1. Choose the right direction
Once you've decided to operate in men's or women's clothing, you need to be clear-headed and not get distracted by everything that looks good at the clothing wholesale market. You must have a clear idea - it’s best to specialize in one type of clothing. If your store is large, you can focus on either men's or women's clothing. Don't forget why you came to the market and don't let other things sway your thoughts.
2. Position your clothing
After choosing the clothing, you need to position your products – are you going for a brand, student wear, middle-aged and elderly clothing, or children's wear? Conduct market research on the clothing you plan to stock. For example, if you're targeting university students with sporty and casual styles, first go to the wholesale market to understand the wholesale prices. Get familiar with all the wholesalers offering this line of clothing. Take notes on who sells what kind of sportswear, at what price, who has better quality, who gets more customers, and whose business is thriving. Keep these details in mind – they are your assets. Also, observe the buyers: what goods do they purchase and where do they sell them? If you notice someone coming back frequently, it means their sales are good. In such cases, you should track them down to their store for some undercover investigation.
3. Sourcing techniques
With all preparations ready, it's time to source your inventory. Even if it's your first time sourcing, act like a regular customer. You can negotiate prices with the distributor because you know the prices of competitors' clothing. The boss will see that you're knowledgeable and not a newcomer, as newcomers usually can't answer the boss's questions. There's a saying in China: "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster." This way, you won't overspend during your first purchase, and the dealer might even offer you discounts to attract you as a client.
4. Avoid scams when sourcing
Be aware that there are many “clothing shills” pretending to be sourcing too. Newcomers are easily deceived, seeing others rush to buy and fearing they'll miss out. It's hard for beginners to tell what's real and what's fake. In such situations, even if many people are buying from a particular wholesaler, you may still worry about being scammed. To avoid this, you can ask other wholesalers to help you procure a few items. Since you're ordering small quantities, the boss might not wholesale to you or charge high prices. By paying a little extra per piece to those helping you, you can wholesale the clothes you want at a much cheaper rate than directly from the boss. Once you check the goods and find they sell well, you can then adjust your sourcing accordingly. This way, you won’t get scammed. This strategy works best when the wholesaler doesn't recognize you.
5. Displaying clothing
After sourcing, arrange the clothing in a way that makes your store look appealing. You can visit wholesalers, specialty stores, or retailers to learn how they display their clothes. This way, your store can present a fresh new look to customers.
6. Adjust based on certain factors
Keep an eye on market conditions and adjust your prices if the wholesalers change theirs. Decide how much to sell and how to sell based on your own judgment. Stay updated on fashion trends and temperature changes!
7. Promotional activities
It's best to conduct promotional activities. Depending on the size of your store, decide on the gifts to offer. Many people still love bargains, so you can take advantage of this psychology to boost your promotions. When you open your store, consider stocking plastic basins or face-washing basins – they look big and are very tempting. Also, stock some balloons with words on them, as many children like them, and parents may bring their kids to get balloons. Remember, the quality must be good. On the opening day, give away gifts to the first 200 customers who queue up in front of your store early. Everyone who buys something gets a gift, and there will be discounts on the opening day. Create a lively atmosphere. This way, your store will attract more customers, and many people will know about your store, leaving a good impression.
8. Create a good store atmosphere
Even when there's no one in your store after the promotion, never sit around chatting idly. This gives the impression that your business isn't doing well and the service is poor. Assign clear roles – someone to clean the floor, someone to arrange the goods, and someone to assist with trying on clothes. Make your store appear busy, giving the impression that your store is doing well.