How to Order Wholesale Cardigan Sweaters Online: Step-by-Step Guide for Retailers

yhknits
Aug 13
4 min read

Cardigan sweaters are timeless wardrobe staples. Whether your customers are looking for cozy oversized knits for winter or lightweight layering pieces for spring, cardigans sell year-round. For retailers, stocking the right wholesale cardigan sweaters can boost sales, attract repeat customers, and keep your store’s collection fresh.

If you’re new to buying wholesale—or want to refine your process—this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ordering wholesale cardigan sweaters online.

Step 1: Identify Your Target Market and Style Needs

Before you start browsing suppliers, get clear on who your customers are and what they want. Ask yourself:

Are you catering to a young, fashion-forward audience or a classic, timeless style crowd?
Do your customers prefer chunky knits, cropped cardigans, or longline silhouettes?
Which colors and patterns sell best in your store?

Tip: Review your past sales data. If oversized neutral cardigans flew off the shelves last season, consider stocking similar styles again—perhaps with updated textures or buttons.

Step 2: Research Trusted Wholesale Suppliers

Not all wholesalers are created equal. Finding the right supplier is critical for quality, pricing, and reliability.

Here’s what to look for when researching suppliers:

Reputation & Reviews: Check online reviews, testimonials, or ask other retailers for recommendations.
Product Range: Ensure they offer multiple cardigan styles and seasonal collections.
Pricing & Discounts: Compare wholesale pricing and bulk order discounts.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): Some wholesalers require large orders; others are flexible.
Return & Exchange Policies: Especially important for first-time buyers.

Pro tip: Make a shortlist of 3–5 suppliers and request product catalogs or samples to compare.

Step 3: Request Samples Before Bulk Ordering

Before committing to hundreds of pieces, it’s wise to order samples. This helps you evaluate:

Fabric quality and softness
Stitching and finishing
True color vs. website photos
Fit and sizing accuracy

Many reputable wholesalers offer sample orders at a slightly higher price per piece, which is worth it to avoid surprises later.

Step 4: Understand Wholesale Pricing and Profit Margins

Buying wholesale means you’re paying less per unit, but you still need to calculate your retail markup to ensure profitability.

Example:

Wholesale Price: $15 per cardigan
Retail Price: $45
Gross Profit: $30 per cardigan

Factor in shipping, customs (if applicable), and potential discount promotions so you don’t accidentally undercut your margins.

Step 5: Check Stock Availability and Lead Times

One of the biggest mistakes retailers make is ordering too late. Cardigan sweaters are in high demand during seasonal shifts, so popular styles can sell out quickly.

Before placing an order, confirm:

Available quantities for each style, size, and color
Production timelines if you’re ordering pre-order or made-to-order items
Shipping estimates so you can plan your store launches or promotions

Step 6: Place Your Wholesale Order Online

Once you’ve finalized your selection, here’s how the ordering process usually works:

Log in to the supplier’s wholesale portal (some require approved wholesale accounts).
Add items to your cart with the correct quantities and sizes.
Confirm pricing and shipping costs before checkout.
Provide business details if required for invoicing.
Choose a payment method (bank transfer, PayPal, credit card, etc.).
Submit your order and save a copy of the confirmation for your records.

Tip: If you have a large order, email your sales rep directly—they may offer extra discounts or suggest best-selling styles.

Step 7: Arrange Shipping and Customs (If Ordering Internationally)

If your supplier is overseas, you’ll need to plan for:

Freight options (air shipping is faster but more expensive; sea shipping is slower but cheaper for large orders)
Customs duties and taxes in your country
Tracking numbers for monitoring shipments

Some suppliers offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) services where they handle customs clearance for you, making the process smoother.

Step 8: Inspect Your Order Upon Arrival

When your wholesale cardigan sweaters arrive:

Open all boxes and inspect items for quality, sizing, and defects.
Count the pieces to ensure quantities match your invoice.
Contact the supplier immediately if there are any issues—reputable companies will resolve problems quickly.

Step 9: Prepare for Marketing and Selling

Once your inventory is ready, it’s time to move into sales mode. To sell your cardigans fast:

Create styled photos for your website or social media.
Offer bundle discounts (e.g., buy 2 cardigans, get 10% off).
Highlight seasonal trends in your product descriptions.
Use email marketing to announce new arrivals to your customers.

Step 10: Build a Long-Term Supplier Relationship

Your relationship with your wholesale supplier is an asset. When you have a trusted supplier, you can:

Get early access to new designs
Negotiate better bulk pricing
Secure priority stock during peak seasons

Stay in touch, share customer feedback, and be a reliable buyer. Over time, your supplier may even offer you exclusive cardigan sweater styles that aren’t available to other retailers.

Final Thoughts

Ordering wholesale cardigan sweater online can be straightforward and profitable—if you follow the right steps. From identifying your target market to building long-term supplier partnerships, each stage is important for ensuring your investment turns into steady sales.

By carefully researching suppliers, ordering samples, and planning your inventory ahead of seasonal demand, you can keep your store stocked with cardigan sweaters your customers will love—year after year.

If you’re ready to start, begin by shortlisting a few trusted wholesale suppliers today. The sooner you secure your stock, the sooner you can turn cozy cardigans into consistent revenue for your business.