Clothing wholesaler for local boutiques

Independent clothing shops, gift stores, market and pop-up sellers, uniform buyers and online resellers.

You mark up the garments from your buying price to a wholesale price, usually selling by the case, size run or minimum order. Regular seasonal reorders from shops build steady income.

• Spotting trends and choosing ranges
• Selling and relationship building
• Negotiating with suppliers
• Stock control and invoicing

• Check customs duties, GST on imports and lead times if you import, ideally with a customs broker
• Textile and care labelling rules apply to garments sold in Canada, check the Competition Bureau guidance
• Check provincial rules on sales tax for wholesale sales and any resale exemption certificates
• Unsold seasonal stock and shops paying late, so consider deposits or credit limits
• Commercial general liability and stock insurance, plus any lease terms on a unit
• Seasonal ordering cycles, plan cash flow for winter and summer ranges

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on how much stock you buy, whether you import, and the unit or storage space you use. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000.

Check customs duties, GST on imports and lead times if you import, ideally with a customs broker. Check textile and care labelling rules and the Competition Bureau guidance. Also check provincial sales tax rules for wholesale sales and resale exemption certificates.

Useful skills include spotting trends and choosing ranges, selling and relationship building, negotiating with suppliers, and stock control and invoicing. Estimates suggest putting in at least around 20 hours a week, including visits to shops and supplier contact.