When it comes to buying wholesale sweatshirts for your store, stocking up for a major event or even outfitting a team… you’re probably expecting to save money. But here’s the thing – there are some costly mistakes many people don’t talk about, which could lead to wasted time and money. Here are five costly mistakes you should be aware of, and how to avoid them.
- Ignoring Fabric Quality
You’ve heard the saying “quality over quantity,” but this has never been truer than for buying wholesale sweatshirts. The biggest mistake buyers make is choosing the lowest price without considering fabric quality. A cheap sweatshirt might look good online, but if it pills after one wash or feels rough on the skin, your shoppers may choose not to come back.
Rather than simply going off of the price alone when choosing your sweatshirts, consider asking the seller for a fabric breakdown (e.g., 80% cotton / 20% polyester). Also ask for the grams per square meter (GSM) GSM. A higher GSM usually means a thicker, warmer sweatshirt. Consider ordering a sample before committing to a large quantity, if possible.
- Not Checking Sizing Specifications
Any women shopper probably knows that sizing can vary drastically across brands and manufacturers. But this is especially in the wholesale world. Don’t just assume a numbered size or a “medium” is the same everywhere. Similar to our previous tip, you should ask the seller for a detailed size chart. Measure an existing sweatshirt you like for comparison.
- Overlooking Minimum Order Quantities
Wholesale often comes with something called minimum order quantities (MOQs). This refers to the minimum number of pieces you have to purchase per color, style, or order. Unfortunately, maby buyers don’t realize this until it’s already time to check out. Before ordering anything, always confirm the MOQ and whether it applies to individual colors or mixed selections. If you’re just starting out, look for suppliers who offer low or flexible MOQs.
- Shrinkage
Many store owners assume that because they’re buying from a wholesaler, the sweatshirts are preshrunk and won’t change after washing. This is false. Always ask the supplier before purchasing your product. Make sure to ask questions about shrinkage and laundering recommendations, then consider washing a sample for yourself to check how it holds up.
- Not Considering Usage
It’s easy to pick sweatshirts based on what you like, but what works for you may not work for your customers. In one scenario, a fashionable oversized hoodie might appeal to college students, but it probably wouldn’t work for a corporate team or school fundraiser. Knowing your audience is key.
Here’s a few questions to consider: Will your audience want soft fleece interiors? What about athletic cuts? Will your customers want tear-away tags? The more specific you can be, the better your product choice will match expectations.
Buying wholesale sweatshirts isn’t simply about getting a good deal. When searching for the ideal product you have to make smart, informed choices that serve your business or event goals. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll be ready to have happy customers.
