Help gathering suppliers / distributors list

By Headhoncho on Aug. 09, 2007
Forums: 
Supplies and Apparel Sourcing

I'm located in Centre County, PA and am looking for more suppliers / distributors to help lower the cost of my supplies / apparel.

I currently use Bodek and Rhodes (PA, MI), SS Activewear (IL), Alpha Shirts (PA), and Broder Bros (DC, NY) for my apparel.

For my supplies / chemicals I purchase Franmar Inkwash (5 gallon jug), Franmar De-Hazer, Chromaline UDC-HV, Victory Factory Ink, Walmart Painters Tape ($2.08 a roll), and other random products. I purchase supplies from Victory Factory (NJ), Performance Supplies (PA), Franmar, and Atlas Screen Supply.

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS...

Who are the best / cheapest suppliers in the area?
-What are the cheapest supplies (ink wash, emulsion, cleaning chemicals, spot fluid...)

Who are the best / cheapest distributors in the area?
-Basic brands / apparel

thanks, jm

Location: 
United States
SunEmbroidery's picture
Submitted by SunEmbroidery on Sat, 01/23/2010 - 12:18

When starting I think its best to checkout many catalogues so you can decide what product line is best for your market. If you can attend the ISS Show in Atlantic City in March you can collect (or have them sent) lots of catalogues http://www.issshows.com/ while having a chance to see and touch garments.

There are Reader's Service cards in at least some of the free industry magazines (Stitches, Impressions) where you can request catalogues.

In addition to choosing a supplier who offers the type of items that sell to your market, choose a supplier with a free freight policy and who can cater to most of your needs. If you order primarily from one vendor you'll save shipping cost and time while building buying power with that vendor. If you offer items from a range of suppliers or go on a vendor hunt everytime a customer requests a small order of something your usual vendor doesn't offer then you'll waste time and money.

Also be aware of sales and ask to be added to email lists of sale items especially if you purchase lots of T's and sweatshirts.

I use SanMar as a primary vendor although I occasionally purchase from Bodek & Rhodes, NES and and ACC. Atlantic Coast Cotton (ACC) is a good vendor to check out because they have a wide offering. The are located in VA (one day ship to me in NJ). Although not on the east coast, you may want to check out S&S ssactivewear.com because they supply a wide range of trendier items along with the basics.

When choosing a vendor, request trial case pricing. Many vendors will put you on temporary case pricing and keep you there if you do a certain volume with them. Also, some vendors have case pricing if you order online so keep that in mind when ordering.

Jennifer

Custom Embroidered Polo Shirts with your logo

Embroidered Button Down Shirts no minimum

stefanick's picture
Submitted by stefanick on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 01:40

Just Go To Impressions Magazine And Down Load The Link Or Wharever To There Sourcing Guide Everyone For Everything Is There... Printwear Also Has One./.. Or Ou Can Get The Sourcing Guide Mags....simple, Easy, Painless.. No Opinions ... Just Call And Make Your Own

Submitted by Inxs on Fri, 08/31/2007 - 10:14

Try Blue Generation - great polos and twills (good price)
BAWonline.com - great products and pricing
SANmar - similar to Broder but a little different product
Augusta sportwear - good option for aprons and school stuff

I don't know about chemicals and screenpriting. I only do embroidery.

contract work anyone?

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