How to Import T-Shirts
Apparel businesses selling premade styles, referred to as blanks, to multiple firms often import garments such as T-shirts. Apparel distributors sell the finished T-shirts to retailers or designers for decorating, like adding graphic screens or embellishments. Importers buy wholesale T-shirts by purchasing quantities in bulk. Always remember prior to committing to bulk quantities that each exporter has different buying terms and quantity minimums vary.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Internet access
- T-shirt samples
- Fabric swatches
- Professional sewer
- Sewing machine
Instructions
-
-
1
Go to fashion import and export directory websites such as Alibaba, T-shirt Importers or Importers and click on the T-shirt import Web page. This area displays distribution company information, contact number, email and country of origin. Certain descriptions also include the quantity minimums. This factor is very important for a small business budget. Certain T-shirt distributors require high minimums, such as 3,000 pieces per color and size.
-
2
Pick verified distributors that make your desired T-shirt fabric content and quality. For example, 100 percent cotton jersey or cotton/Spandex blends generally costs more than cotton/polyester blends. Verification seals are generally located in the description area along with fabric information. The seal assures you that a certified representative from the website visited and approved the factory. Be leery of unverified distributors claiming to have all types of T-shirts available.
-
-
3
Contact the listed representative and discuss quantity minimums, cost, sizes and colors per T-shirt style. For example, you can purchase self-fabric collar tees or contrasting rib neckline and sleeve cuffs, referred to as ringer T-shirt styles. Discuss U.S. customs duty charges as well as freight charges that will be added to the T-shirt cost.
-
4
Find out the T-shirt delivery dates and shipping format prior to placing orders. For example, bulk T-shirts are generally shipped in cartons containing specific quantities, sizes and colors. Find out if the garments include hang tags, care labels, hangers and plastic covers. For example, cartons can contain 48 assorted colors in a specific size, such as medium. "Assorted color cartons" translates to different colors within a shipped box. You cannot return unwanted color combinations.
-
5
Request T-shirt samples or fabric swatches prior to making any buying commitments. If the factory does not offer samples without the order commitment, ask for an appointment with the company agent. Reputable factories have traveling agents who are willing to meet at your showroom to discuss terms as well as conduct a sample presentation.
-
6
Visit the United States International Trade Commission website and find the HTS code, which is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for your T-shirt group. The tariff is a government tax levied on imported goods, which you will need to add to your overall T-shirt cost. Tariff codes are assigned to different garment classifications and categorized by style or fabric content. Type in the word "T-shirt" on the search bar located at the top of the page to activate the HTS codes located on the left side of the screen. Continue to scroll the menu bar to locate your T-shirt category, such as women's, girls, men's or boys.
-
7
Pick the label for the imported T-shirts. Most T-shirts purchased in bulk include tear-away labels at the center back neckline. Remove the tear-away and insert customer labels or your brand labels. Hire a professional seamstress to tear and machine stitch the labels in the appropriate neckline area.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are importing T-shirts from one country and importing labels from another country, coordinate the delivery dates. Switching labels on bulk quantities requires labor and time. This is especially important if you are working with a tight retail delivery date. Retailers will cancel bulk orders for missing labels or for missing scheduled delivery dates to their warehouse, causing severe financial losses to your business.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
