Sunglasses are more than just a sunny day accessory; they’re a multi-billion-dollar industry. With stylish shades being a must-have item, launching your own sunglasses business can be a lucrative venture. The key is finding the right wholesale suppliers to keep your costs low and profits high.

Lay the Groundwork

Before you go shades shopping, there are some basics to figure out. Decide if you want to sell online, in-person at events, or try opening a retail space. Consider specializing in a niche like sporty sunglasses or going broad with men’s, women’s, and kids’ styles.

Once you’ve mapped out your business plan, take care of legalities like business licensing, sales taxes, and insurance. Having an eye-catching brand identity with a logo and consistent style will also help you stand out. Conduct market research on your competitors and target demographics to guide your product and pricing strategy.

Find Wholesale Suppliers

The real money-making opportunity comes from purchasing wholesale sunglasses at low bulk pricing from manufacturers or distributors like Olympic Eyewear. Buying straight from suppliers allows you to pay just a fraction of retail costs.

When evaluating suppliers, here are some tips:

• Compare pricing but also look at product quality, selection, and customer service.
• Read reviews and ask about minimum order quantities and payment terms.
• See if they provide marketing materials like photos and displays to help sell.
• Find out about customization options like adding your logo or branded packaging.
• Make sure they are an authorized distributor, not dealing in knockoffs or fakes.

Consider American-based suppliers first to avoid international shipping fees and delays. China-based wholesalers may offer rock-bottom prices but have longer turnaround times.

Pick Your Products

With access to wholesale catalogs, it’s time to handpick which sunglasses you’ll sell. A diverse inventory covering different styles, materials, and price points will maximize your customer base. Classic looks like aviators are always popular, but trendier options will entice fashion-savvy buyers. Don’t forget about specialty options like prescription shades and bifocal sunglasses too.

Don’t just think summer; carry ski goggles, polarized sport wraps, and other functional seasonal styles too. Kids’ sunglasses featuring their favorite characters can be big sellers for families. Having a few high-end designer label sunglasses adds an upscale touch.

When making selections, keep your profit margins in mind based on the wholesale cost versus your intended retail pricing. Premium sunglasses may bring higher profits per unit but may be slower movers. Best-selling affordable options will drive most of your volume.

Manage Your Merchandise

With your wholesale sunglasses delivered, you’ll need a system to organize and track inventory. Invest in proper storage solutions like bins, shelving, and lockable product display cases. Computing software can streamline inventory management tasks.

Be smart about reordering before you sell out of best-selling lines and hot styles. Bundling different shades into value packs can help move excess seasonal inventory.

Market Your Shades

Having an appealing ecommerce website with clear product photos and video clips is key for online sales. Use social media by posting styling guides, unboxing videos, and trendy celeb-inspired looks.

For in-person sales, appear at events like fairs, festivals, trunk shows, and community gatherings. Handing out promotions like discount codes and free sunglasses cases entices customers and builds your email list. Having props like oversized glasses for photo ops grabs attention too.

Provide outstanding customer service by having a fair return policy, repair services, and knowledgeable sales associates. Give shoppers an unforgettable VIP experience and they will be loyal fans who enthusiastically refer friends.

Conclusion

With smart purchasing from wholesale sunglasses suppliers and strategic branding plus marketing, you’ll be able to launch your shades business and make it a smashing success.