With the global sunglasses market expected to grow steadily in the coming years, tapping into wholesale channels can be a smart move for retailers, online stores, and other resellers looking to capitalize on this expansion. The good folk over at Olympic Eyewear tell us that ordering wholesale sunglasses allows for greater product variety and inventory flexibility at lower prices compared to small quantity buys. Nevertheless, finding and vetting the right wholesale suppliers is vital when it comes to ensuring quality, continuity, profitability, and avoiding issues like copyright violations. 

Assess Product Quality

Authenticity

A major downside to wholesale channels can be knockoffs that mimic premium designer brands. Always verify licensing agreements and trademark ownership before purchasing wholesale stock with branded names. Ask for documentation, and purchase samples to confirm items match brand quality standards.

Materials

Inspect frame materials like metal alloys and plastics for durability deficiencies. Lenses should provide 100% UV protection. Confirm impact and scratch resistance ratings and check transparency, polarization efficiency, and precision optic curvature. Know the materials.

Assembly

Examine how robustly frames are put together. Look for clean solder lines on metal versions. Make sure lens rims and temples are properly set into frames with no gaps and check hinges open and close smoothly. Arms should have the right tension and easily slide into open or closed positions.

Testing

Put products through drop, flex, torque, and other tests to confirm resilience. Use standard industry testing equipment or develop your own protocols aligned with quality benchmarks. Repeat testing across new inventory batches.

Vet the Wholesale Suppliers

Years in Business

Longevity in the sunglasses wholesale business indicates positive supplier relationships and product availability consistency. It also suggests adequate infrastructure and knowledge to procure quality wares at decent prices.

Other Clients

Ask prospective suppliers who else they sell to wholesale. Reputable sunglass companies will likely have a broad span of resellers they work with. Check what brands they carry and requirements around minimum order quantities, pricing tiers, lead times, etc.

Location Capabilities

China manufacturers 80% of wholesale sunglasses globally, but other regions have their specialties. Connect with suppliers across manufacturing hubs to access more variety. Just ensure rigorous quality control at every location used.

Responsible Sourcing

Verify responsible supply chain practices and compliance with labor, workplace safety, environmental, and other regulations. Suppliers should provide factory audit reports on request. Conduct your own visits when possible.

Order Efficiently

Stock Breadth and Depth

Work with a select group of suppliers capable of providing both a vast range of designs and substantial order volumes on core products. This facilitates testing new styles frequently while maintaining inventory of top sellers.

Forecast Demand

Use historical sales data, seasonality reports, trend analyses, and even weather forecasts to project customer demand. This informs wholesale order volumes so enough supply is on hand to meet sales projections without overstocking.

Payment Terms

Establish mutually agreed upon payment terms like deposits and progress installments. Wholesale orders often require payment in full before the supplier even begins production. Transfer funds via a secure method like bank wire or ACH.

Shipping & Logistics

Confirm expected production times and routes for shipping items. Air freight gets products faster but costs more than sea shipments. Ensure your supplier handles customs documentation and duties for import clearance.

Conclusion

Following these practical tips will help foster beneficial partnerships with reputable sunglass wholesale suppliers for the long haul. Sourcing quality products protects profitability. Sales analytics guide inventory decisions. And sustainable relationships beget favorable business growth for both buyer and seller. Apply these pointers for maximizing the benefits of tapping into the wholesale sunglasses arena.