If you’re looking for a vintage wholesale supplier because you own a vintage boutique, online store, or use vintage apparel to create your own private label, then you might be wondering how to find a supplier. Vintage wholesale suppliers aren’t hard to find — especially since the popularity of vintage has increased substantially in the last decade. But, not all suppliers are alike, and some may suit your needs better than others. In today’s blog from American Recycled Clothing, we’re going to discuss some of the questions you should ask when you’re talking to a potential new supplier. Keep reading to learn more, and if you are interested in working with one of the largest and most trusted suppliers in the industry, we hope you’ll give us a call.
What Type of Vintage Clothing Do You Sell?
Vintage can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. There is no formal rule for what is vintage and what isn’t, but if you ask people in the industry, most will refer to a general standard that states the clothing must be at least 20 years old. According to that definition, any clothing that was produced before the year 2000 can be considered vintage.
With that being said, some vintage clothing suppliers specialize in supplying only “modern” vintage. At American Recycled Clothing, we would consider ourselves to be in that category. We have chosen to focus our inventory on clothing that originates from the 1970s through Y2K. Other suppliers may choose to stock clothing that is much older than that, or from particular eras such as the 1920s or 1960s.
When looking for a supplier, make sure the one you choose can source the type of clothing you’ll be selling. Modern vintage from the 1970s and more recent is much more popular than older styles, and of course the older the clothing, the harder it will be to find.
What Are Your Quality Standards?
Everyone understands that vintage clothing is almost always used, and so some mild wear and tear are to be expected. Many people choose vintage because they actually like the soft, comfortable, previously worn feel that vintage clothing provides. However, just because you’re buying vintage doesn’t mean that you should accept clothing that has serious damage such as stains and holes from moths or other insects. Even though it’s previously worn, vintage clothing should still be in good shape and have plenty of life left.
When you shop at American Recycled Clothing, you can rest assured that you’re getting quality vintage apparel. We only source Grade A clothing which means it has been carefully selected and has no major damage or imperfections.
What Are Your Order Options?
There are many different ways to buy vintage clothing and some may be more convenient for you than others. Some vintage wholesale suppliers allow you to come into their warehouse and handpick your order. Others only let you buy pre-selected bundles. At American Recycled Clothing, we offer the most possible options for stocking your store and buying in bulk. We want your buying experience to be as convenient as possible so whether you only need a few bundles, or you want to buy by the ton, we can accommodate.
Visit our shopping page to order bundles that can be shipped directly to your place of business. Keep in mind that shipping is free on all orders over $250. Looking for something in particular or want to order in bulk? Contact us to set up a curated order chosen by our team. Would you rather check out our warehouse and hand-pick your own order? Just give us a call to set up an appointment and we’ll arrange it. Keep in mind that on-site visits are restricted to customers with a credible resale license and there is a $500 minimum purchase per appointment.
What Size Businesses Do You Work With?
Some vintage wholesale suppliers have strict minimum order quantities which rule out those just getting into the business. Make sure you find out what those order minimums are so you aren’t stuck having to order 1,000 pounds right at the start.
American Recycled Clothing wants to support vintage retailers no matter what their size. We worked with businesses large and small all over the globe. If you’re just getting started, consider ordering our wholesale vintage starter pack. It contains 25 top-selling items and is the perfect low-risk option for stores that are just getting started.
Contact American Recycled Clothing
You have a lot of options to choose from if you’re looking for a vintage wholesale supplier, but each one is different with regard to the selection, quality standards, and order options. That’s why it’s a good idea to ask a lot of questions upfront to make sure that they’re a good fit for your business.
To learn more about how American Recycled Clothing can help you, we encourage you to shop our website or contact us with your questions.