Cotton wholesale supplier for small makers

Independent clothing designers, small garment makers, home goods and bag makers, screen printers, craft businesses and schools.

Margin between your bulk buying price and your price per yard, roll or cone, with repeat standing orders and minimum order sizes.

• Sales and relationship building
• Knowing fabric weights, widths and fiber quality
• Inventory and order management
• Negotiating with suppliers

• Check with your state about a seller's permit and resale certificates for tax-free purchasing
• If you import, check customs, duties and tariffs, and whether you need a customs broker
• Textile labeling and fiber content rules may apply, check the FTC requirements
• Check zoning for your unit, plus general liability and property insurance for stock
• Large stock purchases tie up cash, and dye lot variation can cause disputes with customers
• Late payments from business customers, so consider deposits or payment terms

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your unit, how much fabric and yarn stock you buy, and whether you import. Large stock purchases can tie up cash, so plan your buying carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your customer base and stock range. That is revenue, not profit. Late payments from business customers can strain cash flow, so consider deposits or payment terms.

Check with your state about a seller's permit and resale certificates for tax-free purchasing. If you import, check customs, duties and tariffs. Also check FTC textile labeling and fiber content requirements, zoning for your unit, and insurance for your stock.