How to Open an Account and Order Vintage Clothing for Your Store

Are you looking to add vintage clothing to your store’s inventory? With the increasing popularity of retro and vintage styles, now is the perfect time to get started. This article will guide you through the process of opening an account and ordering vintage clothing for your store. You will learn about the three main ways to order vintage clothing – by the piece, by the box, and by the pound.

What is Vintage Clothing?

Vintage clothing refers to clothing items that are at least 20 years old and are considered to be fashionable and timeless. These clothing items are highly sought after by fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike. Adding vintage clothing to your store’s inventory can help you tap into this growing market and offer your customers unique and stylish clothing options.

What is a Good Fit For Your Store?

When it comes to sourcing vintage clothing for your store, it’s important to understand what type of buyer you are. Knowing your buyer type can help you make informed decisions about what types of vintage clothing items to stock in your store and how to source them. There are three main types of buyers for vintage clothing stores – high-end buyers, mid-grade buyers, and bulk buyers. Each type of buyer has its own unique characteristics and purchasing methods, and it’s important to know which type of buyer you are so you can ensure that your vintage clothing store is well-stocked with the right types of vintage clothing items.

High-End Buyers:

  • Seek high-quality, rare, and unique vintage clothing items
  • Willing to pay a premium price for vintage clothing items that are in excellent condition
  • Fashion-conscious individuals who are looking for vintage clothing that is stylish, unique, and timeless
  • Purchase vintage clothing by the piece or source apparel at estate sales or vintage markets
  • Keen eye for quality and condition
  • Looking for vintage clothing items that are in near-perfect condition

Mid-Grade Buyers:

  • Looking for a larger quantity of vintage clothing items at a mid-range price point
  • Purchase vintage clothing by the box
  • Target a wider audience and are looking for vintage clothing items that are stylish but also affordable
  • Looking for vintage clothing items that are in good condition and have a classic, timeless appeal
  • Focus on providing good value for their customers, offering both style and affordability

Bulk Buyers:

  • Purchase vintage clothing by the pound
  • Have a large market or multiple stores or outlets to sell their clothing
  • Looking for a large quantity of vintage clothing items at a low price point
  • Less concerned with the condition or rarity of the vintage clothing items
  • Focus on purchasing a large volume of vintage clothing items at a low cost
  • Looking for vintage clothing items that can be resold for a profit
  • Often looking for clothing items that are in good enough condition to be worn, but may not be in near-perfect condition.

The Three Main Ways to Order Vintage Clothing for Your Store

When ordering vintage clothing for your store, you have three main options – by the piece, by the box, and by the pound. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to choose the one that’s right for your store.

By the Piece

Ordering vintage clothing by the piece is the most popular option. This method involves purchasing individual items of vintage clothing. This is a great option if you’re looking to add a few unique pieces to your store’s inventory. By ordering by the piece, you have more control over the types of vintage clothing items you receive and can select items that are a good fit for your store and your customers.

By the Box

Ordering vintage clothing by the box is another popular option. This method involves purchasing a box of vintage clothing items. The items in the box are typically selected by the vendor and are a mix of different styles, sizes, and brands. This is a great option if you’re looking to add a large quantity of vintage clothing to your store’s inventory. However, since you have less control over the items you receive, there’s a higher risk of receiving items that aren’t a good fit for your store or your customers.

By the Pound

Ordering vintage clothing by the pound is the least popular option. This method involves purchasing vintage clothing items by weight. The items are usually sorted by the vendor and are sold in bulk. This is a great option if you’re looking to add a large quantity of vintage clothing to your store’s inventory, but you have to be willing to accept a mix of different styles, sizes, and brands.

How to Open an Account and Order Vintage Clothing for Your Store

Now that you know about the three main ways to order vintage clothing for your store, let’s dive into the steps you need to take to open an account and start ordering.

  1. Research suppliers: Start by researching vintage clothing suppliers who offer the types of vintage clothing you’re interested in stocking in your store. Look for suppliers who have a good reputation and a wide selection of vintage clothing items.
  2. Contact suppliers: Once you’ve identified a few potential suppliers, reach out to them to learn more about their products and services. Ask about their ordering process, payment options, and shipping policies.
  3. Evaluate the suppliers: Based on the information you gather, evaluate each supplier to determine which one is the best fit for your store. Consider factors such as the quality of the vintage clothing, the pricing, and the customer service.
  4. Request a catalog or sample items: Before opening an account with a supplier, it’s a good idea to request a catalog or sample items. This will give you a better understanding of the types of vintage clothing items the supplier offers and help you determine if they are a good fit for your store.
  5. Open an account: Once you’ve chosen a supplier, reach out to them to open an account. They may require you to fill out a credit application or provide some basic information about your store.
  6. Place an order: Once your account is set up, you can place your first order. Be sure to clearly communicate your needs and preferences to the supplier, and make sure you understand their ordering process, payment options, and shipping policies.

By following these steps, you can open an account with a vintage clothing supplier and start stocking your store with high-quality vintage clothing items.

Keep Your Customers Happy with a Steady Flow of Vintage Clothing!

We know what it is like to run a vintage store and try to make the buying process as easy as we can. If this is your first time ordering vintage clothing, or if you just want to learn more about how to purchase vintage, welcome aboard!

 

Are you a bulk buyer? or a Hand-Pickers. What type of buyer are you? [FIND OUT MORE]