As e-commerce entrepreneurs, we’re always looking for ways to increase profit margins and scale our businesses. One effective strategy is to import products for Shopify stores directly from manufacturers. In this post, we’ll walk through our real-world experience importing custom hats from China for our GSD (Get Shit Done) clothing line, and share tips on how you can import products for your own Shopify store.
Why Import Products for Your Shopify Store?
Before diving into the process, let’s quickly cover why importing products can be beneficial:
- Lower cost of goods sold
- Better control over product quality
- Ability to create unique, branded products
- Higher profit margins
In our case, importing hats directly from a manufacturer allows us to stock up on high-quality, customizable products at a fraction of the cost of buying from domestic suppliers.
Finding a Supplier to Import Products for Shopify
We used Alibaba to source our hat manufacturer. When importing products for Shopify, it’s crucial to:
- Research multiple suppliers
- Request samples before placing large orders
- Communicate clearly about your product requirements
For our hats, we specified that they needed to be lightweight, waterproof, and suitable for customization with our branding.
The Importance of Samples When Importing Products
Before placing a bulk order to import products for your Shopify store, always get samples. Here’s why:
- Verify product quality
- Check if the product meets your specifications
- Test customization options (like embroidery or patches)
- Compare with competitor products
In our case, we ordered a sample hat for about $50-60 plus shipping. While this may seem expensive for a single item, it’s a crucial step to ensure you’re making the right choice before committing to a large order.
Evaluating Your Imported Product Sample
When you receive your sample, thoroughly evaluate it against your requirements and competitor products. Here’s what we looked for in our hat sample:
- Material quality and weight
- Waterproof properties
- Overall construction and stitching
- Potential for customization (embroidery or patches)
- Comparison to high-end competitor products (in our case, Melin hats)
We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of our sample hat. It closely matched the features of the premium Melin hats we were using as a benchmark, including the lightweight, waterproof material and perforated back panel.
Customization Considerations When Importing Products
When you import products for Shopify, consider how you’ll customize them for your brand. For our hats, we’re exploring two options:
- Embroidery: We need to test if the material can handle embroidery without compromising the hat’s integrity.
- Patches: An alternative that might work well with the hat’s material.
Always test your customization methods on a few samples before placing a large order. This ensures your branding will look great and adhere properly to the imported products.
Timeline for Importing Products
Keep in mind that importing products for your Shopify store isn’t an overnight process. In our experience, it can take 2-3 months from placing an order to receiving the products. Plan accordingly, especially for seasonal items or new product launches.
Next Steps After Receiving Your Sample
Once you’ve evaluated your sample and are satisfied with the quality, here are the next steps:
- Order samples in different colors or styles if applicable
- Test customization methods
- Calculate your final costs and profit margins
- Place your bulk order
Remember, most manufacturers have minimum order quantities (MOQs), so be prepared to order in bulk when you import products for your Shopify store.
Conclusion: Importing Products Can Transform Your Shopify Business
Importing products for Shopify can significantly boost your profit margins and give you more control over your product line. While it requires more upfront work and investment, the long-term benefits can be substantial.
By following a careful process of supplier selection, sample evaluation, and customization testing, you can successfully import high-quality products that will set your Shopify store apart from the competition.
Have you had experience importing products for your Shopify store? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!