• Make sure the goods are authentic brands.

• Don't compromise quality.

• Demand reliable, fast out-the-door shipping.

• Balance inventory to maximize profit.

Whether it's prom, homecoming, quincenera, pageants or wedding, you can maximize profit using authentic, high quality off-price merchandise to quickly fill the demands of your customers.

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TIP #1 AUTHENTICITY

No matter which supplier you choose, make sure the goods are authentic. When looking for new suppliers, beware of scam websites that will show on Internet search results. The scam websites load their text with popular keywords, a deceiptful proctice known a 'keyword spam'. Such websites include the names of popular brands to lure businesses and individuals to contact and buy from the scam.

These scams include websites using terms such as directory or trade association, but may operate from an offshore location in China or elsewhere. They have created fake directories by compiling information from phone books and published business information. These websites funnel business to the scam websites.

Check the seller's website to see if there is a complete commercial address and simple contact information within the US. If the location and contact information isn't easy to find, it could mean trouble. If there is only an email form, it does means trouble! Use Google Maps to check the business name and address.

If in doubt, verify the authenticity of the goods with the manufacturer.

TIP #2 QUALITY

Buy top quality. Never compromise quality, regardless of the price. Don't accept irregulars or old store stock. Ask your new prospective suppliers if they own the goods or are acting as an agent. This is important since where the goods are stored and how they are handled can affect quality. Ask if the goods are inspected for details of the embellishment and construction.

TIP #3 IMMEDIATE SAME-DAY SHIPPING

Demand fast, reliable processing of your order. Don't assume that buying off-price means same-day shipping. If a supplier uses agents who send in orders for someone else to pull, delays and mistakes can easily mess up your order. If the supplier uses a remote fulfillment center, more delays can occur.

To fill the demands of your customers when stock is low or when a good price will seal the deal, having reliable same-day out-the-door shipping is essential in your off-price buys.

TIP #4 PROFIT

Balance your inventory to maximize profit. Does maximum profit mean buying only the current season? The answer depends on the style and location of your shop. When looking at your market, consider how to begin your seasonal collection with great styles bought off-price. It's a good profit strategy.

Designers spend lots of money and time working on designs for the next season. The top designers create new styles to top the last season. Current Season is very short. The catalogs and samples are available for orders, often in advance of production. These have the top prices for the newest styles and colors. Recent Season is longer. It includes the dresses that are not part of the current season.

By developing a good eye for style and trends, you can select a mix of current season and recent season merchandise. An off-price gown from a recent season can often be brought in at triple markup, providing an extra margin for profit and a cushion if you do a markdown later. An off-price buy can increase your supply for a big sale. No matter what your rationale for making off-price buys, you can have more items in inventory using your limited budget.

These four principles are the secret to success in buying fine apparel at off-price. Whether it's prom, homecoming, quincenera, pageants or wedding, you can maximize profit using authentic, high quality off-price merchandise to quickly fill the demands of your customers.

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OFF-PRICE

Off-price is an industry term for buying at a discount off of the original wholesale price.

By the time you see the new, current season styles, the designers are already working on the next season. The pace is fast. Once the current season is underway, designers may find they have cut too many of a particular style, size or color. The factory may have had a delay in production, so goods arrive late. In such a fast-moving wholesale industry, there are many reasons why a great style becomes available 'off-price'.

If a style sells out during its first season, there are no goods left to buy off-price. If a style can be bought off-price, there may be limited colors and sizes available. Size runs sell very quickly at off-price. Your sales rep can help you if you are new to buying off-price for your store.