Used and vintage clothing exporter

Overseas wholesalers, vintage shops and market traders who buy graded clothing by the bale or pallet.

You buy mixed stock by weight, sort it into grades and sell by the bale. Higher grades and vintage pieces bring in a better price per kilo, and you add freight costs on top or build them into the price.

• Spotting quality, brands and vintage value
• Physical stamina for sorting and lifting
• Negotiating bulk deals
• Keeping accurate stock and shipping records

• Check whether your stock counts as waste. If you buy it as a product it may not, but if you collect or transport it as waste (for example from clothing banks or clearances) you may need to register as a waste carrier. Check with the Environment Agency in England, or SEPA, Natural Resources Wales or the NIEA, and with your local council
• Some countries restrict or ban imports of used clothing, so check the rules before you sell
• Contamination, damp or unsellable stock can wipe out your margin, so inspect before buying
• Public liability and goods-in-transit insurance
• Check planning and business rates for any unit, and fire safety for stored textiles
• Sorting and baling is heavy work, so plan for safe lifting and equipment

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your unit, stock and baling equipment. These are estimates only. Inspect stock before buying, as contaminated, damp or unsellable clothing can wipe out your margin.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the quality and grades you sell and your overseas buyers. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not profit after stock, unit and shipping costs.

Check whether your stock counts as waste, as collecting or transporting it as waste may mean registering as a waste carrier. Also check whether destination countries restrict used clothing imports, plus planning, business rates and fire safety for any unit.