Things You'll Need:
- List of suit wholesalers
- Business license
- Credit card
- Current sales and use tax form
-
Step 1
Determine the type of suits needed. Retailers sell suits by the occasion, fabric and detailing. Wholesale suit categories include: designer, wedding, cocktail, business and evening. Create a list of the type of suits that you require and the wholesale cost you are willing to spend for each category.
-
Step 2
Research retail prices. Scour industry publications and fashion magazines to determine the price point of the suits. Consider the prices for each item to determine whether you are receiving the best value. A fair price should range between 40 to 65 percent below retail prices for a basic business suit. A basic business suit, in comparison to an expensive evening suit, will not include fancy buttons, additional flourishes or detailing on the fabric.
-
Step 3
Obtain state retail licensing information for your state. Online and offline retail suit wholesalers may require a current sales and use tax form or business license to purchase discounted suits in bulk. Contact your state's department of revenue or sales and use tax department to determine the qualifications and costs needed to obtain these forms.
-
Step 4
Visit trade shows. Clothing designers showcase contemporary women's suits at trade shows for boutique buyers and large department store retailers. Wholesale suit shoppers can visit ApparelSearch.com's "Women's Clothing Trade Show Directory" to peruse a comprehensive list of trade shows and apparel markets that feature wholesale women's clothing and suits.
-
Step 5
Peruse online retailers, auctions and fashion discounters for wholesale suit prices. Alibaba and eBay feature wholesalers that sell suits in bulk to consumers looking for discounted prices. Online retailers and discounters may sell suits from past seasons, so ask for pictures and information about the inventory before you make a purchase.
-
Step 6
Determine the specific requirements for each brand's wholesale buying program. Buyers must meet shopping criteria, (beyond proof of sales and tax licensing), before purchasing wholesale suits. For example, some retailers require a minimum order of 100 to 350 suits to receive the low wholesale price. Visit Retailers Forum and Apparel For U to determine the specific criteria for wholesale buyers. Call each manufacturer and ask each sales representative for purchasing requirements before you submit a wholesale buyer's order.
-
Step 7
Place orders for your suits. Identify the wholesaler minimums before purchasing your wholesale suits. Factor in shipping costs and shipping time to determine when you will receive your merchandise and the total cost. Purchase all wholesale items using a credit card with insurance and fraud protection.
