Operating a socks business can be challenging as sock preferences fluctuate from one year to the next. Many are replacing the traditional wool socks of the past with fun, fashionable styles and colors that appeal to men and women alike. There are still those individuals, however, who will not purchase anything less than what Grandma wore. Your best bet would be to stock up on a variety of different sizes, colors and styles.
Consider the following when making your sock purchases:
1. Purchase brand name or high-quality socks for longer wear.
2. Purchase wholesale socks.
3. Purchase irregular crew socks from factory outlets.
4. Purchase compression socks or other specialty socks after holiday clearances.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Stay up-to-date with current trends in the socks industry to avoid costly mistakes
As diverse as socks are in the marketplace, so are consumer preferences. Meet consumer needs by staying abreast of what is in vogue, what's available in a sock and what is best. This knowledge will help you save money by keeping merchandise moving quickly as opposed to sitting on the shelf for indefinite periods of time.
I recommend: IBISworld offers facts and statistics in the socks industry.
Socks N Feet's useful information on sock selection can help you with socks purchasing decisions.
Constructiongear.com gives specific information on choosing the right sock.
Get information on socks and saving money on socks from money-saving Web sites
Stocking up on a variety of different sizes, colors and styles of socks can be an expensive endeavor. Get money-saving tips to help you defray the costs of staying in supply.
I recommend: Take a few tips from
thriftyfun.com and apply them to your socks business. Learn about different types of wholesale socks and how to purchase them through
Dollar Days International.
Purchase from high quality sock distributors, a good wholesale socks distributor and factory outlets
Purchasing socks from a high quality distributor will give you credibility with your customers because no one wants to keep buying socks that wear out or wash out because of poor quality. A good sock distributor will have an ample supply of high quality socks available for your socks business. There are also several wholesale socks distributors that offer discount socks in a variety of styles, or you can purchase irregular crew socks and other irregular socks from factory outlets for additional savings.
I recommend: Sock Guy provides performance specialty socks, featuring comfort and durability. Try
Socks4Life.com for a myriad of socks, including diabetic socks, crew socks and wholesale socks.
Alabama Wholesale Socks offers a variety of socks for the entire family. You can purchase dress socks, athletic socks and compression socks. Sign up for Email Bulletins to receive notice of current and upcoming specials. Find irregular crew socks through
Aid and Trade's Global Dropshippers Marketplace.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Flea markets are a great place to find bulk items from close outs. They usually have plenty of low-priced socks.