As a kids clothing business owner, you know how important it is to increase your profit margins and get a good return on investment. In the retail apparel industry, buying wholesale is vital to a successful business operation.
Initially, it can seem a bit intimidating, and expensive, to do business with a clothing wholesaler. However, purchasing high-quality products through a reputable full-service wholesaler is an investment that will save you time and money over the long haul.
To help you get started, we have six of the best tips for sourcing wholesale clothing for your kids boutique or brand.
Quality Is Important
It’s worth it to pay a little more upfront for high-quality wholesale products versus going the cheap route. With well-made garments, you can mark up your prices more, which customers are willing to pay the premium. Additionally, you’ll start to develop a loyal customer base for your brand. As a result, selling your brand at a higher price and increasing your profit margin.
Doing business with a wholesale supplier that provides this balance of quality and savings makes good business sense.
For example, sourcing high-quality kids fleece pullovers from suppliers like Bella + Canvas is an excellent way to prepare for cold weather shopping. Parents want a warm and breathable fleece that will feel soft on their children’s skin, not bargain bin scratchy fleece pullovers.
In addition, conduct quality control of your wholesaler’s clothing. Monitor that you are consistently getting flawless, dependable garments for your brand. As you know, offering subpar children’s clothing to your customers can be disastrous for your business.
Safety First
It’s essential to buy quality kids clothing for safety reasons. Loose threads, faulty buttons, and flammable fabrics pose risks and hazards. Likewise, avoid cheap designs as they may have skimped on safety features, as well.
Safe design is especially vital for cozy fleece products. Don’t buy 100% fleece kids apparel. They can be uncomfortable and too warm. Instead, go with the following fabrics:
- Polyester fleece: Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is naturally flame resistant. It is also very soft and comfortable, making it an attractive material for kids apparel.
- Cotton: Cotton is an excellent fabric for kids because it is a natural fiber. It’s a great option for sensitive skin and for children prone to allergies. Choose higher quality cottons that are smoother and stronger, like Ringspun and combed Airlume.
Variety Is Key
A significant advantage of wholesale clothing is the massive selection of styles, cuts, and colors. In addition, wholesale suppliers have a vast array of clothing to choose from, making it easy to build up your brand’s product selection.
Strategically choose products that solve the needs of parents. For example, new parents need many styles of onesies in several sizes. In addition, parents must repeatedly buy new clothes because the average baby grows about 10 inches in the first year. Therefore, a diversified inventory will make you a go-to source for these cute, yet functional garments.
Be Organized
Buying kids clothing wholesale can save you time and money, but only if you stay organized.
Before opening your boutique or launching a new collection, make sure you have systems in place to make things run smoothly, such as: working with your vendor to schedule restock orders; having an internal system to keep track of inventory; and making a calendar with your brand’s deadlines and goals.
Setting up these methods initially takes a lot of time. However, once set up correctly, they run pretty quietly in the background and will save you plenty of time, stress, and headaches in the long run.
Communication Is Essential
A solid business relationship with your children’s wholesale clothing supplier is beneficial. Keep in regular contact with them to ensure that things run smoothly. If problems should arise, you will have already established a open communication channel to help resolve issues together.
When working with your supplier, remember to be respectful, professional, and polite. Be the type of customer that you would like to have patronizing your brand. Your wholesaler will appreciate the professionalism, and may even offer discounts, flexible payment schedules and more as a result. Remember you’re building an evolving business relationship.
Make It Legal
Why buying wholesale apparel for your products can take your brand to the next level, it’s essential to make certain that your legal paperwork and filings are in order first.
It’s advisable to form a legal business entity to protect both yourself and your assets. Most small business owners establish an LLC or S-corporation. Talk with an accountant and/or attorney to go through the goals and objectives of your business, but do the research to figure out which type of entity works best.
Lastly, as child safety is of the utmost importance when selling children’s products, make sure that you are up-to-date regarding local and national laws and regulations. Be certain that you and your wholesale supplier sell apparel that is up to code and safe.
