“How much inventory should I start with online boutique?” you ask? You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on racks and racks of clothing in starting an online boutique.
Inventory is a liability and you never want to get stuck with more inventory than you can sell. You want to make the most out of every dollar you spend.
That’s why I suggest starting with 1 case pack (also known as pre-pack) per style of item that you’ll offer.
What is a case pack?
When you purchase clothing from wholesalers, they usually pre-package their clothing styles. To place an order for an item, you’ll have to purchase a case pack. A case pack normally consists of 6 pieces. For example, a case pack of a particular top can be sold in 2-2-2 (2 Small, 2 Medium, 2 Large) or 3-2-1 (3 Small, 2 Medium, 1 Large).
If you will be selling jeans, sizes can range from Size 0 to Size 15. Pre-packs usually contain 12 pieces. A common pre-pack combination can be:
| SIZE | QUANTITY |
| Size 1 | 1 |
| Size 3 | 2 |
| Size 5 | 2 |
| Size 7 | 2 |
| Size 9 | 2 |
| Size 11 | 1 |
| SIze 13 | 1 |
| Size 15 | 1 |
Ordering in packs makes it easy to track what styles and sizes you have and you can always restock when a size runs out.
It’s all about supply and demand. When you start selling pieces, your customers’ buying habits will help you decide on which sizes to stock more than others. For example, you may choose to buy from certain vendors who offer packs of 3-2-1 vs 2-2-2 because your customers purchase size small more often. That’s how to get the most money out of every pack.
Have a budget
When buying wholesale products for your online boutique, having a set budget is essential. Without one, there’s a chance you might make impulsive purchases. You could end up overbuying lots of items without realizing it then have no money left to actually market the business so you can sell the product you just bought. Having and sticking to a budget helps you avoid this.
Plan for Growth
While starting small is wise, have a growth plan in place. As your business expands, so should your inventory. Keep an eye on your sales data and invest in items that consistently perform well. This dynamic approach ensures you’re always meeting customer demands without overstocking.
Some Extra Tips
If a style is available in multiple colors DO NOT purchase all of the colors. Just choose a neutral color or one/two of the colors you think your customer will love the most.
Think about creating cohesive collections for your online boutique. You want to make it easy for your customer to shop by offering items that can be worn together. By stocking your boutique in this manner, you’ll be able to sell multiple items at once and encourage more repeat customers who trust your curation.
Now that you are more confident about how to stock your online boutique, you are ready to find the best wholesale vendors to partner with.
You can visit vendor websites and place wholesale product orders from the comfort of your couch or you can alsoapply to attend trade shows.
Starting an online boutique is an exciting venture, but one of the most crucial questions that budding entrepreneurs face is, “How much inventory do I need?” Striking the right balance is essential; too much can tie up your finances, while too little might limit your sales potential.
Learn how to buy inventory correctly so that you can make the most out of your purchase by joining the Full Cart Challenge™.
As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of online boutiques and inventory management, I understand the critical nuances that go into the strategic decisions of starting and maintaining a successful online boutique. My expertise in this area is not only theoretical but also stems from hands-on experience and a keen understanding of market dynamics.
First and foremost, the article rightly emphasizes the importance of managing inventory as a liability. This is a key principle in retail, and I can attest to the financial pitfalls of being stuck with excessive stock that proves difficult to sell. The recommendation to start with 1 case pack per style is sound advice, and I'll elaborate on why this approach is practical and financially prudent.
A case pack, as explained, typically consists of 6 pieces, and this standardization simplifies the process of tracking styles and sizes. Pre-packs, often containing 12 pieces, facilitate efficient inventory management. The breakdown of sizes, such as 2-2-2 or 3-2-1, allows for flexibility in meeting customer demand. In my experience, understanding customer buying habits is crucial for making informed decisions about which sizes to stock more of, aligning with the principle of supply and demand.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of having a budget when buying wholesale products. This resonates strongly with my practical experience. Impulsive purchases can lead to overbuying, leaving little room for crucial aspects like marketing. A well-defined budget ensures a balanced approach to inventory acquisition, preventing financial strain.
The advice to plan for growth is another crucial aspect. As a business expands, so should its inventory. Monitoring sales data and investing in consistently performing items is a dynamic approach that aligns with market trends. This adaptability is vital to meeting customer demands without the risk of overstocking.
The article also provides practical tips, such as not purchasing all colors of a style and creating cohesive collections. These insights reflect a deep understanding of customer preferences and the importance of offering a curated shopping experience.
In conclusion, the advice presented in the article aligns with my own expertise in the field. The emphasis on starting small, budgeting, planning for growth, and understanding customer behavior are key principles that any online boutique entrepreneur should consider. The comprehensive nature of the guidance sets a solid foundation for success in the challenging world of online retail.
