Avoid These 5 Mistakes When Ordering Wholesale T-Shirts

Ordering wholesale T-shirts can be a real game-changer when it comes to saving time, money, and stress—if you do it the right way. However, it’s all too common for newcomers (and even experienced retailers) to stumble into some major pitfalls that can result in wasted stock, negative customer feedback, or extra expenses. Whether you’re personalizing shirts for a brand, gearing up a team, or starting your own clothing line, here are the top 5 mistakes you should steer clear of when ordering wholesale T-shirts, along with how GotApparel can help you nail it on your first try.

Ignoring Fabric Type and Fit

The Mistake:

Getting caught up in just the color and price while overlooking the fabric type or fit can be a real blunder.

Why It Hurts:

If you go for a heavy cotton when your customers are looking for something lightweight, or if you stock up on slim-fit tees for a crowd that loves classic styles, you might end up with a lot of unsold items and some pretty disappointed shoppers.

What to Do:

• Get to know your audience: If they’re gym enthusiasts, opt for moisture-wicking fabrics like the Jerzees 29M Dri-Power Tee.
• For those who prefer casual wear, you can’t go wrong with a comfy classic like the Gildan G500 (made from heavy cotton) or the Next Level 3600 (crafted from ringspun cotton).
• And don’t forget to consider the fabric types: whether it’s 100% cotton, a 50/50 blend, tri-blends, or polyester, each one has its own unique benefits.

Overlooking Sizes

The Mistake:

Ordering the same amount of every size or just guessing your size distribution.

Why It Hurts:

You might find yourself with leftovers of XS or 3XLs while running short on M, L, or XLs, which are the sizes that sell the most.

What to Do:

• If you can, rely on size analytics or historical sales data.
• Stick to a standard bulk ratio, for sizes S through 3XL.
• At GotApparel, we provide size charts for each product, including the Bella + Canvas 3001 and Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton, to help you make smarter inventory decisions.

Not Sampling Before Bulk Buying

The Mistake:

Jumping in and ordering a ton of units without trying out a sample first.

Why It Hurts:

You could end up feeling let down by how they fit, how they feel, how much they shrink, or how well the print holds up—especially after making such a big investment.

What to Do:

• Start by ordering a handful of pieces in different colors and sizes.
• Make sure to test their wash durability and see how well the printing works.
• GotApparel makes it super easy to test things out with their low minimum orders before you decide to go big.

Looking for Color Accuracy

The Mistake:

Relying too much on screen colors when picking shades.

Why It Hurts:

Colors can look a bit different on various monitors compared to the actual fabric, especially when it comes to printing.

What to Do:

• Get color swatches or sample tees in the shades you’re interested in.
• Stick with trustworthy brands like Gildan, Hanes, or Next Level, as they provide great color consistency across their products.
• At GotApparel, you’ll find product listings that include color previews and detailed material descriptions to help you make informed choices.

Skipping Shipping & Delivery Planning

The Mistake:

Not considering processing times, potential shipping delays, or sudden spikes in demand when placing orders.

Why It Hurts:

This oversight can push back your campaign, event, or store launch, and it might lead to extra costs for expedited shipping.

What to Do:

• Make sure to plan your bulk orders at least 2–3 weeks ahead of time.
• Utilize GotApparel order tracking tools and dependable customer support to keep everything on schedule.
• Also, take advantage of free shipping on eligible orders to steer clear of those last-minute costs.

Tips for Smarter Wholesale Orders

1. Keep an eye on restock dates if you notice a product is running low on stock.
2. Take advantage of bulk discounts—GotApparel frequently has tiered pricing that rewards you for buying in larger quantities.
3. Don’t forget to compare similar styles, like the Gildan G500 and Gildan G2000, to discover the perfect fit and fabric combination that suits your needs.

Start Smart with GotApparel

Avoiding of these 5 common errors can save your brand a fortune—potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars—along with a whole lot of stress. At GotApparel, we simplify the wholesale T-shirt buying process with:

– Top-notch brands like Gildan, Next Level, Bella Canvas, and Hanes

– Clear size charts and detailed product descriptions

– Competitive bulk pricing and speedy delivery

– Personalized customer service for larger orders

Whether you’re purchasing for a business, a nonprofit, or a special occasion, make your next wholesale T-shirt order a success with Got Apparel.