How to Start a Wholesale Purse Business

Starting a wholesale purse business can lead to a fun and rewarding career.

A handbag or purse wholesaler purchases bags directly from a manufacturer or supplier and sells them to retail boutiques for a profit. There are several different angles from which an aspiring handbag wholesaler can approach this business. Many wholesalers focus specifically on popular, high-end designer handbags, while others resell "no name" or lesser-known designer bags to mainstream retail outlets.

Things You'll Need

• Handbag Distributor
• Storage Space
• Delivery Vehicle

Instructions

1. Decide which types of bags you want to wholesale. The type of purse that you deal with will determine how much start-up capital you will need and who your target customer will be. If your goal is to sell high-end designer handbags such as Gucci, Prada or Fendi, you may have a more difficult time getting your wholesale business up and running. These designers often have exclusive contracts with certain distributors or require you to place orders several seasons in advance. Dealing with emerging designers or "nonlabel" brands is less expensive and more accessible.

2. Research handbag makers. Check out the "Resources" section below for links to several handbag production directories. If you have a particular designer in mind, you will need to find out which company manufactures that designer's bags. Contact manufacturers to find out about styles, lead times, pricing, delivery methods and purchasing minimums.

3. Choose manufacturers and place orders for bags. Your research from Step 2 above should have allowed you to single out several manufacturers with competitive sales terms. Contact these manufacturers and place an order for handbags.

4. Set up a storage facility for your inventory. Most wholesalers are required to buy in bulk from their suppliers in order to be able to purchase bags at a competitive or "wholesale" rate. Your bags will eventually be delivered to you so that you can, in turn, sell them to retailers and boutiques. Purchase or rent a clean, dry place to store your inventory while you work to place items with retailers.

5. Sell your inventory to retailers and boutiques. Have a "sales card" or brochure made that lists each of the products that you sell. Your brochure should include a picture of the item, the price and the designer. Send your brochure to retailers and boutiques along with your terms of sale. Contact retail store buyers often and attempt to negotiate product sales.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid purchasing "knock-off" or "replica" bags that claim to be the real thing. Companies that participate in the sale of fake bags run the risk of being sued for trademark violations.

References

• Entreprenuer.com: How to Start a Wholesale Distribution Business
• All Purses.info: Wholesale Designer Handbags- How to Become Part of the Hottest Business on the Net

Resources

• Directory of Handbag Suppliers and Importers
• Directory of Handbag Manufacturers