Getting into wholesale clothing liquidation is a great way to access more name-brand and designer apparel. You can invest in lots of clothes you know will sell, but without spending a fortune in the process.
But how can you connect with these surplus goods and specific pieces?
The most reliable sources include department store returns and retailer overstock. However, that is easier said than done considering how entire pieces change depending on needs and how you can negotiate terms.
At Coastal Surplus Solutions, we offer support to find apparel liquidation pallets and connect you to these surplus items.
We can also recommend options for places where finding name-brand apparel liquidation is possible. However, regardless of what you choose and how you go over it, start with small lots to test supplier quality.
Not every supplier is who you need, which is why testing quality and seeing how communication works through the process are key.
Then, how can you work with all this sourcing process?
As mentioned before, department store returns and overstock offer excellent options, but other strategies can enter your list:
- Working on returned goods.
- Liquidation lots around your city.
- Working with surplus sourcing
- Sourcing with specific suppliers in local spaces.
Authentication: Spotting Genuine vs. Counterfeit Items
Once you have secured your supplier, there is a lot of work to do.
With the rise of designer clothing surplus, authentication is critical.
You want to make sure your items and genuine and will have consistent branding, quality stitching, and original tags.
While not all of them will have tags, they should still have the usual piece sewed to them.
Avoid suppliers with vague manifests or not return policy. If the one you have secured so far does not follow a clear pattern and communication for this, it is time to move away from them.
Focus on keeping suppliers who actually offer high-end brands and will make sure all the information of them is included.
If in doubt, request references or buy from platforms known for strict vetting of their inventory.
Popular Brands to Get: Nike, Adidas, Luxury Fashion Houses
Name brand apparel liquidation lots frequently include Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and specific labels, like Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors.
According to major contributors in LinkedIn Editors, these pallets are viable for this very reason. They feature premium fashion houses, but while some won’t be there or included, many follow specific patterns in what you can find.
Nike and Adidas are usually there due to their conquest around sport brands. However, more options can be found.
Case Study: Boutique Owner Sources $50k Inventory for $15k
How does that even work?
It is the beauty of surplus sourcing done right.
A boutique owner in Atlanta sourced a mixed designer clothing pallet for $15.000 from a reputable liquidator.
She took the time to review reputation, test specific pieces, and see how the liquidator performed and worked with other buyers.
In the end, she decided buying the lot, which included overstock and returns from Nordstrom and Macy’s, but featuring Nike, Adidas, and several luxury brands.
Since this was acquired through a lot, the quality was still there, but it needed authentication.
She took it into her hand to authenticate, curate, and target marketing her items at the boutique. In the end, the owner moved the $50.000 retail-value inventory within three months, tripling her investment.
How Coastal Surplus Solutions Helps You
Our role is being your surplus sourcing partners.
Instead of struggling with pallets, negotiations, or trying to figure out what should be done, our professionals handle every step:
- We source your items and consider the specific apparel needed.
- Our team handles everything in logistics, streamlining the process.
- Shipping and delivery? We got you.
- Everything will be at your door and with quality assurance confirmed.
Feel free to contact us today and work with our professionals in this or any other industry.
Why Hire Sourcing Professionals
It saves you time and resources.
As started by FasterCapital, having proper strategy and professional support already reduces costs exponentially. It allows you to work on the whole process, but without having to dedicate your entire life to that only. In fact, most people see a 25% cost reduction by only having professional support.
When mixed with surplus goods and how you benefit from them, you get the whole new experience.
You can ask us any questions before deciding to hire the team and going over bulk clothing for resellers with us.
