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Sourcing clothing for an online store can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting out. Choosing the right suppliers, managing inventory, and balancing quality with cost are critical to your success.
To source clothing1 for an online store2, you can use wholesale suppliers, dropshipping platforms, or custom manufacturing. Each option has its pros and cons depending on your budget and business model.
When I launched my first online store, understanding my niche and carefully selecting suppliers made all the difference. Let’s explore how you can do the same.
How to get clothes for an online business?
Getting the right clothes for your online store requires a clear plan and reliable sources.
You can source clothes for an online business through wholesale suppliers, trade shows, dropshipping platforms, or by partnering with local manufacturers.
Online Clothing Shopping
Popular sourcing options
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Wholesale suppliers
- Purchase bulk inventory at discounted prices.
- Popular platforms: FashionGo, Faire, Tundra.
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Dropshipping platforms
- No upfront inventory costs.
- Platforms like Printful and CJ Dropshipping allow you to sell products without holding stock.
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Custom manufacturing
- If you want exclusive designs, partner with manufacturers to create private-label clothing.
-
Local sourcing
- Partner with local designers or artisans to offer unique products.
| Sourcing Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale suppliers | Lower cost per unit | Requires upfront investment |
| Dropshipping | Low risk, no inventory | Limited control over quality |
| Custom manufacturing | Unique products, high branding | Higher cost, longer lead time |
| Local sourcing | Supports local businesses | Often more expensive |
Where do stores get their clothing from?
Stores typically source their clothing through a combination of wholesale suppliers, manufacturers, and dropshipping services.
Most stores get their clothing from wholesale markets, overseas manufacturers, or trade shows, depending on their target market and budget.
Key sources for stores3
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Wholesale markets
- Physical markets like LA’s Fashion District or China’s Guangzhou Textile Market.
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Online wholesale platforms
- Websites like Alibaba, Faire, and Indiamart offer global access to suppliers.
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Trade shows
- Events like Magic Las Vegas and Canton Fair are excellent for discovering new products.
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Direct from manufacturers
- Many stores build relationships with factories to produce custom designs.
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Dropshipping platforms
- Great for small stores that want to test product categories without significant investment.
| Source | Best For |
|---|---|
| Wholesale markets | High-volume purchases |
| Online platforms | Easy global sourcing |
| Trade shows | Networking and unique finds |
| Manufacturers | Exclusive and custom designs |
Where do sellers get their products?
Online sellers often rely on a mix of wholesalers, dropshipping companies, and self-manufactured goods.
Sellers get their products from wholesalers for bulk purchases, dropshipping for low-risk inventory, or by creating custom goods through manufacturers.
Product sourcing strategies
-
Bulk purchases
- Sellers looking for low cost per unit often buy directly from wholesalers.
- This is ideal for businesses with storage space.
-
Dropshipping flexibility
- Dropshipping allows sellers to experiment with different categories without holding inventory.
-
Private-label goods
- Sellers create their own branded products by partnering with manufacturers.
-
Hybrid models
- Many sellers combine multiple sourcing strategies to diversify their offerings.
Do you need an LLC to run an online store?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company)4 is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for legal and financial protection.
You don’t need an LLC to run an online store, but forming one can protect your personal assets and make your business look professional.
Why consider an LLC?
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Liability protection
- An LLC separates your personal and business finances, protecting your personal assets in case of lawsuits.
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Tax benefits
- LLCs often offer flexible taxation options that can save money.
-
Professional credibility
- Having an LLC makes your business appear more established and trustworthy.
| Advantages of an LLC | Details |
|---|---|
| Liability protection | Shields personal assets |
| Tax flexibility | Choose how your business is taxed |
| Credibility | Adds professionalism |
- How to form an LLC
- Choose a name for your business.
- File Articles of Organization with your state.
- Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
How many items should you start an online store with?
Starting with a focused inventory5 can help you test the market without overinvesting.
You should start your online store with 10–30 items, focusing on a specific niche to manage costs and streamline operations.
Finding the right starting inventory
-
Test with a niche
- Start with a limited collection of products to gauge customer preferences.
-
Balance variety and focus
- Offer enough options to attract different buyers, but don’t overwhelm yourself with too many SKUs.
-
Adjust based on demand
- Use initial sales data to identify top-performing products and scale accordingly.
| Starting Inventory Range | Best For |
|---|---|
| 10–15 items | Small, focused niches |
| 20–30 items | Moderate variety and testing |
| 50+ items | Larger stores with more budget |
Conclusion
Sourcing clothing for an online store requires careful planning and the right partnerships. Whether you choose wholesale suppliers, dropshipping, or custom manufacturing, start small and scale as you learn about your market. Protect your business with an LLC, and focus on a manageable inventory to keep costs low and operations efficient.
