Finding the right supplier to manufacture clothing is a critical step for any fashion business. Whether you’re creating custom designs or reselling existing items, you need reliable partners to ensure quality and consistency.
To find a clothing supplier1, explore platforms like Alibaba, attend trade shows, or connect with manufacturers directly. Always vet suppliers through sample testing and communication before committing.
When I started my journey, I realized the importance of building trust with suppliers. Let’s explore how you can find the right partner for your business.
How many pieces of clothing does Shein make a day?
Shein’s rapid production model has made it a leader in fast fashion, with mind-boggling production numbers.
Shein reportedly produces2 up to 10,000 new items daily, thanks to its highly efficient supply chain and responsive manufacturing processes.
Shein’s production strategy
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On-demand production
Shein uses data-driven production, creating only small batches initially. If an item performs well, they scale up quickly. -
Short production cycles
- Shein’s average time from design to production is as short as 7–10 days.
- This allows them to keep up with trends at lightning speed.
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Localized manufacturing hubs
Most of Shein’s suppliers are based in China, particularly in Guangzhou, where clothing production is highly concentrated.
Key Factors | Details |
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Daily production volume | ~10,000 new items |
Manufacturing model | Small batches, scaling with demand |
Supply chain focus | Data-driven and highly agile |
Can you wholesale from Shein?
Shein is primarily a B2C platform and does not offer traditional wholesale options3. However, some businesses4 use workarounds.
Shein doesn’t provide wholesale services, but resellers often buy items in bulk during sales and resell them at higher prices.
Challenges of wholesaling from Shein
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No formal wholesale model
- Shein is designed for individual consumers, so bulk discounts are not officially offered.
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Stock limitations
- Items often sell out quickly, making it difficult to secure consistent inventory for resale.
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Legal and branding concerns
- Reselling Shein products as your own brand may lead to intellectual property issues.
Pros of Buying from Shein | Cons of Buying from Shein |
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Affordable pricing | No wholesale pricing structure |
Trendy and diverse designs | Limited stock availability |
Frequent discounts | Potential legal and quality issues |
Can you buy wholesale clothing and resell?
Yes, buying wholesale clothing and reselling is a common business model for both physical and online stores.
You can buy wholesale clothing from suppliers, markets, or platforms like Alibaba and Faire, and resell them with a markup to generate profit.
Steps to start a resale business
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Find the right supplier
- Look for wholesalers offering consistent quality and competitive pricing.
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Secure a business license
- Some suppliers require proof of a business license to offer wholesale prices.
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Establish a selling platform
- Use e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, or Instagram to sell your products.
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Promote your brand
- Focus on building a unique identity to stand out in a competitive market.
Steps | Key Tools/Platforms |
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Sourcing | Alibaba, Faire, local markets |
Selling | Shopify, Amazon, Instagram |
Marketing | Facebook Ads, Influencers |
Can I use Shein as my small business supplier?
Using Shein as a small business supplier5 is possible, but it comes with challenges.
You can technically use Shein to source products for your small business, but it’s not ideal due to lack of wholesale pricing, legal risks, and inconsistent inventory.
Pros and cons of using Shein
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Pros
- Affordable items and frequent sales.
- Access to trendy designs.
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Cons
- No bulk discounts or wholesale options.
- High risk of legal issues if reselling branded or copyrighted designs.
- Quality inconsistency in large orders.
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Alternatives to Shein
- Use platforms like Alibaba, Tundra, or Faire for more reliable wholesale options.
Aspect | Shein | Wholesale Platforms |
---|---|---|
Pricing | Consumer-focused, no discounts | Bulk discounts for businesses |
Inventory consistency | Limited and fast-changing | Better control and predictability |
Legal risk | Higher risk | Lower risk with verified suppliers |
Can you buy from Shein and sell on Amazon?
It is technically possible to buy Shein items and sell them on Amazon, but there are risks involved.
You can buy from Shein and sell on Amazon6, but you must ensure that products comply with Amazon’s policies and intellectual property laws.
Risks and considerations
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Amazon’s strict policies
- Amazon requires sellers to provide proof of authenticity for branded items.
- Selling Shein items as your own brand can result in account suspension.
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Quality control issues
- Shein products may not meet Amazon’s quality standards.
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Profit margins
- While Shein’s low prices may seem attractive, shipping costs and Amazon fees can reduce profit margins.
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Legal concerns
- Reselling Shein items could lead to copyright or trademark disputes.
Challenge | Details |
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Compliance with Amazon | Must meet authenticity requirements |
Shipping costs | May reduce profit margins |
Legal risks | Potential copyright disputes |
Conclusion
Finding the right supplier to make clothes depends on your business model and goals. While platforms like Shein may seem appealing, they come with challenges like lack of wholesale options and legal risks. For sustainable growth, consider investing in reliable manufacturers or wholesale suppliers that align with your business needs.