The global second hand market is in steady boom, and the good news is, it’s not even at the peak yet, meaning it gets better. Asides the huge profitability that investors tend to enjoy, the export of used clothes is in accordance with the best sustainability practices. The exportation of used clothes to Australia is both a profitable business, and an avenue for the reuse of as much excess material as possible.
Thinking of getting started with second hand clothing bales australia? In this blog post, we guide you through all that you need to know to navigate the process of exporting used clothes to Australia.
Market Trends In Used Clothes Australia
According to a survey carried out among Australians in 2023, more than 60,000 consumers living in the country said that they now consider the impact an item will have on the environment before they make a purchase. What this tells us is that consumers in Australia are now becoming more eco-conscious, and as a result, will make purchasing decisions based on their new beliefs.
This has caused thousands of consumers to turn away from the fast fashion industry, while condemning its rapid production rate and disposal cycles it entails. Used clothes have become the answer to their apparel needs, and a means to reduce their carbon footprint.
The used clothing market in Australia is currently valued at $578.10 million, and with its expected growth trajectory of 11.88% every year till 2032, it is projected to reach new heights of $1.59 Billion. This growth is a reflection of the consumer shift towards more sustainable fashion solutions, and the desire for the cost effectiveness that comes with buying preloved clothes.
Additionally, a significant used clothing market trend we can observe in Australia is the notable rise of e-commerce platforms and online resale marketplaces dedicated to the sale of second hand clothing. Trends such as this have contributed immensely to the growth of the used clothes market in Australia.
The digital revolution brought by platforms like ThredUP, Depop, and Poshmark, has helped to transform the way consumers in Australia engage with used clothing fashion. They have become increasingly popular, and make the whole shopping experience more fun.
Step #1: Research and Planning
As we get into the steps to export second hand clothes to Australia, you must first understand what you are getting into, the market, the major players in it, common business practices, the things to do, and the things to not do. The way to best understand this is by carrying out extensive research and planning right from the drawing board, research is key.
Start by brainstorming for ideas, typically, about the kinds of used clothes you intend to export to Australia. Will you be specializing in vintage clothes, designer pieces, gym clothes and sportswear, or even casual everyday shirts for all genders? Observing the fashion trends that are currently in demand, is it possible to replicate such in used clothing?
To make the market research easier for you, you can use sites like AnswerThePublic to find out what people in Australia are searching for at the moment. This will help you make an informed decision when you begin exporting used clothes to Australia, and allow you to position your brand to the right audience.
Step #2: Finding a Reliable Used Clothing Supplier
To progress in the used clothes industry, and even become the best in it, you need to partner with a reliable used clothing supplier. How does one find a reliable supplier that has used clothes in bales for export? Well, there are several ways of achieving that, one of which is the internet.
The internet is definitely a great place to find used clothing suppliers, with the aid of search engines, you can find hundreds of suppliers in less than 3 seconds. However, the real problem lies in finding one that is reliable, and can be trusted to meet deadlines and expectations. The reality of things is that not many fulfill this aspect. So out of the hundreds and thousands, there are probably less than a handful of reliable clothing suppliers out there.
To help you discern between a legit supplier of used clothing bales and an unreliable supplier, you must pay keen attention to certain details about them. Go through their website, look for information that tells you about their history, services they offer, past clients, destinations that they’ve shipped to, and their return policies. Also check their social media pages, comments, reviews, etc.
Choose a supplier that has experience of the market, typically spanning through decades. They will not only help to provide high quality used clothes for your business, but also help to solve some of your organizational problems as their years of experience means they have dealt with multiple partners who might have faced similar issues. Your decision to choose the right used clothes supplier will either break or make your business.
Step #3: Sourcing and Sorting Used Clothing to Australia
After finding a reliable used clothing supplier that matches the goals of your business, check the used clothing options they offer, you want to be able to have access to varieties of bulk second hand clothing australia.
With the right supplier, you can handle all kinds of second hand clothing australia exports, be it used brand clothes or just casuals, they make your work much easier. This gives you the flexibility of stocking all kinds of items in your inventory, and also ensures that your customers always get what they want.
Step #4: Checking the Quality of Used Clothing
Despite being aware that it isn’t new, one of the major reasons consumers in Australia trade towards used clothing is because of the high quality products. When exporting second hand clothes, you must always maintain a level of quality that has come to resonate with Australian consumers, anything less could mean you will not be in business for too long.
That a cloth has been worn before does not mean it should be worn out. You can always get high quality used clothes in bulk, and even used shoes wholesale from an equally reputable supplier that does not compromise on quality. Also, check for used clothes that are as good as new.
Step #5: Negotiating Price with Used Clothing Supplier
Discuss possible price flexibility with a used clothing supplier. Since your business is a for-profit-organization, you want to get the best prices for the used clothes, to help you stay in competition with other sellers.
To help you get lower prices for the used clothes, you can offer to increase the volume of your order, thereby giving you more negotiation power.
Furthermore, consider emphasizing on the possibility of a continuous trade with your supplier, and if possible, you can sign a long-term contract with them. This can get you some unbelievable discounts, as the supplier is now guaranteed of your commitment to a continuous partnership.
Another tip that can aid the price negotiation process with a supplier is consistent communication. Try to build a good working relationship with your supplier, in such a way that you keep them informed of your business requirements and even challenges. This fosters trust and transparency, which is a huge factor during negotiations.
Step #6: Logistics and Shipping
To achieve a successful import and export operation, a well organized logistics and shipping mechanism must be put in place to facilitate the safe movement of the used clothes to Australia. The goal of an effective logistics system is to meet customer requirements by deadline.
When managing the flow of goods, ensure to document and keep the whole import and export process tracked. This ensures that you are a step ahead of any issues or delays that can possibly arise.
Step #7: Customs Clearance
The Australian Border Force (ABF) is the federal agency responsible for the clearance of all items coming into Australia, and they require that every importer must declare the value and content of their packages. To be able to process customs clearance or your used clothing bales at the port of arrival in Australia, you must provide an import declaration. This tells the ABF what you are importing to the country, and what you intend to do with it after customs clearance.
You do not need an import license to pass customs clearance, just ensure that your used clothes bales are properly labeled and specify the country of origin, failure to do this may cause your clothes to be confiscated.
Conclusion
You also can key into the booming used clothing market in Australia today and become a successful exporter to Australia in no time. Along with the step-by-step guide above on how to export used clothes to Australia, we also have numerous resources on here that will help you sell second hand clothes australia with no hassle, and build a sustainable fashion empire out of it.
