I sold 100,000 kilos of vintage clothing wholesale: Mistakes, tips, and everything I learned (unfiltered)

elenacliment3434
Apr 25
5 min read

Updated: May 1

Forget the typical blogs that have never sold a kilo of clothing. This isn't a theoretical guide written in an office.

This is what I learned selling over 100,000 kg of real vintage clothing, with mistakes that cost me money, decisions that helped me grow, and experiences that no supplier usually tells you about.

If you're thinking about selling used clothing wholesale, starting your own vintage business, or are already into it but feel lost... read on.

This article can save you years of trial and error.

Is it worth it to sell vintage clothing wholesale? Business realities

Selling vintage clothing may seem like a dream: fashion with a history, low prices, and a growing following. But the truth is, this business is as profitable as it is unpredictable. And that's the first thing you need to understand.

Is it profitable to sell used clothing by the kilo? Yes, but it's not for everyone. There's competition, prices rise, and not every lot is a gem.

What people don't tell you is that you're 100% dependent on what others throw away. This isn't like ordering new T-shirts from a factory.

In my case, I started from the bottom. I bought a few things, sold them, reinvested, and so on, until I built a structure that allowed me to move hundreds of kilos each month.

But it wasn't easy. What took me five or six years, you can do in half that amount if you learn from other people's mistakes. Like mine.

The first thing you need: choose the right supplier

This is the most important thing of all. It doesn't matter if you have the best website in the world or the best Instagram, if you don't choose your provider well, you're dead.

I was wrong more than once.

I bought from people who had physical stores, sold on Vinted, or did dropshipping in bulk. The result? They sent me their surplus. What they didn't sell at retail, they slipped into my bulk as if it were gold.

Mistake number one : trusting someone who also sells retail. That person will never give you the best. They keep it for themselves.

Real solution: Visit the supplier. Get to know their warehouse. Ask everything. Touch the clothes. If they only sell wholesale, even better. And if you can't visit, ask for photos, videos, clear terms, and conditions, and references.

Looking for 100% wholesale suppliers? Check out how we work at Terranova Vintage Wholesale: https://www.wholesaleterranovavintage.com

How to identify winning products within a batch

This part is key. Learning to distinguish between products that make money and those that just rotate stock is what allowed me to scale without dying in the attempt.

This is how I do it:

I separate by category (shirts, jeans, jackets, etc.)
I analyze condition, style and if there is a recognizable brand
I look at what's selling now (TikTok, Instagram, physical stores)

Then, I mark the "winner." That item I sell quickly and with a good margin. The rest goes to bargain lots or promotions.

The trick is to maintain balance.

In a bundle, there will always be items you're not thrilled with. But if you play your cards right, even the most ordinary items can be a winner.

Common mistakes to avoid when starting out (I made them)

There's no shame here, only learning. I'm telling you the mistakes I made so you don't repeat them:

Buy blind
Not checking the supplier's reputation
Sacrificing customer trust for a sale
Not documenting mistakes or learning from them

Something as surreal as having to open a container with the Civil Guard due to logistical problems once happened to me.

Since then, I manage everything with a contract, visual tests, and follow-up.

The strategy that allowed me to scale to 100,000 kilos sold

Want to know how I managed to move over 100,000 kilos of vintage clothing?

I'll summarize it for you :

I reinvested everything at the beginning. I didn't buy a car. I bought more stock.
I selected lots with analysis, not by emotion.
I built long-term relationships with clients. They knew they could trust me.
I delegated when necessary. You can't grow by doing everything yourself.

And above all, I surrounded myself with people who wanted to contribute. No individualism.

Logistics, selection, even social media content… you can't grow without help.

Transparency, reputation, and customers: what no one tells you

This is key: in this business, reputation is everything. If you fail once and the client feels you've deceived them, you're gone forever. And the worst part: that client talks.

I prefer to say “this lot is a bit weaker” and be honest , than to sell quickly and have to put up with complaints.

What is the profit margin on wholesale vintage clothing?

It depends on the type of garment and the sales channel. But if you choose wisely, you can double or triple your investment in top-of-the-range items. On others, you'll get just enough. Balance is everything.

Quick FAQs that everyone is looking for (and don't always find real answers)

How much does it cost to start a wholesale vintage clothing business? You can start from €500 to €1,000 with a basic batch.

But to get off to a good start, visit or work with transparent suppliers. And allocate another portion of your budget to marketing or sales channels.

Where can you find used clothing in large quantities? Companies that sell by the container, by the bag, or by the closed batch. As long as they operate a pure distribution system, not a mixed distribution system.

What type of clothing is the most profitable? Track jackets, Levi's, Y2K clothing, and 90s-2000s fashion are very popular right now. But it depends on the audience. You have to stay up-to-date.

Conclusion: How to stand out in an increasingly competitive market?

Vintage is in fashion. And where there's fashion, there's saturation. So how do you stand out?

Here's what worked for me:

Offer real quality. No more promising perfect batches. Being honest is more profitable.
Build a community. Use TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp. Make yourself seen as a relatable brand.
Train your clients. I teach them how to analyze batches, sell better, and understand the sector.
Innovate nonstop. New categories, formats, niche products. Don't stagnate.

Are you interested in this business and don't know where to start?

If you want to avoid all the mistakes I made and get off to a good start, talk to me directly.

I'm at T erranova Vintage Wholesale : https://www.wholesaleterranovavintage.com , and I can help you get your first batch with confidence, honesty, and real advice.