When you are a boutique owner or an online clothing store, one of the most exciting (and sometimes confusing) decisions you'll face is whether to sell clothes with private or white labels. As a fashion wholesaler, Nova of London understands the impact the right one can make to your brand, customers, and sales visibility. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make a decision that best suits your store!
What Are Private Labels and White Labels?
Before we dive into the details, let's clarify what private and white labels mean in the world of fashion:
- White Label: These are garments produced by a manufacturer and sold without any brand identity or logo. The buyer (you) can add your own branding and labels, essentially "claiming" the product as your own.
- Private Label: This is a step further than white labelling. The product is designed and manufactured with a private label specifically for your brand. You own the design, the labelling - and sometimes even the materials, offering a more customised product that reflects your brand’s identity and values.
Now that you know a bit more about the differences between the labelling, let’s list the Pros and Cons of each of these!
The Pros of White & Private Labelling for Boutiques
1. Brand Control and Exclusivity
Whether you're adding your own label to a white-label product or designing your private-label garments, both options give you the ability to offer unique products that are exclusive to your store. This can set you apart from competitors and make your boutique a destination for exclusive, hard-to-find pieces.
- White Label: You can still add your branding and ensure your products feel unique even if they come from a larger batch or more generic design.
- Private Label: You can control every aspect of the garment's design—from materials to cut to finish—allowing you to create a truly one-of-a-kind collection that represents your brand’s identity.
2. Cost Efficiency
For boutique owners working with a smaller budget or looking to scale without going overboard, white and private labels can be cost-effective ways to stock your shelves without breaking the bank.
- White Label: Typically less expensive since you're buying an existing product and just adding your branding. You don’t need to invest in creating entirely new designs from scratch.
- Private Label: Although private labelling can have higher upfront costs (especially for small-batch orders), it can lead to greater margins in the long run because you’re offering unique, premium products that you control.
3. Quality Control
Private and white labelling allow you to choose the quality of products you’re selling in your boutique, which is key for customer satisfaction.
- White Label: Since you're purchasing from a trusted manufacturer, you can still ensure high-quality garments without worrying about overseeing the entire production process.
- Private Label: The added benefit here is you can work directly with the manufacturer to create high-quality garments that align with your customers’ needs and expectations.
The Cons of White & Private Labelling
1. Branding Challenges
While private and white labels give you the freedom to put your brand on the garment, it can also be challenging to create a strong brand identity if you're selling a mix of your own labels and others'. This is something to consider when curating your boutique’s offerings.
- White Label: These products are often generic and may be sold by other retailers as well, meaning you’re not necessarily offering something totally exclusive to your customers.
- Private Label: Since you're investing in custom designs, there's more risk if the product doesn’t resonate with your audience or if you’re over-investing in designs that don’t sell well.
2. Minimum Order Quantities
Private labelling often requires higher minimum order quantities, which can be intimidating for smaller boutiques.
- White Label: Generally, white-label products allow for smaller orders, giving you the flexibility to test products without committing to large quantities.
- Private Label: While you gain more control over your product, you might need to order in bulk to meet the manufacturer's minimum requirements, which can be a barrier for boutiques with limited shelf space or cash flow.
At Nova of London, we understand the importance of working within your budget. That’s why we offer flexible packs of just 2–5 pieces across our entire range and with no minimum spend required. This way, you can stock stylish, on-trend pieces without breaking the bank!
3. Limited Design Control (White Label)
With white-label products, you're somewhat at the mercy of the original design. You can add your label, but you can't drastically change the design or features of the garment.
- White Label: There’s less flexibility to make dramatic changes to the product’s design. You’re working with a ready-made product that may already be available to other retailers.
- Private Label: More control over design, but as mentioned, this comes with more risk and investment.
But What Option Is Right For Me?
Choosing between private and white labelling comes down to your goals, budget, and brand vision:
- If you’re looking for flexibility, lower costs, and a range of high-quality products to brand as your own, white labelling might be the way to go.
- If you’re after exclusivity, total design control, and are ready to invest in custom pieces that showcase your brand’s identity, private labelling could be the perfect fit.
And What About Nova of London?
Whether you're just starting out or expanding your existing collection, Nova of London is here to support your journey into building a successful, standout brand! Across six different labels - Misumi, QED London, Wild Flower, Seint, Chilli & Charm, and Stitches & Pieces – we offer unique styles that will elevate your boutique stock!
Plus, all of our customers can add their own label to any garment purchased at Nova. Check out this blog post for guidance on how to re-label wholesale clothing and make it your way!
