Most small businesses buy wholesale clothing because it saves money and streamlines workflow. However, there’s always room for improvement.
Finding the right wholesale supplier can elevate your brand if you’re running a kids clothing boutique.
Use these tips to source the best wholesale kids clothing. If done, we portend that these wholesale pointers will readily grow your kids clothing boutique.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Planning and consistency are keys to success in running your small clothing business. So, plan your new kids clothing collections at least six months or more in advance.
For example, say you plan on stocking cozy fleece apparel for kids and little ones during the holidays. Contact wholesalers like Bella + Canvas as early as March to plan what products to buy for the next season.
The day-to-day operations of your kids clothing brand can easily occupy most of your time and attention. However, when planning your new collections, setting up a business plan – and sticking with it – are vital. Once you establish a routine, staying ahead of the curve is more manageable.
Get Recommendations
Don’t reinvent the proverbial wheel, when looking for a wholesale supplier. Instead, use your business network to get recommendations.
Ask fellow business owners if they have dealt with any of the wholesalers that you are considering. If they have, get details and feedback about their experience with these potential vendors.
You can also get indirect recommendations from competitors. Do this by researching what your niche competitors sell, and where they source their wholesale products. Again, analyzing what works for others will lead to finding the best wholesale supplier for you.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask
A lot of business newcomers think that asking for a discount is off-limits. But it’s not taboo to ask your wholesale supplier if any deals or coupons are available. It just depends on how and when you ask.
Once you have established a relationship with a wholesaler, it’s fine to ask if a lower price is possible. If you are a loyal client who always pays on time, many wholesalers will consider a discount if asked.
After all, we miss the shots that we don’t take. Ask for a discount in a polite, straightforward manner. The worst that can happen is your wholesaler says, “no.” If so, you move on.
Be Safe, Be Prepared
Safety is a significant concern for a kids clothing business. A piece of children’s apparel can look as cute as can be, but it’s useless if the design is not safe.
Make sure the wholesale clothing you buy is as safe as possible. Here are some safety tips when shopping for wholesale kids apparel.
- Avoid fabrics that can cause overheating. Materials like nylon and wool may work great for adults but can cause discomfort and itchiness for children. Fabrics like poly fleece or cotton blends are better because they are breathable, less flammable, and more comfortable.
- No drawstrings, ever. Drawstrings on hoodies and other clothing are dangerous because they can get caught as kids play. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission banned drawstrings on upper outerwear for children’s clothing sizes 2T to 12. You most likely won’t see drawstrings on U.S. wholesale children’s apparel, but keep an eye out when researching a foreign wholesaler.
- Get appropriate cuts and fits. Buy wholesale kids clothing that is simple and no-frills. Avoid any designs with dangling belts, strings, or extra fabric that can get caught on other objects. In addition, buy sizes appropriate for a child’s age to avoid your customers purchasing clothing that will be too baggy or tight for their children.
High-quality wholesalers offer safe, well-designed kids clothing. Their garments won’t have loose strings, faulty construction, or harmful fabrics. Keep the mantra “safety first” in mind when shopping for a wholesaler, and you’ll be okay.
Take Care of Legal Issues
The nitty-gritty of starting a small clothing business is often dull and/or confusing. However, it is absolutely essential to have your paperwork and registration in order before you launch your brand.
As a business selling consumer goods, forming a legal business structure is highly advisable. There are several options:
- Limited liability company (LLC): An LLC is beneficial because it removes personal liability from the owner and allows pass-through taxation. Forming an LLC means your business assets are separate from personal assets.
- Sole proprietorship: A sole proprietorship lets you run your brand as an individual. You get all the profits and are responsible for all taxes, risks, and assets.
- S-corporation: An S-corp is slightly different from an LLC, in that it’s a tax classification. According to Forbes, S-corps don’t pay corporate income tax.
In addition, become familiar with local and national laws regarding the manufacturing and selling of children’s clothing. Staying informed on what you can and cannot – should and should not – do, will realize your brand successful.
Find Success for Your Kids Boutique
There are many benefits to buying wholesale kids clothing for your brand. Whether a restock of cozy fleece pullovers or a new line of baby onesies, your wholesale supplier can help make your supply operations run smoothly.
With some nose to the grindstone effort and using these helpful tips, you will find the best wholesale kids clothing for your brand’s boutique.
