Can I Request Specific Sizes in a Mixed Wholesale Lot?
The dream of every boutique owner is to order only the sizes that fly off the shelves. But in the world of high-margin stocklots, the "Perfect Curve" is a science, not a menu.
When you source from ApparelLots in Hangzhou, you are accessing liquidation inventory—high-quality overstock from major brands at a fraction of the original cost. To maintain these incredibly low prices (often under $5), the inventory is typically sold in Assorted Lots. But what does that mean for your specific size needs?
1. The Reality of the "Size Ratio"
In professional garment manufacturing, clothing is produced in ratios. A standard "Size Curve" usually looks like 1:2:2:1 (1 Small, 2 Mediums, 2 Larges, 1 Extra Large). When a brand cancels an order or a factory clears out overstock, they clear the entire curve.
This is why, in 90% of stocklot transactions, you cannot request "Medium only." If a wholesaler allowed every buyer to pick only the Mediums, they would be left with a warehouse full of Smalls and XXL's that no one wants. To protect the price for everyone, the lot must stay together.
Standard Stocklot Curve Example
| Size | Distribution % | Typical Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | 20% | High (Niche markets) |
| Medium (M) | 30% | Very High (Core market) |
| Large (L) | 30% | Very High (Core market) |
| X-Large (XL) | 20% | High (Growth market) |
2. Can ApparelLots Customize a Lot for Me?
At ApparelLots, we understand that a boutique in Texas has different sizing needs than a shop in Tokyo. While we cannot always offer "open stock" (picking individual pieces), we do offer two levels of flexibility:
A. The Curated Assortment
We pre-sort our stocklots in Hangzhou to ensure a Balanced Ratio. We go through the factory leftovers and remove "extreme outliers" so that your 50-piece lot contains a sellable mix. You might not choose every size, but you won't get 50 units of Size XXS either.
B. Bulk Sorting (For Volume Buyers)
If you are ordering 500+ pieces of a single category, our warehouse team can sometimes accommodate "Ratio Adjustments." For example, if your market is specifically Plus-Size, we can look for lots that were originally manufactured for Western Plus-Size brands.
Pro Tip: The "Sizing Up" Strategy
Remember that when sourcing from China, "Asian Sizing" often runs smaller than US/EU standards. If you are a Western buyer, an Assorted Lot that is "Heavy on Large" is actually a blessing—those Larges often fit like a Western Medium. Always ask us for a size chart of the specific brand in the lot.
3. How to Manage "Slow-Moving" Sizes
If you receive a mixed lot and find yourself with Smalls that aren't selling as fast as the Larges, don't lower your overall margin. Use these pieces strategically:
- The "Loss Leader": Use the Smalls as your "Starting at $X" marketing hook to get people in the door.
- Bundle Deals: Offer a discount if they buy a Medium (popular) and a Small (for a friend).
- Influencer Gifting: Smaller sizes are often perfect for sending to petite influencers for content creation, turning "dead stock" into "marketing assets."
4. Key Questions to Ask Before You Buy
To ensure you are happy with your ApparelLots shipment, always clarify these three points with our sales team:
- "What is the estimated size breakdown for this lot?"
- "Is this Western Sizing or Asian Sizing?"
- "Are these tagged with international size labels?"
Ready to Source Smarter?
Our Hangzhou warehouse is currently processing new arrivals with excellent, balanced size curves. Explore our latest stocklots and secure your inventory today.
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