How to Source a Supplier That Meets Every Business Need

When you’re looking for an apparel blanks supplier, what are the qualities, capabilities, and abilities you look for? Is it the customer service? Maybe you examine the inventory options or where their warehouses are located. Chances are, if you’ve been in the business of apparel decoration for a number of years, you’ve built relationships with several suppliers. If you haven’t done so already, it’s always wise to think about finding a supplier who has and does it all. Partnering with a supplier that offers a variety of vendors as well as its own brand, has several locations, and offers multiple customer service methods should be high priority. Not only does it streamline your ordering processes, but it opens up your product selection, removes communication headaches, and even helps build a better experience for your customers. Delta Apparel is set up to be that partner. It carries a wide selection of brands such as Perry Ellis, Callaway, Outdoor Cap, and more to help round out your apparel offerings. Beyond that, the company has its own brands as well as multiple lines of communication, product and catalog options, and more.

Product Pointers

One thing apparel decorators must always keep top of mind is product selection. Today’s consumer is on the hunt for the latest fashions, colors, cuts, and more. Beyond that, they also need a variety of items such as caps, bags, jackets, and other accessories to round out their apparel needs. Delta is positioned to meet the demand. It carries a healthy lineup of vendors that offer a large variety of apparel items. Those names include:

• Original Penguin
• Perry Ellis
• Callaway
• DRI Duck
• Liberty Bags
• Outdoor Cap
• Burnside

According to Mary Bostwick, vice president of marketing for Delta, this allows the company to round out the entire buying experience. She notes that by hitting all the different target areas of apparel needs, Delta helps apparel decorators fill every order that can and does walk through the door.“Making the buying experience easier for the customer or decorator will go a long way,” says Bostwick. “Being able to buy a variety of product in one place has proven to be a must-have for busy buyers. Having a trusted go-to vendor is priceless, saves time, and saves money.”

Decorators also need assurance that their supplier will not only be able to provide garments beyond T-shirts, they also need to know that the supplier carries a healthy inventory of sizes, colors, styles, and more. “Our inventories are much better than last year — a lot of sizes and colors are available,” notes Bostwick. Of course, product selection isn’t the only thing apparel decorators look for in a supplier. They also want to know that the customer service options won’t cause problems. Decorators should look for a partner that is available via a variety of methods, is quick to respond, and makes the entire ordering process simple and efficient time after time.

Bostwick states that all the boxes are checked with Delta. “I often get asked, ‘How do I buy,’” she says. “You can go to our website and create an account. You can go through your local sales rep. You can call, you can email …” There is an option for everyone, which means open lines of communication that won’t fail you when you need support the most.

In-House Options

The large selection of vendors and excellent customer service are selling points in their own right.

Delta also brings its own brands to the table, such as the Platinum Collection. In this scenario, it sets up the apparel decorator with an ideal solution for a couple reasons. “[We] enhance the buying experience by having vendors,” states Bostwick. But that is only part of the equation. “Buying direct from Delta allows one-stop shopping for Ts, bags, jackets, and hats while [also] offering a trendy CVC and Tri-blend line like Delta Platinum. Combined, these options offer solutions for all levels of buyers.”

Higher value equals higher price points for decorators to charge. Think of the good, better, best method: Basic T-shirts are always a good option for a good portion of end-users, but if a decorator has a customer they really want to wow with high-end products, going with the best option not only secures a customer for life, but also secures higher profit.

After decades of being a source for casual and sport basics done right, Delta continues to expand the Platinum Collection. It adds a fresh and fashionable edge to Delta Apparel’s historic quality. For the style-aware wearer, the Platinum Collection is truly a must have.

Assistance Across the Board

The last major point a decorator should consider when looking for a supplier partner is how that partner can help assist in selling the final product. Even in this category, Delta has a variety of options, from its digital catalog and brand book to its lookbook.

Bostwick points out that the digital catalog features everything Delta offers, both its in-house brands and the vendors. “You can download it with and without Delta information,” she adds. But it doesn’t stop there.

Other catalog-style options include the smaller brand book and the lookbooks. Bostwick notes that the small pamphlet contains the brand info. “The lookbook is a smattering of products, but not the entire lines,” she continues. “[Your] customers can get ideas from it, branded or nonbranded.”

All of these services offered by one company creates the ideal scenario for any apparel decorator looking for a supplier. “Consistency in suppliers can make or break any business,” states Bostwick. “Find a vendor who cares about your business and acts accordingly. Contact Delta — our customer service team is ready to assist you via phone, email, or live chat.”

For those busy decorators out there, spending time looking for a lot of different suppliers is time that could be given to customer service and printing. Let Delta partner with you to fulfill a variety of needs and keep business running efficiently.