Buying vintage clothing for your webshop: 6 essential tips

Starting your own vintage clothing webshop? Then sourcing the right inventory is key. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying vintage clothing wholesale, choosing trusted suppliers, and launching your store the smart way.

1. What does buying wholesale vintage clothing mean?

Buying wholesale vintage means purchasing second-hand branded clothing, often from suppliers that focus on popular labels like Nike, Carhartt, Adidas, or Levi’s. These clothes are typically sorted by quality and sold in bulk packages or curated boxes. You then resell the pieces individually through your online store with a markup.

2. Choose a reliable vintage wholesaler

Not all suppliers are the same. Look for a wholesaler that offers:

• Grade A clothing – clean, wearable, and ready to sell
• Clear pricing and return policies
• VAT support for EU-registered businesses

The best suppliers handpick their boxes, offer accurate descriptions, and support B2B customers with VAT-exempt invoices (if applicable).

3. Start small with a Starter Box

Don’t rush into buying hundreds of items. A Starter Box with 5 or 10 pieces lets you test your market, understand what sells, and minimize risk. Many successful vintage sellers begin small, build customer trust, and then scale up based on real sales data.

4. Know your audience and what’s trending

Your target market determines what you should buy. For Gen Z, think:

• Oversized Nike sweatshirts
• Y2K tops and crop jackets
• Vintage denim and branded hoodies

If your audience is more niche (e.g., minimalist, 90s grunge, sportswear), choose boxes that match that aesthetic. For example, our Nike Only Box contains 10–20 branded pieces hand-selected for resellers.

5. Understand VAT, shipping, and import rules

Are you a VAT-registered business in the EU? Then you should avoid paying extra taxes on B2B orders. Make sure your supplier verifies your VAT number and doesn’t charge VAT unnecessarily. This helps you maintain healthy profit margins and simplifies bookkeeping.

6. Sell smart: pricing, photos, and branding

Successful vintage reselling is all about presentation. Here’s how to stand out:

• Use daylight photography to show detail and quality
• Price items between €39–€59 if you source at €17–€23 per piece
• Offer bundles (like 2 for €89) or curated mystery boxes

Consistency is key. Build your brand identity with a clean layout, clear sizing, and fast shipping. Engage customers on Instagram and TikTok with real styling videos to build trust and drive conversions.

Conclusion: build your vintage brand step-by-step

Buying vintage clothing for your webshop doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a trusted vintage wholesaler, choose a curated box, and learn what your audience wants. Focus on quality, build your brand slowly, and scale when ready.