What Information You Should Prepare Before Wholesale Orders: Buyer Checklist

Placing a wholesale order—especially for bucket hats—requires clear planning and detailed information.
Well-prepared buyers receive faster quotes, accurate samples, and smoother bulk production.
Below is a complete buyer checklist covering everything you should prepare before approaching a manufacturer or supplier.

1. Product Specifications

Suppliers need clear product details to provide accurate pricing. Prepare:

• Style (classic bucket hat, wide brim, reversible, fisherman style, kids’ hat, etc.)

• Size or size range (adult / kids / customized size chart)

• Hat height and brim width

• Structure preference (soft, stiff, foam-supported, double-layer, etc.)

• Stitching details (top stitching lines, brim rows, seam finish)

Tip: If you have a tech pack or reference sample, include it.

2. Fabric and Material Requirements

Bucket hat prices depend heavily on material. Clarify:

• Fabric type (cotton, canvas, denim, nylon, polyester, twill, terry, etc.)

• GSM / weight

• Color code (Pantone preferred)

• Dyeing or washing style (acid wash, stone wash, garment dye, pigment dye)

• Lining fabric

• Interlining or stiffener requirements (if any)

Optional: Ask for material swatches before confirming.

3. Logo and Decoration Details

Your branding directly affects cost, so prepare:

• Logo file (AI / PDF / SVG)

• Decoration method: embroidery, patch, woven label, silicone badge, screen printing, heat transfer printing

• Logo size and position

• Number of logo placements

• Color requirements

Tip: Vector files are required for accurate embroidery or printing.

4. Order Quantity

MOQ and price rely on order volume. Decide on:

• Per-design quantity

• Total quantity

• Whether you need assorted colors or sizes

• Sample quantity for approval

Tip: Higher quantities = better unit prices.

5. Packaging Requirements

Packaging affects price and shipping volume. Prepare:

• Individual packing (OPP bag, polybag with warning label, no bag, custom box)

• Hangtags, stickers, or barcode labels

• Inner carton quantity

• Outer carton requirements (size limits, double-wall, export standard)

If you have Amazon FBA requirements, mention them clearly.

6. Compliance Requirements (If Needed)

Depending on your market, you might require:

• CPSIA / ASTM (US market)

• CE / REACH (EU market)

• Eco-friendly material certifications

• Product testing (colorfastness, sweat resistance, fabric safety)

Tip: Clear compliance requirements help factories quote correctly.

7. Shipping & Delivery Information

Suppliers need your logistics plan:

• Shipping method (air, sea, express, train)

• Delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP)

• Destination country and port

• Whether you need help with customs clearance

• Need for palletizing, fragile labels, special handling, etc.

8. Budget Range & Target Price

A realistic target price helps suppliers optimize materials and techniques.
Prepare:

• Target unit price

• Budget flexibility

• Whether you prefer cost control or premium quality

9. Timeline & Urgency

Your schedule determines whether the factory can meet your needs. Provide:

• Sample deadline

• Bulk production deadline

• Expected delivery date

• Whether this is a long-term project or seasonal order

Tip: Rush orders may require overtime costs.

10. Communication Files & Reference Materials

To avoid misunderstandings, prepare:

• Reference photos or physical samples

• Past production examples

• Color charts

• Artwork files

• Detailed requirements list (PDF is best)

Final Checklist Summary

Before contacting a bucket hat manufacturer, prepare these items:

1. Complete product specs

2. Material & color details

3. Logo files & decoration method

4. Order quantity (MOQ per style)

5. Packaging instructions

6. Compliance/testing needs

7. Shipping method & destination

8. Budget range

9. Timeline & deadlines

10. Reference samples & artwork

A well-prepared buyer gets:
✔ Faster quotations
✔ More accurate costing
✔ Higher-quality samples
✔ Smoother mass production
✔ Fewer delays or misunderstandings