Because no one has time to lose money on sketchy vendors.
If you’re starting a clothing brand — or already running one — you know how much depends on your supplier. It’s not just about who gives you the lowest price. It’s about who shows up, who delivers what they promise, and who actually cares about your product not looking like it came out of a clearance bin.
I’ve worked with a few suppliers that had great websites, fast replies... until I paid them. Then it was radio silence or mystery delays. Lesson learned. So let’s save you the same headache.
Here’s how to tell if a wholesale supplier is actually solid — and not just good at looking legit online.
1. They respond like a real person — and don’t disappear after one email
You should never feel like you’re chasing someone just to give them your business.
A reliable supplier will:
-
Respond within a day or two (not a week)
-
Answer your questions directly
-
Give you real info — not copy-paste replies
-
Be clear about what they can or can’t do
If someone’s dodging details before money’s involved, imagine how that’ll go when you're waiting on a shipment of 200 hoodies.
Red flag: If you feel like you're talking to a robot or pulling teeth to get answers.
2. They don’t expect you to order 1,000 pieces right away
You shouldn’t have to drop $5,000 on your first order just to get started. A good supplier will meet you where you are.
Look for someone who’s cool with:
-
Low minimums (100–200 pieces per item)
-
Letting you mix sizes or colors within a style
-
Offering small sample runs so you can test the waters
Especially if you're just starting out — this flexibility matters a lot.
Green flag: They ask about your budget and suggest what fits best, not just what makes them the most money.
3. They actually want you to test the product
If someone’s telling you to go straight into a bulk order without sending a sample first? 🚩🚩🚩
A legit supplier will say something like:
“Let’s get a sample to you first so you can feel the material and make sure everything’s right.”
And you should absolutely take them up on that. Try it on, wash it, check the stitching, hold it up to the light — this is your brand we’re talking about.
Don’t rely on mockups or photos. You can’t feel fabric through a screen.
4. The product looks and feels like what they advertised
It’s one thing for a website to say “premium fleece” — it’s another to actually get that hoodie and realize it’s see-through, stiff, or scratchy.
Here’s what to look for in real life:
-
Is the fabric soft and weighted, or thin and disappointing?
-
Do the seams look solid or rushed?
-
Is the cut clean or weirdly shaped?
-
Do prints or labels look pro — or like they were applied last-minute?
Trust your gut here. If you wouldn’t wear it, you probably shouldn’t sell it.
5. They’re up-front about pricing, turnaround, and shipping
If you’re having to chase down basic info like:
-
“How much per piece?”
-
“When will this ship?”
-
“What’s the cost for adding labels?”...that’s not a good sign.
A good supplier won’t hide behind vague answers or say “we’ll finalize after production” — they’ll give you ballpark numbers up front, especially once you share your quantities.
Green flag: They’re open about delays, fees, and what’s included — even if it’s not all good news. Transparency is way better than a fake promise.
6. They’ve done this before — and it shows
Look, you don’t need someone who’s been in business since 1983. But you do want someone with some track record.
Check for:
-
A real website
-
Social media that shows past orders
-
Maybe even some testimonials or client tags
-
Actual photos of what they’ve made — not just mockups
Bonus points if they’ve worked with brands similar to yours. Even better if they give you little tips during your convo, like:
“This color tends to fade after printing” or
“That tag size runs small — maybe size up.”
That’s experience talking.
7. They don’t ghost you after the sale
Here’s the big one: do they stay in touch once the money clears?
A reliable supplier:
-
Checks in on your order
-
Tells you if anything’s delayed
-
Follows up after delivery
-
Remembers what you ordered last time
That kind of relationship makes everything easier — especially when you're scaling. A supplier that treats you like a partner (not just a sale) is worth holding onto.
Red Flags — What to Avoid at All Costs
-
They won’t send samples
-
Their site looks like it was built in 2004 (and hasn’t been updated since)
-
No physical address, no phone number, no socials — just WhatsApp
-
They ask for full payment upfront without showing anything
-
Communication drops off right after you pay
Trust your instincts. If it feels sketchy, it probably is.
FAQs — Supplier Stuff People Are Too Afraid to Ask
Q: How do I test a supplier without committing to a big order?
Start with a small batch — even 50–100 pieces. Or just get a few samples made with your branding.
Q: Is it okay to ask for changes or custom options?
Absolutely. That’s the whole point of working directly with a supplier. Just be clear and respectful.
Q: What if they’re overseas? Should I worry?
No — but you should ask about shipping times, tracking, and if they’ve worked with U.S. (or your country’s) clients before.
Q: Should I always get a sample?
Yes. Every. Single. Time. Even if you trust them. Even if it’s a reorder. Always sample.
Final Thoughts
Picking a supplier isn’t just about who gives you the best price — it’s about who helps you build something that lasts.
Look for someone who respects your brand, delivers on their word, and actually shows up. That kind of supplier? That’s the one you grow with.
Looking for a supplier who checks all 7 boxes?
At Cottmark Empire, we work with startups, streetwear brands, and growing retailers every day — offering private label apparel that’s built to rep your name well. We’ll walk you through the process, no pressure.
Let’s get it right from the first order.