When sourcing products, your top priority should be clearly defining what you need from your wholesale clothing distributor.
This is the pivot point of your entire business, and it needs to be a relationship that you have considered, trust, and that fits your particular business situation. These five essential areas will help guide you in your vetting of wholesale clothing distributors for your store.
Distributor Reputation
You need to consider your distributor’s reputation with others before making the plunge into a long-term relationship. This includes everything from ease of payment to quality of selection to timeliness of order fulfilment. It is perhaps the single biggest piece of the puzzle when it comes to planning your business. Trust online sources, but don’t be afraid to reach out to distributors and ask them if they have any clients who would be willing to answer your questions.
Product Quality
Product quality is both subjective and objective. It is subjective in that sense that there is a market for all items, no matter the material or craftsmanship, and it is objective in that some materials and designs are just more expensive to use and produce. Find the distributor that caters to the level of product quality that you are trying to offer your clients.
Reliability
Reliability encompasses everything from ease of ordering to your ability to get in touch with someone if you have questions. You also want a distributor that utilises timely delivery services and updates the inventory on offer regularly. You want a distributor that remains a constant force in your planning and that can be relied upon to make your job easier, not harder.
Customer Service
Customer service is a robust set of practices that encompasses everything from presale to post-sale activities. You want a distributor that is not only capable of handling your business but also their other clients. In other words, you don’t want to be treated like another number, and you want to aim for some level of fit in terms of hands-on interaction you have with your distributor. As time goes on, you will likely need less interaction as you will have established a solid foundation for the relationship by that point.
Market Fit
Market fit refers to a range of activities, including the types of products your distributor stocks as well as financing and other business-friendly options it offers you as a customer. Some distributors cater to large wholesale volume orders, while others prefer to cater to boutiques. Depending on your inventory levels, you will want to find a distributor that aligns with you in this area, as they will be able to offer you the most competitive business arrangements.
If you are just starting, you will likely need more guidance than a seasoned pro, and you might want to find a distributor that is more sensitive to that need. Overall, look for what makes sense for your business, not only today but down the road. Plot out your future and find a distributor that can help you get from point A to point B.
