may change the longer you’re in business, but once you can pinpoint something specific, then you are just one step closer to finding a reliable wholesaler for your boutique.
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