The edition date is an editorial organization label, not evidence of a prior publication. General apparel guidance, not veterinary advice.
When you contact a small dog apparel brand for wholesale pricing, clarity and completeness in your initial inquiry matter. A well-structured wholesale request helps suppliers give accurate pricing, confirm available sizes and colors, estimate lead times, and identify any production or packing constraints before you invest time in negotiations. The Puppy Plaza works by email for bags and orders; shipping, availability, and returns are confirmed in writing before an order moves forward. That structure rewards precise, organized buyer requests.
This article walks through the specific data and documents independent pet boutique buyers and staff should include in wholesale enquiries. Each section focuses on information that cuts follow-up emails, avoids size mismatches, and ensures the brand can respond with firm, usable details—without assuming instant online checkout or automated inventory updates.
Start with the Essentials: Contact and Business Details
Lead with a concise header that identifies your business and the person responsible for the order. Include your boutique name, mailing address, billing address if different, a phone number, and the best email. If you have a reseller or tax ID, mention it so the supplier knows whether customary documentation is needed during the quoting process. Indicate preferred days and times for follow-up calls and whether you prefer email-only correspondence.
Also state the physical store footprint: multiple locations or a single boutique, plus any planned opening date if this is an initial rack order. Smaller brands like The Puppy Plaza often work by email for bags and order requests; providing contact clarity avoids delays when shipping, availability, and return terms must be confirmed in writing. Simple transparency up front speeds reliable quotations and contract details.
Be Specific About Products and SKUs
List each product you’re interested in by the exact product name and, if provided, a URL. For example: Teddy Bear Pocket Dog Shirt, Ice Cream Dog Crop Tank Top, and Pastel Floral Dog Blouse. Specify the color options and exact sizes you want for each style. Suppliers can’t assume substitutions, and naming the product precisely avoids mismatches when pattern, trim, or fabric differ between runs.
If you need a mix-pack or fixed ratios (for example, 2 Whites, 1 Mint of the Teddy Bear Pocket Dog Shirt per size), show that breakdown clearly. State whether you accept alternate colors or a minimum order per color. Small design details—three-dimensional teddy embellishments, embroidered ice cream motifs, lettuce hems, or gauze fabrics—may affect packing and handling, so naming the product helps suppliers estimate any special packaging or inspection needs.
Quantities, Minimums, and Desired Delivery Window
Give exact quantities per size and color rather than an approximate total. Instead of “about 50 pieces,” say “10 S, 10 M, 10 L, 10 XL, 10 2XL for Ice Cream Dog Crop Tank Top (White).” If you’re testing a new style in-store, explain that it’s a test buy and give the max quantity you’ll commit to if the test performs well. Many apparel suppliers list size-based minimums; asking about minimums before quoting saves time.
Include your ideal delivery window with a tolerance range. For example: earliest acceptable date, latest acceptable date, and whether partial shipments are acceptable. Since The Puppy Plaza confirms shipping and availability in writing before finalizing orders, providing realistic timing reduces back-and-forth and helps the brand plan production or allocation across orders.
Size Fit and Measurement Expectations
Explain how you measure for fit in your store and any fit notes you want confirmed. For pet clothing, chest girth is critical; indicate whether you follow the vendor’s recommended measuring method (wrap the tape measure around the broadest part of the chest). Note that designs with stretch fabric—like the Teddy Bear Pocket Dog Shirt’s spun stretch—or 100% cotton gauze—like the Pastel Floral Dog Blouse—fit differently; ask for exact chest widths for each listed size and inquire about expected variance, often expressed as a 1–3 cm tolerance.
Ask the supplier to confirm model size references if provided (for example: model wears size M at 5 lb). Request flat measurements in inches or centimeters for chest, neck, and body length so you can compare to your own in-store samples. Clarify whether measurements are garment flat or finished; this avoids receiving items that are unexpectedly small or long for your customer base.
Fabric, Care, and Packaging Expectations
Request fabric content and care instructions for each style. Note any preferences you have—such as lightweight fabrics for summer tanks or 100% cotton gauze for a soft blouse—and ask whether the supplier pre-washes or applies any finish that affects sizing. The Ice Cream Dog Crop Tank Top’s lightweight fabric and embroidered detail needs different handling than a stretchy knit with a plush pocket toy. Confirm whether trims and attachments are machine-wash safe and how they should be packaged for retail display.
Specify packaging preferences clearly: polybag per piece, size dividers, hang tags, UPCs, or folded for shelf display. Small details like whether plush attachments are nested inside pockets or shipped separately affect packing time and cost. If you stock on hangers, indicate hanger size and whether you require hangtag placement. Including packaging expectations in your initial inquiry means quotes can include labor and materials rather than surprise add-ons.
Pricing, Terms, and Shipping Instructions
Ask for a per-piece wholesale price by size and color, any quantity break pricing tiers, and whether prices include basic packaging. Because The Puppy Plaza’s ordering process confirms shipping, availability, and returns in writing, request a clear breakdown: unit cost, estimated shipping, any handling charges, and taxes where applicable. Ask suppliers to specify if pricing is FOB origin or if they include certain freight costs to a designated carrier or terminal.
State how you want invoicing and what information should appear on the invoice (PO number, store address, tax ID). Since many indie boutiques process orders by email, indicate whether you will send a purchase order and what timeline you expect to confirm a written order. Finally, remind suppliers that any quoted lead times and availability will be confirmed in writing before you finalize the order to avoid misunderstandings.
Questions About Samples, Returns, and Quality Checks
Clarify your sample policy: request whether samples are available, if there’s a sample fee, and the estimated sample lead time. State whether you want a single size or full-size set for in-store trial and whether you’ll return samples. Samples are particularly useful when items have tactile features—like the ruffle sleeves on the Teddy Bear Pocket Dog Shirt or embroidered ice cream details—so you can check for durability and visual appeal before placing a full order.
Ask suppliers to describe their quality-check procedure and how they handle obvious defects or mis-ships. Since The Puppy Plaza confirms returns in writing, request their return authorization process and any restocking or return shipping costs that apply. Always say you will supervise animals when trying on garments and will remove clothing if it interferes with movement or comfort; this reminds both sides that product fit and safety are part of evaluating a wholesale buy.
Questions worth asking
Should I request hang tags and UPCs on a first wholesale order?
Yes, state your hang tag and UPC needs up front. Indicate whether you have artwork and whether the supplier should attach tags. Some producers charge setup or per-piece fees for hang tags or UPC labeling; asking early ensures these costs appear in the initial quote rather than as surprises later.
How detailed should my size breakdown be?
Provide exact counts by size and color whenever possible. If you’re unsure, give a minimum guaranteed quantity plus a maximum you’ll accept. Specificity helps suppliers confirm minimums, calculate materials, and give accurate per-piece pricing and lead times.
Do I need to send a purchase order or is an email request enough?
Begin with a detailed email inquiry, but be prepared to follow with a formal purchase order when the supplier issues a written quote. The Puppy Plaza confirms shipping, availability, and return terms in writing before finalizing any order, so a PO typically completes the commitment once both parties agree.
A precise, organized wholesale inquiry saves time and reduces mistakes. Include clear contact details, exact product names and sizes, per-size quantities, preferred delivery windows, packaging and sample needs, and invoice requirements. Ask suppliers to confirm measurements, fabric care, and any special handling for trims or embellishments. Finally, supervise garment trials on animals and remove clothing if it impairs comfort or movement; defer health or medical questions to a veterinarian.
