When it comes to starting your own apparel company, the options are endless. But before you start throwing money at a bunch of different startups, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting yourself into. To help you make a more informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of apparel companies that started as dropshipping businesses. This is not only a great way to get started, but it also gives you an idea of the challenges and obstacles that come with starting your own apparel company.
Apparel Companies That Started As Dropshipping
There are a number of apparel companies that started as dropshipping businesses. These companies have built successful, profitable businesses by implementing dropshipping into their marketing and sales strategies.
Some of the more well-known apparel companies that started as dropshipping businesses include H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo. Each company has implemented different strategies, but all three have succeeded in building highly successful businesses through Dropshipping.
Each company benefits from dropshipping in different ways. H&Mdropship products from its own warehouse to customers worldwide. This allows the company to maintain high quality standards and control the distribution process. Zara uses a similar Dropship model, but it also manufactures some products in-house to better meet customer demand. Uniqlo is unique among the top 3 because it does not manufacture any products itself; it instead contracts with suppliers around the world to produce its clothing products. All three companies have found success by doing things their own way and developing a unique selling proposition (USP).
Why Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a great way to start your own apparel company. It’s easy to set up and manage, and you can make a lot of money with it.
First, you need to find a supplier. There are a lot of companies that offer dropshipping services, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. You also need to choose the right products. You don’t want to dropship items that are too complicated or expensive to produce.
Next, you need to set up your business account with an eCommerce platform like Shopify or Amazon Web Services (AWS). Once you have your account set up, you’ll need to create a merchant account with the supplier you chose. This will allow them to send you product orders.
Once you have your merchant account set up, it’s time to start shipping products! You’ll need to create a shipping address for each order and then fill out the shipping information. You can also add delivery tracking numbers if desired.
Ecommerce platforms like Shopify and Amazon provide built-in tools for shipping products, so all you need to do is input the details of each order. Keep in mind that shipping costs will vary depending on the size and weight of the product ordered, so be sure to calculate those fees before submitting an order.
Types of Apparel Companies
There are many types of apparel companies, but they all fall into one of two main categories: online-only or brick-and-mortar.
Online-only apparel companies, like ModCloth and Warby Parker, operate primarily online. They design and sell their clothing through their websites and often use dropshipping to get products to market quickly and cheaply.
Brick-and-mortar apparel companies, like Macy’s and J. Crew, operate in physical stores across the United States. They design their own clothinglines and buy products from different suppliers, then sell these items in their stores.
Both online-only and brick-and-mortar apparel companies can be successful with dropshipping. However, there are some key differences that will impact your success as an entrepreneur.
If you’re planning to start an online-only apparel company, make sure you have a strong grasp of digital marketing – especially SEO (search engine optimization). Otherwise, you’ll likely struggle to get your clothes seen by potential customers browsing the web.
On the other hand, if you’re starting a brick-and-mortar company, be sure to have a solid understanding of fashion retailing – especially merchandising strategies like floor space planning and SKU (stock Keeping Unit) management. These skills will help you manage inventory more effectively and drive more sales from your store floor.
The Best Apparel Brands to Start Dropshipping With
There are a few apparel brands that started as dropshipping businesses. While some of these brands may not be the best for beginners, they are worth considering if you have experience dropshipping and want to scale up your business.
Some of the best apparel brands to start dropshipping with include UNIQLO, H&M, and Zara. All three of these brands offer high-quality clothing at affordable prices, making them a great option for beginning dropshippers. Additionally, all three of these brands offer international shipping options, so you can sell your products worldwide without having to worry about customs fees.
If you’re interested in starting a more specialized niche brand, consider starting with GAP or American Eagle Outfitters. Both of these brands focus on high-end fashion that is difficult to find elsewhere. However, because their products are expensive and difficult to find, both companies also require a higher investment from new Dropshipping entrepreneurs.
How to Start Your Own Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping is a great option for businesses that want to start out with a low investment and little overhead costs. It’s also a great way to test the waters before committing to a more traditional retail business model.
To get started, you’ll need some basic supplies. You’ll need an eCommerce store, dropshipping software, and items you can sell.
Once you have your supplies, it’s time to set up your store. Create a new eCommerce store on Shopify or another platform and sign up for a dropshipping account with an established retailer. Once you have your account set up, add your products to the store.
Select products that are relevant to your niche and add them to your shopping cart. Choose products that are in high demand and that you can sell at a lower cost than the retailer’s prices.
Now it’s time to create your listing template. Use dropshipping software to create simple listings with accurate product information and pricing. Remember to include images of each product and detailed product information such as dimensions, colors, materials, and features.
When you’ve finished creating your listings, it’s time to start promoting your shop! Use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote your shop and connect with potential customers. You can also use paid advertising tools like Google AdWords or Amazon Associates Advertising to reach more customers.
Conclusion
Dropshipping is a great way to start your own apparel company. Not only do you have complete control over your product and price, but you also get to keep all the profits. If you’re looking for a low-cost way to get started with creating your own line of clothing, dropshipping might just be the perfect solution for you. Be sure to check out our list of apparel companies that started as dropshippers for more information.
