Accessories are the finishing touches that elevate an outfit and make it memorable. From headbands to footwear, there are a variety of types that many can wear. If you’re considering selling customized accessories to your customers, keep reading for tips on how to go about it and some items to consider adding to your inventory.
Buying wholesale accessories
You know the benefits of buying wholesale clothing, such as the pieces available through the Bella + Canvas Maker’s Program. However, there are several perks to purchasing wholesale accessories, customizing them, and selling them through your business.
For starters, they’re small and don’t typically take up much space, so you’ll likely be able to stock bulk orders without utilizing too much storage area. You can also consider them your blank canvases, a way to pump up the style of a plain (or vibrant outfit) easily, small touches that many might feel more comfortable incorporating into an outfit rather than going with an all-over bold look.
Determining trending accessories
If you’re trying to get additional ideas for what accessories to customize and sell through your business, look at what's currently trending, whether on social media or in person. There are two approaches you can take: the overall and the local.
You can research and see what accessories are trending in general, such as a specific type of footwear or hair accessory. However, trends are constantly changing, so it will take more than a one-and-done task; you'll have to watch what shoppers seek and buy.
Consider the accessories your customers will want
The accessories your customers might want can vary depending on where you live. For example, small clutches might be an excellent option if you live in an area with nightlife. Still, if your clothing store is where most people don't carry that type of accessory, you should consider going with something more favored. While you can sell any customized accessories, consider offering the accessories your customers most desire, especially if you have a brick-and-mortar.
The local approach means–as mentioned before–determining what your local clientele would likely want to buy from you. Part of this involves paying attention to what those who live near you are buying, especially those in the demographic you’re gearing the products to. The more you pay attention to what products people are talking about, the easier it may be to figure out what wholesale accessories you want to buy to customize.
Accessories to customize
When revamping plain products you haven't worked with before, the entire task might seem daunting, but it's possible. If you’re trying to develop ideas for accessories to customize and how to go about it, the following may spark some personal design creativity.
Scarves - Heavier scarves are must-have items for fall and winter that many love wearing, and selling embroidered scarves can be a fantastic product to consider adding to your business. For example, you could do designs like snowflakes, fall leaves, or lines of fall colors like red and orange. If you want to throw in a little warm-weather flair in anticipation of spring, some embroidered flowers might be a lovely addition.
Makeup bags - Many keep a makeup bag in their large purse or backpack, in their luggage while they’re traveling, on their desk at work, or on their bathroom counter. It’s a compact area where many makeup items and tools can safely stay protected from getting dirty, contaminated, or broken. One option is to consider landscape designs on the front of each bag, such as a beach or mountain scene. If you want to simplify the design, consider doing monogrammed letters so your customers can search for one that features the first letter of their first name—offering a personalized service where you have the shopper request what initials they want to have put on may be beneficial for those who want to give the bags as a gift or use them for a special occasion, like a wedding.
Clutches - Use this bag for a special night out, such as going to a fancy restaurant or dancing, where carrying a significant bag might be cumbersome. Consider embellishing them with little details, like small metal spikes for an edgier look or vintage lace trim for a more delicate appearance.
Hats - The type of hat you opt to customize should coincide with the design so the two mesh well together. Some embellishments you should put on this popular accessory can include a ribbon tied in a bow, faux pearls, rosettes, sequins, glitter, and flat-back metal dome studs.
Ballet flats - Ballet flats are popular year-round, especially during spring and summer, thanks to warm temperatures. You can do an all-over design or consider something on the toe area. For example, you could do the tips a solid color from the rest of the shoes or add glitter. Embellishments to consider can range from faux pearls to bows.
Hair claws - These accessories are incredibly convenient for keeping hair out of the face and off the neck and for doing a quick hairstyle. Consider decorating the hair claws simply by doing glitter detailing, polka dots, or stripes. For more elaborate designs, flat-back crystals or faux gemstones, gold or silver accents, or faux pearls may be suitable accents.
It may feel uncomfortable when adding new products to your inventory, but if you’re ready to start selling accessories, consider writing out a plan on how to do it. It can include everything from the accessories you want to buy and designs you want to do to how much you want to sell them for and when you plan on launching them. All the details in one space can help you organize your ideas and review and adjust them accordingly.
