Are you looking to get into the wholesale accessories market?
Whether you’re looking for wholesale fashion accessories or fun trinkets and gadgets, there are lots of things to consider.
Many new retailers entering the accessories wholesale markets are a little overwhelmed. Some feel there are too many options or too many things to consider. Others want more advice and information on how to make the best choices.
No matter where you are located, this article is here to help you navigate the wholesale accessories market, choose the right products for your store and customers, and ensure you only deal with the best wholesale accessories companies.
What is the accessories wholesale market?
The accessories wholesale market is like a big warehouse where accessories are sold in large quantities, not just one or two items at a time. These accessories include things like jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, belts, hair products, and even things for your phone or electronics.
The accessories wholesale market is the connection between the people who make the products (manufacturers) and the people who sell them to you (retailers). Many manufacturers of these cool accessories can’t or don’t want to handle tons of small orders, so they sell in bulk to wholesalers.
Why enter the wholesale accessories market?
The wholesale accessories market has seen incredible growth, with projections showing an increase in market volume and revenue across various regions.
- In the United States, the accessories market is expected to grow by 1.01% from 2023 to 2026, resulting in a market volume of $104.7 billion in 2026.
- Globally, the fashion accessories market is expected to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3% between 2023 and 2028.
- The mobile phone accessories market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2023 to 2033, with the market value expected to reach $189.8 billion by 2033.
- China occupies a leading position in terms of revenue in the accessories market, with a record $98.3 billion.
These figures suggest a strong trajectory for the wholesale accessories market, with mobile accessories and jewelry opening the way. These growth rates indicate a thriving market with opportunities for new and existing players.
How to buy accessories in bulk
1. Determine what you need
Start by deciding which wholesale items interest you. This can range from jewelry, hats and belts, to phone cases, chargers and headphones.
Choose one or more styles that suit you or your target market. Think modern, vintage, luxurious, casual or any other specific style. Check out listicle items from popular fashion media companies to get an idea of what’s currently selling, then confirm by finding those products in other stores and searching for them on sites like Google trends.
For example, you can determine if something is trending by gauging interest. The trend below represents luxury accessories. It has shown slight but steady growth over the past five years, with interest peaking during the winter months.
As you conduct your research, keep a spreadsheet containing the items, links, notes, and any other details that catch your eye during the brainstorming process. This will come in handy later when you make your final decisions.
💡PRO TIP: Calculate the total cost that you are willing or can afford to spend on purchasing accessories in bulk. Include the cost of goods, shipping, taxes and any other additional costs. Next, determine your ideal profit margin to help you negotiate prices with wholesalers.
2. Look for wholesalers
Use online wholesale directories to find a list of wholesalers carrying the type of accessories you want. Some popular directories include AnnouncementAlibaba and Wholesale Central.
![Market Image Make with results for “men’s fashion accessories”](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0070/7032/files/faire1.png?format=jpg&quality=90&v=1697844798)
When researching wholesalers, consider the following:
- Local versus international. Local wholesalers may offer lower shipping costs and faster delivery. International wholesalers may offer lower product prices. But you’ll need to consider factors like shipping costs, customs duties, language barriers, and longer delivery times.
- Details. Compare product prices, minimum order quantities (MOQ), and discount structures for bulk purchases. Understand each supplier’s payment terms, shipping costs, and return policies.
- Reviews and testimonials. Look for reviews on independent review sites or on their wholesale website. Or ask the seller for testimonials or references from other satisfied customers.
Shortlist a few wholesalers that meet your criteria. Then, contact them to assess their customer service, willingness to provide information, and to discuss your needs.
You can also ask them things like:
- A copy of their business license and registration
- A copy of the certificates of conformity
- Proof of registration with all necessary entities
- References and contact details of current clients
💡PRO TIP: If possible, visit the wholesaler’s website or trade shows they attend. You can personally check the quality of the products. Additionally, meeting in person builds trust and creates a better business relationship.
3. Place a sample order
Contact the wholesaler and ask them to place a sample order. Understand all costs associated with the sample order, including price per item, shipping, and all other charges.
Follow the wholesaler’s process to place a sample order. This may involve completing an order form, creating an account, or contacting a sales representative. Then pay for your sample order and wait until it arrives.
💡PRO TIP: Carefully inspect ordered product samples for quality, workmanship and consistency with product descriptions. If the accessories have functional aspects, such as adjustable straps for a belt, test them to make sure they work as intended.
4. Order your accessory products
Before placing a bulk order, negotiate the unit price, especially if you are ordering in large quantities. Negotiate favorable payment terms for both parties. Common terms may include an initial deposit with the balance due upon delivery.
Have a process in place to receive the bulk order. Be sure to check the shipment against the purchase order and purchase order to ensure you are getting the correct products. Always inspect accessories for quality and any damage.
💡PRO TIP: Keep accurate records of the order, including all communications, invoices, delivery receipts and any issues encountered.
Tips for Buying Accessories in Bulk
1. Understand Wholesale Accessories Market Trends
You know that the wholesale accessories market is booming. But it’s time to dig a little deeper. Do you understand what types of products are most popular with certain audiences and demographics and in which regions of the country?
These are essential connections you need to make if you want your business to succeed. This is called product-market fit, which is basically how well you’ve tailored your store’s accessories to the people you’re trying to sell them to.
You can better understand trends by:
- Subscribe to professional magazines and reports related to your market
- Networking with industry peers and attending events
- Participation in trade fairs and exhibitions
If you have good relationships with wholesalers and order from them regularly, you can also gain insight into new products and trends they see in the market.
2. Find popular products on Faire
Finding boutique accessories can be a lot easier than you think. This is especially true with the development of awesome platforms like Announcement. Just perform a simple accessories search or view the sidebar to discover Faire’s vast inventory of unique wholesale products.
Here’s a look at the “Bracelets” section under the “Jewelry” category.
You can search by products or suppliers, as well as refine your searches, such as minimum order amount and where you want your wholesale accessories sellers to be based.
This can be extremely helpful when it comes to fast shipping and fees like tariffs you might incur when shipping certain items from out of state or country.
3. Keep a growth mindset when planning
Growth is one of the most forward-thinking things to consider before starting to work with wholesale accessories distributors. Of course, you don’t need too many items before you’re sure your store will get off the ground.
But before you know it, you might have more and more customers, which means more orders to fulfill. It’s a bad position (and a bit ironic!) when your store is growing but your suppliers can’t keep up with your customer demand.
You can potentially protect the future of your business by sticking with wholesale accessories sellers who specialize in the products you sell.
Alternatively, they may offer large and comprehensive collections on certain types of items so you know they are ready to increase supply when your demand demands it.
For example, if you want to sell removable patches for snapback hats, consider a company like Pull the patch. That’s all he sells, so you know he makes them well and is likely able to keep up with increased orders if demand for these items skyrockets in your store.
Conquer the wholesale accessories market
From the outside, the wholesale accessories market can seem quite intimidating. Indeed, there are countless ways to get things done, as well as many considerations you should make along the way.
But there are just as many opportunities for retail entrepreneurs who do it right.
This is especially true in the wholesale accessories market in the United States, where we are the largest in the world when it comes to stylish appearance and decorating our wardrobe, homes, offices … And so on.
As long as you approach it with a plan and take the time to do your research, there’s really nothing stopping you from being the next big thing in the wide world of accessories.