Bank & Vogue operates as a global leader in second-hand wholesale, connecting buyers with high-quality used goods. But what does working with a second-hand wholesaler look like?
Understanding the process of working with Bank & Vogue is crucial for businesses looking to source bulk second-hand textiles and other products.
The Buyer Journey: From Inquiry to Purchase
Once one of our customers submits our contact form, their information is captured and passed onto our Business Development Coordinator who reviews all the relevant details and assigns the lead to the most suitable Business Development Representative based on the customer’s preferred language and location.
With representatives across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, and Africa, fluent in English, French, Spanish, Urdu, Punjabi, and Turkish, each B&V representative is well-versed in the unique cultural and business needs of the region and clientele, which means a personalized and tailored approach.
Your assigned representative will reach out to the lead via email, WhatsApp, or phone within 2-3 business days, during which we’ll ask a few key questions to gain a deeper understanding of your business needs. After gathering all the necessary information, we send a detailed product proposal, which includes product descriptions, target weight, price per pound, images, and a freight quote.
Once the proposal is agreed upon, we will create an account and assign an Account Manager to set the necessary steps, including load preparation, coordinating payment, and organizing transportation.
Having been in the business for decades, we have optimized this process to be as streamlined as possible, helping deliver our second-hand products as efficiently as possible.
How Does Bank & Vogue Source Its Second-Hand Goods for Buyers?
Bank & Vogue sources its second-hand goods from various partners. These sources include:
- Thrift and Charity Stores
Bank & Vogue partners with large thrift store chains and charity organizations that collect donated goods. These partnerships allow for bulk sourcing of items such as credential clothing, mixed rags, shoes, and accessories.
- Collectors and Consolidators
The company works with professional collectors and consolidators who gather used goods from multiple sources, including clothing drives and donation bins.
- Graders
Bank & Vogue sources from large-scale graders who specialize in sorting, categorizing, and grading second-hand textiles and accessories. These graders help ensure that buyers receive products that meet specific quality standards, whether it’s premium second-hand clothing, mixed rags, or sorted shoes.
Buyer Requirements: What You Need to Purchase
The minimum order quantity is a 40’ container or 53’ trailer for a wholesale business. This means that the customers might be able to purchase 40,000 lbs of textiles or 20,000 lbs of other commodities such as bric brac, hard toys, soft toys, shoes, purses, and belts.
As a buyer, it’s also important, but not mandatory to have:
- An understanding of the industry.
- An established business up and running.
- Experience with import procedures.
- Having a freight agent and/or customs broker to assist as needed.
Expansion Plans: Where Is Bank & Vogue Growing Next?
The African market is one of the largest and most important for the global second-hand clothing industry. It has grown significantly over the years due to the high demand for affordable, quality apparel.
Africa imports over 30% of the world’s second-hand clothing, making it one of the biggest destinations for used textiles. The industry is valued at billions of dollars annually, with countries like Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania being major importers. Demand is driven by affordability, quality, and preference for durable Western brands over low-cost new clothing.
Major Importing Countries:
- East Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda are key markets. Kenya, for example, imports around 200,000 metric tons of used clothing annually.
- West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire are major buyers, with Ghana’s Kantamanto Market being one of the largest second-hand clothing hubs in the world.
- Southern Africa: Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Mozambique also have strong demand for used textiles.
Payment & Shipping: How It Works
We source secondhand textiles globally, ensuring quality before shipping. Partnering with trusted freight and logistics providers, we coordinate ocean freight, trucking, and intermodal transport while optimizing container loads for cost efficiency. Our Door-to-Port service provides international customers with seamless shipping and full customs documentation.
The price of second-hand clothing is influenced by several factors, including the location where it is collected, the demographic and socioeconomic conditions of that area, and the warehouse handling processes. Clothing in better condition typically holds a higher value.
Payment for loads must be made at least two days before the pickup day or according to the agreed-upon credit terms established by Bank & Vogue. Credit terms are available to select customers based on their monthly purchase volume and payment history.
The price of second-hand clothing is influenced by several factors, including the location where it is collected, the demographic and socioeconomic conditions of that area, and the warehouse handling processes. Clothing in better condition typically holds a higher value.
Ready To Contact Bank & Vogue?
The circular economy is primed to grow to new heights, and a valued partnership can help you take your business along for the ride. Want to learn more about what B&V can do for you and to get more details on the buying process? Reach out here.
