The trade in second hand clothes, otherwise known as thrift clothing, has bloomed to become a major part of the import and export industry since its inception in the late 80s. Retailing of second hand clothes in the 2020s has already established itself as one of the important drivers of the economy, from developing countries in Africa and South America, to the world power economy of the United States.
In the rest of this article, we will put you through the key knowledge you must possess when venturing into the business of thrifting and how to buy second hand clothes in bulk.
Why Buying Second-Hand Clothes In Bulk Is Best
There are a million and one reasons why buying second-hand clothes in bulk is recommended. If you are still contemplating whether to start buying second-hand clothes in bulk, or unsure of the benefits that come with doing so, this section gives reasons and breaks down the advantages for you.
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Cost Savings
When people think of second hand clothes, the first thing that comes to their head is “less expensive,” which is true. Second-hand clothes cost you less than new ones, typically almost 50% difference in price.
When you buy in bulk from second hand clothes suppliers, the price of each piece of clothing could be as low as 70-90% off from how much it would originally cost you. Now can you imagine how much profit could be made if you are reselling each piece at retail price?
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Economic Advantages
Buying second hand clothes has several economic advantages, not only to the individual, but the society at large. Let’s look at it in two folds, Individual and Community economic advantages.
For the individual, buying second hand clothes means that you spend less on clothing, therefore, the rest of your living expenses can be channeled into other demanding needs. It also means you get your supplies for cheaper, thereby maximizing profit.
For the community at large, when people buy second hand clothes in bulk and resell it in their local area, the money that could have been spent in the store of some big retail corporations remains in the community we live in.
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Variety and Selection
One of the reasons why buying second hand clothes in bulk is recommended is the fun that comes with finding an extensive variety of clothing items in your picks. Thrift shopping is like entering into a modern museum of clothes, ranging from vintage designer wears, to trendy fashion items.
Unlike going into a store to find an item you already know it’s what they offer, you are up for a lot of pleasant surprises when you patronize bulk used clothes wholesalers due to the wide variety of unique items that can be found.
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Environmental Benefits
Generally, the second hand commerce industry is an essential one to our world because of its eco-friendly values. An unhealthy amount of natural resources and energy go into the production of new fashion items, resulting in the gradual depletion of these resources.
1,800 gallons of water go into the making of a pair of jeans, water that can not be reused to make another. Choosing to buy second-hand clothes will go a long way in eradicating a lot of the abuse in our environment. For a green earth, buy second hand.
Option1: Bulk Used Clothes Wholesalers
Getting bulk second-hand clothes from wholesalers used to require you to know someone who knows another person who knows a trusted wholesaler, however, thanks to the development of e-commerce over the years and the digitalization of second hand clothes warehouses, it has become even easier. You can source bulk used clothes domestically or internationally.
Domestic Second Hand Clothes Suppliers
The popularity of second hand clothes around the globe has made it a choice not only for low income earners, but also the middle class, and even the rich. As a result of this, it is possible to get a domestic second hand clothes supplier in the country you live in.
International Second Hand Clothes Suppliers
To get the best quality second hand clothes, and at the best prices too, a lot of times you might need to opt for international second hand clothes suppliers. These suppliers have export networks all over the world and can meet orders of all quantities.
International second hand clothes suppliers only sell the best quality bulk used clothing, because they have an international goods standard that must be met. You can make orders for your second hand clothes and even second hand shoes in bales from the suppliers’ website or by phone contact.
Option 2: Online Marketplaces
Asides buying bulk second hand clothes from major suppliers, you can also get thrift clothing from online marketplaces dedicated to this purpose. Some of these marketplaces include-
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ThredUp
ThredUP is a major online marketplace and destination to find second hand clothes, or as the company loves to call it, gently used – new clothing. ThredUP is the most similar online marketplace to a traditional thrift store, as you can do everything that can be done in a brick and mortar store on ThredUP, and even more.
As a seller, you can list your second hand fashion items on ThredUP, although acceptance is very strict.
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Poshmark
Poshmark is another online marketplace dedicated to sell all kinds of things including second hand clothes. This app-based marketplace is stocked with items for men, women, and also children. You can both sell and buy second hand clothes from this platform.
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eBay
eBay needs no introduction, it is one of the most popular online marketplaces in the world for many years now. eBay is a trusted place to find quality second hand clothes, the company has a used clothing policy that ensures that customers only get clean and quality clothes.
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Depop
Depop is like a flea market that is online and serves a much larger international market. You can find all sorts of second hand products on this platform, ranging from designer wears, to vintage fashion, branded clothes and sportswear.
Option 3: Local Thrift Stores and Charities
There are local thrift stores and charities where you can get your second hand clothes, they are retail only and not bulk used clothes wholesalers.
Goodwill
The Goodwill stores for second hand clothes is a subsidiary of Goodwill Industries that lets you buy thrift clothing at very cheap prices. Goodwill adds thousands of clothes to their inventory daily. The company is the world’s largest non-governmental recycler.
You can check for the nearest Goodwill store to you, as they have stores around the world.
Salvation Army Stores
Salvation Army Store was established by the Salvation Army to make essential items accessible to the low income earners and less privileged around the world. This thrift store is more of a charitable venture than a business.
Local Non-Profit Thrift Stores
If you wish to shop at some other local non-profit thrift stores that offer very affordable sales of second hand clothes, you can visit any f the following ones close to you:
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ReStore
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St. Vincent de Paul
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Deseret Industries
Key Factors for Buying Second-Hand Clothes in Bulk
Are you looking to stock your store with second hand clothes? Then here are some key factors that must be put into consideration when buying second-hand clothes in bulk:
1. Evaluating the Quality of Second Hand Clothes
Usually, less experienced people in this business think that since you are buying used clothing, it will be of low quality, this is a misconception that must be done away with. There are companies who deal in second hand branded clothes wholesale and will provide you with second hand clothes in bulk in their best quality.
2. Negotiating Prices for Bulk Purchases
Ensure to carry out proper negotiation when buying second hand clothes in bulk. Doing this is great for your business because lower price from the supplier means you get to sell at a favorably low retail price too. This will give you a competitive edge over other sellers.
3. Logistics and Shipping Considerations
Logistics and shipping is a very crucial factor when you do business with bulk used clothes wholesalers. You must consider how easy it will be to get the goods delivered to you, at what cost, and the likely condition of the clothes if you use your chosen shopping method.
Conclusion
Dealers in second hand clothes are springing up everywhere, and finding a trusted supplier can come with a lot of challenges. Buying second hand clothes in bulk from a reputable source, however, voids almost all the hassles in this line of business.
