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Sourcing Fashion Items & Suppliers in Nigeria: A Buyer's Guide
This guide contains important information on how to what to look out for in finding a supplier for your fashion business, hottest selling fashion items in Nigeria in 2023, and extra tips on how to source for thrift items in Nigeria!
You’ve figured out that you’re going to start selling fashion items. It could be clothes, shoes, bags, or anything in between but you’re certain that you’re ready to start your business. The next important step would be finding the right supplier. This step is a major one because finding a reliable supplier of quality products is necessary for your business's success. Your supplier will directly affect the quality and range of your products, and even how well you can run your business overall.
Imagine having orders but you cannot deliver because your supplier did not send your items on time. Imagine sending an item to a customer and they complain about the poor quality and how you’re not sourcing the right items. All of these issues can affect your business’ growth, but having the right supplier ensures that you don’t have to deal with them.
So how do you then figure out what a right supplier is like? Let’s delve in!
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How to Find the Perfect Fashion Supplier for your Business
1. Research First:
There’s no way you can figure out the right supplier for your business without doing some research first. So it’s important to not rush into or commit to anything first; the first person you find may not be the right one. Take your time, look into different suppliers, gather as much information as you can, and then make the best decision for your business. The most important thing is that this supplier can deliver quality items, and on time too.
My advice? You can always start out by ordering little quantities of items first, to test out your supplier before fully committing by ordering bigger amounts.
2. Quality Products:
As mentioned earlier, quality is an important factor for your business. Your supplier is the foundation of your fashion business, and therefore, it's essential to look for suppliers who offer high-quality products. A reputable supplier will have an unwavering commitment to quality. Make sure to ask for samples and pictures before placing your orders to examine the quality of the items. If the supplier is unwilling to send samples or if the quality of their products is not satisfactory, don't be afraid to keep searching.
3. Variety of Products:
No one wants to shop from a brand that sells only one thing, in only one size or style. Your customers will lose interest very quickly. Therefore, you need a supplier that can product a variety of items from size to color, and designs to styles. You also need a supplier that keeps up with the trends because if you’re selling outdated items, your customers will definitely run off to your competitors.
4. Competitive Pricing:
Price is always an important factor to consider when choosing a supplier. You need to find a supplier that can provide good value for your money, but be cautious of prices that are too low. Like the saying goes, awoof dey purge belle sometimes. It’s not everything that’s cheap that you should go for, so that you do not end up with items that you cannot sell. It's always best to ensure that the price point is reasonable for the quality of the product you're getting.
5. Reliability & Flexibility:
Like I said, your supplier should be reliable and trustworthy, and flexible. You need to be confident that they will deliver the products as promised and within the agreed timeframe. And you should also look for a supplier who is flexible and willing to accommodate your specific needs. Finding one that can work with you to find solutions that align with your business goals is always a plus.
Hottest Selling Fashion Items in Nigeria in 2023
What do you think people are buying the most in Nigeria when it comes to fashion? This list is going to break down fashion trends the way Nigerians are shopping in 2023, and will give you insight to what to sell if you’re starting a fashion business.
Thrift wears: A lot of people are opening up more to shopping thrift items right from an online store instead of going to the market themselves.
High heels: Date nights, birthday parties and the likes. High heels still haven’t gone out of fashion.
RTD (Ready to wear) clothes: If you’re great at designing and sewing clothes, this is your time to shine.
Smaller handbags: For casual outings, chic handbags rule! A lot of people also work remotely now, which means that the demand for bigger hand bags has reduced.
Short shorts for men: Typically called ashewo shorts, the trend in 2023 has found more men sporting these clothings.
Knuckle rings: Women absolutely love these! And I completely understand why; they’re absolutely gorgeous!
Men’s jewelry: Men are getting more glammed up with jewelry like chains and rings.
Dresses: People are dressing up and going out more. Restaurants are packed full and of course, the high heels mentioned in this list goes best with dresses.
Comfortable clothing: It’s 2023 and a lot of people are working from home, or go into the office only a few times a week. People are welcoming more comfortable clothing items they can wear at home.
Anklets: Both men and women rock this jewelry even more in 2023.
Related: Considering selling beauty items? Here's how to sell beauty items online in 9 easy steps in 2023!
How to Source for Thrift Items in Nigeria
Here’s an extra tip on how and where to source for thrift items, especially clothes in Nigeria, if you’re starting your own fashion store!
Thrift items in Nigeria have a reputation of not being quality items, and therefore if you’re venturing into this really hot industry, you have to make sure that your supplier gives you top quality, thereby already making you stand out from your competitors. Take out time to source for your thrift items yourself as this gives you the chance to pick the best materials. Look out for wear or tear, discoloration, stains as these would probably affect quality and make them difficult to sell.
Thrift clothes in Nigeria are also categorised by grades like A, B e.t.c. Each grade determines the quality of the clothes and the lower the grade, the lower the quality of what you’re buying. You can source for your thrift items in markets like Yaba, Aswani, Idumota, Oyingbo, e.t.c
Conclusion
Sourcing for a fashion supplier and items for your fashion business can make or break the success of the business. It is critical to keep in mind that the quality of the products and the supplier can have an enormous impact on your sales, and the reputation of your brand. Therefore, these are steps that should be taken seriously to ensure success and longevity for your brand. Don’t forget to do your research and take as much time before you commit to a supplier and start purchasing items for your business.
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