The wholesale clothing industry is among of the fastest growing industry today. May it be off or online, the wholesale clothing business has become the largest trend around the world. This is because of the reason that people always needs clothes, it is both a necessity and a luxury.
Majority of individuals that set-off and start their own wholesale clothing businesses are those that already own a clothing retail business. These people are those that wanted to expand their businesses and earn more by selling their stocks in bulk.
Though these kinds of people have the necessary experience in handling a business, a wholesale is still a different business that involves processes which are distinct from those of retail. One of which is customers. Instead of selling to the public, wholesalers engage a business to business system in which wholesalers sell directly to other businesses such as retail businesses, retail distributors, exporters, and other wholesale businesses.
But other than customers, there are also other processes that make a wholesale business, in this case a wholesale clothing business, different from a retail business. Having no knowledge about these processes could lead the business to bankruptcy. So here are some Dos and the Donts of starting a wholesale clothing business.
Choosing a Storage Location
Do: Choose a storage or warehouse located near the manufacturer and retailers. Choosing a location that is physically near from a supplier or retailers can save more time and money when in comes to transport. This is particularly important for those that are only starting out.
Also, check if the cost of the rent or space is applicable for the amount of capital allotted. Do a research about several locations, if the place is cheaper than the others, and perfect because its physically near the market, then that is the most appropriate location.
Dont: Though the location is cheaper and near to the market, if the area and the location itself arent secure, then that is not the perfect place to start a wholesale clothing business. Dont start a wholesale clothing business on a location that offers too little or no security. Also, check if the location offers some laborsaving to material handling, warehousing methods, or inventory procedures. If the location cannot provide those, then the better thing to do is to choose from another place.
Order Flow Procedures
Do: Do a systematically planned order flow system. Careful planning of the order flow system is essential for starting any wholesale business. This is because when the orders from the customers start to come in, the procedure in which the stock is processed must be done thoroughly and systematically. This is to avoid unnecessary mistakes when the retailer phones in and inquire about their stock and finds out that their order will be coming late.
Dont: Avoid making the mistake to not update a customer of their order. Make sure that they are filled in with the information they deserve about their stock. So as much as possible, give them the information they need, and dont delay them.
Customers
Do: Do a list of those customers that you have failed to get. Apart from making a list of your own line of retailers and wholesalers, its also important to make a list of those that you failed to have. This is to keep track on their activities such as if they are still loyal to other wholesaler or have already left to find another one. Or if you need another retailer on your wholesale clothing business, you could ask them again to join you. You might be surprised and find out that theyre now willing to join.
Dont: Dont include those that cant show any supporting documents on their business. When looking for a dealer or distributor, make sure that they have legal documents that permit them to resell your products. This can ensure your businesss security.
Competitive Credit Policy
Do: Do a research about the competitiveness of giving credits. Giving credits to retailers and other customers is a common thing when it comes to wholesaling. It is part of every wholesalers strategy to lure customers on their business, especially on a wholesale clothing business. This allows them to buy their stock and pay for it when they have enough cash to pay. Setting up a competitive credit policy could give any wholesalers an edge when it comes to attracting customers to their business.
Dont: Dont give any credit to those customers that cant represent a complete documentation, papers, and permit for their business. Make sure that the customers are capable of paying back the credits they took. This is done by checking up on their references. Check if they were able to pay on time and complete. If they dont have the papers or any other supporting documents of their recent credit, then dont give them any credits.
Maintain A Close Contact with Retailers and Other Customers
Do: Maintain a good relationship with customers. Maintaining a good relationship with customers is the one of the most important aspect that ever wholesaler should practice. In a wholesale business, in this case a wholesale clothing business, keeping in good terms with customers can produce good results that may help proliferate the business such as loyalty and trust.
Talking with them, listening to their suggestions about the business, asking them on whats on the demand in clothing, are the ways that can insure them that you are concerned about the success of your business and of them. This builds up the credibility of a person as a wholesaler when it comes to doing business.
Dont: Dont let the customers feel as if they are just things. Mistreating a customer by letting them face a secretary or talk to answering machines could degrade their loyalty and trust to the business which could then lead them to leave. Lack of communication could also affect the wholesalers credibility in handling a business. So make sure to communicate with customers and talk to them personally as much as possible.