Finding reliable wholesale clothing suppliers is an essential step along the journey of setting up and running a successful clothing boutique. Wholesale clothing suppliers provide you with inventory, and depending on the quality of your supplier, this can be a make or break asset for your business.
Good wholesale clothing suppliers should have high quality products, a wide selection of options to order from, and professional logistics and customer service. This is the bare minimum, but some shop owners have additional needs such as a same-country address as their boutique, product customization, or small minimum order requirements.
However, the first step to determining if it’s wise to do business with a specific wholesale clothing supplier is to assess their credibility. Here are 4 ways to get started.
1) Read Online Reviews
The quickest and easiest way to determine if a supplier is credible is to hear a first-hand account from their past customers. They may have customer testimonials on their website, but it’s generally better to read reviews written on unbiased websites whenever possible to filter out any inauthentic testimonials.
2) Check Out Their Social Media
Most credible wholesale clothing providers will have an active social media account. Observe if they have recent content, and if it’s posted on a consistent basis.
It can also be helpful to read comments and notice the general reception they receive from their followers, as well as if the company is responsive and professional.
3) Make A Customer Service Inquiry
If you’re considering doing business with a new supplier, it’s best to make contact before placing an order whenever possible. This will give you the chance to ask any questions you may have about their facility or policies, and it will also allow you to observe their customer service skills first-hand.
4) Request Samples
If you’re interested in a wholesale clothing supplier but not yet ready to make a large purchase, placing a small order or requesting samples can be a wonderful way to assess the quality of their garments.
You’ll be able to see the quality of the craftsmanship and materials while also getting a clearer picture on what the process of working with that company will be like.
5) Ask For References
If you want to go the extra mile when assessing the credibility of a wholesale supplier, you can ask for references of past clients they’ve worked with. This will give you the chance to make contact and determine what their experience was like, and if their account aligns with what you’re looking for.
Another option is to check your network to inquire if anyone you know has worked with this company before, and what their experience was like.
6) Get Clear on Expectations
A final step to take when assessing the credibility of a wholesale clothing company is to determine what their policies are, and what specific agreement they can make with you. This may involve contracts, but either way it’s always best to get written proof of what your expectations are so that you can hold them to what they promised.
If what their offering sounds too good to be true, that should be a red flag and warrant further assessment.
Overall, the best way to have a positive experience with any wholesale business transaction is to do your research and always act politely, but don’t be afraid to listen to your gut.
