Make a difference with your second-hand clothing supplier! 4 recommendations for beginners to start with low risk

Even if you want to start reselling used clothing, the common problem that many beginners face is "not knowing where to buy." In fact, the way you choose your suppliers holds the key to profitability, and it is no exaggeration to say that this is where the difference lies. If you want to start with low capital and low risk, the first step is to understand a reliable purchasing route.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the four recommended suppliers for beginners in reselling used clothing, as well as the differences in purchasing methods and points to keep in mind for stable operation. If you can find a supplier that is perfect for you, a profit of tens of thousands of yen per month is not a dream.

If you want to start a secondhand clothing business, first understand the importance of your supplier.

Reselling used clothing is an attractive side business that can be started with little capital, but success depends largely on where you buy your supplies. No matter how skilled you are at selling, if your purchases are unstable or too expensive, it will be difficult to continue making a profit. In this section, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners why selecting a supplier is important, and the reasons and mechanisms behind it.

Why a stable supply is essential to making a profit from secondhand clothing

The key to making a profit from reselling used clothing is to buy low and sell high. However, many beginners are troubled by the instability of their purchasing and face the problem of not being able to collect as many items as they would like.

Why stable procurement is important

・If inventory runs out, sales opportunities will be missed
・A stable supply of products allows us to maintain a "selling flow"
- Less price variance makes it easier to calculate profits
・Regular purchases make it easier to keep up with trends

In other words, purchasing is the foundation of business, and getting this right leads to stable profits.

How your supplier determines your success as a newbie reseller

One of the main reasons why beginners fail is that they change their suppliers every time. If you use a different supplier every time, the quality, price, and delivery time of the products will vary, making it difficult to plan your sales.

The benefits of fixing and optimizing suppliers

・You will develop a keen eye for quality products and be able to spot them more easily
・Use past best-selling data
- Reduce procurement time and effort
・Some companies offer preferential treatment for repeat customers

In this way, carefully selecting suppliers and having a reliable route can be a major deciding factor in determining a beginner's success.

A thorough comparison of the top 4 second-hand clothing suppliers recommended for beginners

The first question that beginners to secondhand clothing resale face is, "Where should I buy my clothes?" Price range, quality, and ease of transaction vary greatly depending on the supplier, and if you don't choose a purchasing method that suits you, you will only risk unsold inventory and end up with a lot of trouble. Here, we will introduce four suppliers by their characteristics that even beginners can use with confidence. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each and find the best route for you.

A recycle shop with stable quality and peace of mind

Recycle shops, which have branches nationwide, are very easy for beginners to use as suppliers. You can actually pick up and check the products, so you can feel safe checking the condition and size of the products with your own eyes.

Representative recycle shops

・Second Street
・Off House
- Mode off

merit

・Quality can be visually confirmed
Many stores have reasonable prices
・You can buy even cheaper by using regular sales and coupons

Disadvantages

There is a limit to the number that can be purchased
・The stock of trendy and branded items varies from store to store

This is the perfect route for beginners who "don't want to fail at all costs."

Online shopping and flea market apps that allow you to easily purchase goods from home

Flea market apps and online shops that can be completed with just one smartphone are recommended sources of supply for those who want to start reselling used clothes as a work-from-home job. Among them, Mercari and Yahoo! Auctions are also hidden spots where you can get good quality used clothes at clearance prices.

Sites you want to use

・Mercari (targeting bulk sales and below-market items)
・Yahoo! Auctions (Large lots of items listed by vendors are a good choice)
・ZOZOUSED (Used brand clothing at reasonable prices)

merit

・You can purchase at any time you like
・You can choose products from sellers all over the country
・You may be able to negotiate the price to get it even cheaper.

Disadvantages

・Since it is not possible to check the actual item, the condition may vary.
Shipping and handling fees may apply

It's a very efficient source of supply for those who have the time to search for bargains.

If you're looking for value for money, try a second-hand clothing store with fixed prices

Shops that sell second-hand clothes at a fixed price of 100 to 500 yen are the best ally for people who want to start with little capital. Especially in urban areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, many people visit these stores to purchase goods, and the products are frequently replaced.

Typical example

・"Santa Monica" in Harajuku
・"Chaihane Second-hand Clothing Market" in Osaka
・Wagon corners at second-hand clothing stores across the country

merit

・Easy to purchase, starting at 100 yen per item
・There is a chance to find trending products
・Small purchase lots are OK

Disadvantages

- First come, first served, so competition is fierce
Transportation costs and travel time may be involved.

If you can go to a physical store, this is the best value for money option.

The best used clothing wholesaler for bulk purchases and efficiency

For those who want to get serious about reselling used clothing in the future, or those who already have experience selling, purchasing from a used clothing wholesaler is efficient. Recently, the number of companies that can be used by individuals has increased, and since you can order online, you can also purchase from home.

Recommended vendors

・OLD FLIP (Pickup and bale purchases available)
・Furugiyaoroshi.com (select by category)
・BULK VINTAGE WHOLESALE (imported directly from overseas)

merit

- Stable procurement in large quantities
・Lower unit price per item
- Easy to use, select by theme or genre

Disadvantages

・Minimum purchase quantity and shipping fees can be a bottleneck
・If you don't have the ability to judge, you may end up with excess inventory.

This is the ideal procurement route for those who want to stabilize or expand their sales.

Understand the differences in secondhand clothing procurement methods and determine the route that suits you best

There are various routes for purchasing secondhand clothes, each with its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The key to success is determining which purchasing method is best suited to your lifestyle and business goals. In this section, we will explain the criteria for choosing the route that is right for you, focusing on the differences in costs, risks, and work efficiency that differ depending on the purchasing method.

Costs and risks vary depending on procurement method

Naturally, the costs and risks involved will change as the procurement method changes. It is especially important for beginners to choose a method that allows them to start cheaply and with minimal damage from failure.

The route you should choose will depend on your purchasing purpose (small quantities and safe vs. large quantities and efficient).

How to minimize procurement time and effort

If you are going to resell used clothing as a side job, it is important to reduce the time and effort required. Especially for those who have a full-time job during the week, you should prioritize "methods that don't take up much time."

If you choose based on time efficiency

・Online wholesale sites and flea market apps that allow you to purchase from home are convenient

・Having a supplier you can use repeatedly can save you time when selecting products.
・Stores allow you to purchase large quantities at once, but travel time must also be considered.

If you spend too much time purchasing, you won't have time to list and ship your items. It's important to find a balance in order to continue.

Points to keep in mind in order to continue stable procurement

To continue reselling used clothing stably, it is most important not to end it with a one-time purchase. By regularly securing inventory and improving the timing of purchases and product selection while identifying best-selling items, you can grow your business into one that can realistically aim for a profit of more than 30,000 yen per month. In this section, we will explain three perspectives to keep in mind in order to continue purchasing successfully.

Secure inventory efficiently by fixing suppliers

If you search for a different supplier every time, the purchasing process will take too much time and be inefficient. By narrowing down to a few reliable vendors and shops and making it a routine to check and purchase from them regularly, you can increase purchasing efficiency.

Benefits of immobilization

- Product trends are easier to understand, and selection becomes faster.
-Easy to schedule inventory replenishment
・You can see the compatibility between best-selling items and suppliers
・You can also take advantage of benefits such as membership registration and point systems.

The first step to running an efficient resale business is to find a supplier that serves as your "home."

Understanding trends and finding the right timing to buy

Even with secondhand clothes, fashion trends are constantly changing. The genres and colors that sell well vary depending on the season and fashion, so it is important to "judge the timing" when purchasing.

Estimated timing of purchase

・T-shirts and short-sleeved items → Stock up from early spring to early summer
・Outerwear and thick knitwear → Stock up from late summer to autumn
・The end of year sales are a great time to buy stock

Also, you can increase your turnover rate by getting into the habit of using best-selling searches on social media and Mercari to work backwards from the "currently selling items" and purchase them accordingly.

Purchasing guidelines and inventory management techniques to make a monthly profit of 30,000 yen

If your target profit is clear, you can work backwards to see how much you should buy and how much you should sell it for. Here, we will introduce a model for aiming for a monthly profit of 30,000 yen.

Example: Average profit per item = 500 yen

・Sales volume required: 60 items/month (2 items/day)
・Quantity required: 80 items/month (assuming a turnover rate of 75%)
- Purchase price per item: Keep the average price below 300 yen

Key points for inventory management

- Keep a record of sold/unsold items
- Analyze sales trends in the same genre
・Dispose of old inventory by reducing prices or selling in bulk

With proper purchasing and inventory management, it is easy to achieve a monthly profit of 30,000 yen even as a side job.

Buy your used clothes at OLD FLIP

OLD FLIP caters to those who want to start a secondhand clothing business or purchase in bulk. You can buy hundreds to thousands of compressed bales of secondhand clothing at a low price, and since there is a mix of brands and sizes, it's fun like a treasure hunt.

In addition, the warehouse offers a "pick-up purchasing" service that allows customers to choose their own products, allowing for the careful selection of best-selling items. Items can be purchased from 200 yen per item, and the store handles a wide range of products, from sports brands such as Adidas and NIKE to department store brands such as Onward, World, and Sanyo Shokai. Sorted and unsorted stock can be traded by weight (starting from 80 yen per kg), and anyone can use the warehouse by reservation.

summary

The most important step in starting to resell used clothing is to find a supplier that suits you. If you can procure supplies steadily, you will be able to secure inventory and establish a sales rhythm, which will be a great tool in aiming for a profit of more than 30,000 yen per month. In this article, we introduce four recommended used clothing suppliers that even beginners can use with low risk, and explain the characteristics of each supplier, the differences in purchasing methods, and tips for continuing.

Among them, suppliers like "OLD FLIP" that are easy for individuals to use and have thorough quality control are a great source of encouragement for first-time buyers. The first step to success is to start by purchasing small amounts and small quantities and find your own style. The way you choose your supplier can greatly affect the future of your second-hand clothing resale business.