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Local clothing distributors or Importing from China myself?

by b20ba
4 replies
  • ECOMMERCE
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For a fresh new clothing brand, what is the best long-term option?

Do the costs differ a lot?
I am talking about the final cost, including the taxes/shipping/clothing/etc from Alibaba vs a local manufacturer/distributor such as this one (Quebec-based)

Thanks in advance for sharing your experience and knowledge with a young entrepreneur full of ambition
#china #clothing #distributors #importing #local
  • Profile picture of the author Importexport
    Clothing can be a tough market because of the returns that are frequently due to size problems. Chinese sizes are often way out.

    In answer to your question, the profit difference will be massive. You can never imagine how cheap the products can be when you buy direct from a real manufacturer compared to buying from a distributor.

    You need to know that the vast majority of suppliers advertising on Alibaba as manufacturers are in fact traders, so although the prices may look good, they are way higher than you would pay the manufacturer.

    This does not apply to clothing only, but to every kind of product.
    Signature
    Use emotions and perceptions to build a great brand. Ask me about my book LabelsThatExploit. For safe sourcing and easy importing from 41 countries globally, see https://provenglobalsourcing.com
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    • Profile picture of the author b20ba
      Originally Posted by Importexport View Post

      Clothing can be a tough market because of the returns that are frequently due to size problems. Chinese sizes are often way out.

      In answer to your question, the profit difference will be massive. You can never imagine how cheap the products can be when you buy direct from a real manufacturer compared to buying from a distributor.

      You need to know that the vast majority of suppliers advertising on Alibaba as manufacturers are in fact traders, so although the prices may look good, they are way higher than you would pay the manufacturer.

      This does not apply to clothing only, but to every kind of product.
      Thanks for your answer!

      Any tips on where/how to buy from manufacturers?
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      • Profile picture of the author Importexport
        The answer to that is a long story. In fact my book on importing is 83 pages.

        The first thing you need to know is that you need to be persistent when searching. If you find what looks like a good manufacturer, don't stop there. Keep looking for more. You may get a big surprise when you get a quote from the 3rd or 4th or 5th..... etc. that you contact.

        If you care to have a look at my thread If your secret B2B portals are so safe why don't you share? you will find a lot of helpful information for new importers.
        Signature
        Use emotions and perceptions to build a great brand. Ask me about my book LabelsThatExploit. For safe sourcing and easy importing from 41 countries globally, see https://provenglobalsourcing.com
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  • Profile picture of the author zs3019
    If you have enough money, you can choose aibaba or local suppliers. If you don't have enough money, you can choose me.

    I am planning to do a website to help you, I can use the Chinese postal service to deliver your products. According to international practice, the post is no tax, except Brazil and russia.
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