Getting to Retailers?

meinteel

Hihi! I am trying to set up a wholesale business.

I am currenty selling tshirts, formal/office shirts (long/short sleeve), western pants, jeans, blazers and vests.

How do I reach out to retailers? Anyone has any idea of a directory or something that I can start by calling? What kind of deal can i strike with these retailers?

DTShop

hello

please do email me to find out more details..

Mystech

what kind of retailers are you targeting at? Those neighbourhood stores? or more upclass ones like og, etc etc. If neighbourhood stalls, you will need to go down face to face with them. From my exp, calling is basically useless, they dun have the time to entertain you.

meinteel

Hm...I'm thinking of trying small scale businesses with slight class...Neighbourhood stores are a no go because the products are made of good quality and therefore has higher costs.

These stores usually will hire workers so I'm not sure how to get to the boss. The names cards usually only write the location and store numbers.

ComicDLegacy

For bigger store, usually they will get stock of their own, they wont go for wholesaler, you may target individual stores in malls. If you get their name card, you can start by emailing them or giving them a call to make appointment for product presentation.

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Mystech

Just wondering, what is your targeted retail pricing? As comic said, the bigger stores they bring in their own. Leave your name card with them, ask them pass to the boss. or you can ask them when their boss might come in. But unless you have stock that they can't get elsewhere, I really don't see why they would want to get from you. Sometimes class is all in the perception. if your products are in the middle range, you might be caught out. you might wanna try bugis street if its in that price range.

meinteel

For dress shirts they are retailing at S$39.90, tshirts at S$19.90, all of which are slim cut cotton made.

Design wise, it is quite unique. A few shops specialising in male apparels would have but they are made of very low quality and the prices are relatively higher.

xoxoxo

So what you just asked in "http://retailbx.sg/f60/male-apparels-wholesale-7656/" pertains to the same issue?

Apart from the money changers and handphone shops, City Plaza is largely a place for wholesale and retail of ladies apparels and may be some kids' wears and accessories, basically a lady's world. Well, there is definitely more than 1 male apparels shop but probably just that 1 or 2 more (1-2 on the ground floor, 1 on the 2nd floor)

Wholesale of male apparels is not common in SG. Perhaps try looking up SingTel yellow pages. As previous forummers pointed out, big stores have their supply source. And sad to say, these days it's pretty easy to travel and get your own products, even small time business owners are flying out and getting their own supply. IMHO, I don't think wholesale of men's wear is viable, at least not in SG where the fashion market is so small.

If I am you, and I'm dead sure male apparels are what I want to sell, then I will try retail instead. Then again, it's a tough market but what is easy these days? Nothing! And chances of you getting into one of those big and popular malls like Bugis Junction, Tampines Mall, Plaza Singapura, and so on, will be tough for a new kid on the block.

If you believe your products are more unique and of better quality then others, try concept malls like Hereen, or even FEP & Bugis Street are possible start-out spots. I'm not saying it's easy to get a good space in these places but should be relatively easier than big malls. And to quote Mystech, "class (uniqueness/quality) is all in the perception".

Build up your brand name, work on publicity and advertising, get the word out, and if your business is still viable 2-3yrs' down the road, then consider moving into big malls. Rentals in big malls are killers unless you are cash rich.

Not sure if above thoughts help or confuse you but from your posts, it appears that you are neither here nor there... I hope you have not already stock up because it seems that planning is still in progress.

Lastly, GOOD LUCK!