Buying wigs at wholesale for a retail shop requires more than scanning catalogs. This checklist walks through the specific documentation, material details, pricing structures, minimum order quantities, case packing and image permissions you should confirm before placing an inquiry. Use it to reduce surprises, protect margins and ensure the products you order match what your customers expect.
1. Verify the supplier: company credentials and contact points
Begin by confirming who you are dealing with. Ask the supplier for a business name, physical address, tax ID (if applicable for your region), and at least two direct contact points — a sales rep and a customer service contact. Cross-check these against the supplier’s website and the information in the catalog or product pages.
Request a copy of recent trade references or a wholesale account reference if you will be placing significant orders. If you plan to make initial payments or share banking details, insist on a written invoice with the company’s legal name and bank account matching the provided address.
2. Confirm product categories and catalog scope
Wholesalers often list many variations: synthetic, heat-friendly fibers, human hair blends, lace front, full lace, and ready-to-wear wigs. Ask for a current master catalog (digital is fine) and a clear list of which items are available for wholesale purchase versus retail-only or limited allocation items.
Link the supplier’s catalog items to your intended categories in your inventory system so you can compare them against existing best-sellers in your store. For quick navigation, check the supplier’s collections pages such as /collections/, and specific types like /collections/lace-front-wigs/ or /collections/regular-wigs/.
3. Material specifications: fiber type and construction details
Materials are central to customer satisfaction. For each SKU you intend to order, request the exact fiber type (synthetic brand or human hair origin), cap construction (full lace, lace front, 360 lace, monofilament, wefted), cap sizes available, and whether the product includes adjustable straps, clips or combs.
Ask for clear definitions that match your language: what the supplier calls "heat-friendly" should indicate the range of styling tools supported and any special care requirements. When in doubt, ask for a physical sample or small test order to evaluate feel, density and shedding before committing to a full case quantity.
4. Pricing structure: unit price, case price, and tiered discounts
Wholesale pricing can be structured in several ways. Request a price sheet showing unit price, case price (if sold by case), and any tiered discounts tied to order volume or spend thresholds. Confirm whether prices are FOB, EXW, DDP, or another shipping/incoterm that affects landed cost.
Clarify whether quoted prices exclude taxes, duties, or packaging costs. Ask how long quoted prices hold — some wholesalers set prices by season or for specific lead times. If you negotiate net terms (e.g., Net 30), get that in writing on company letterhead.
5. Minimum order quantities (MOQ) and case quantities
MOQ and case quantities are frequently the biggest operational constraint for small retailers. Ask whether MOQ applies per SKU, per style family, or per order total. Confirm how many units are included in a case and whether cases mix SKUs or are single-SKU only.
Example questions to ask: Do you require a 12-unit MOQ per SKU or a minimum of 144 units per order? Can I order 6 units of SKU A and 6 units of SKU B to make a 12-unit case? What are the consequences (price/packing) for under-case orders? Get these terms in writing to avoid receiving shipments with unexpected packing or surcharges.
6. Lead times, reorders and seasonal availability
Confirm production or stocking lead times for new orders and reorders. Some wigs are made-to-order and have long lead times; others are stocked and ship faster. Ask whether lead times change during peak seasons and how suppliers prioritize reorders for established accounts.
Also ask if there are limited-run collections or colorways that will not be restocked. This helps you plan promotions and avoid stocking items you can’t reorder.
7. Samples, testing and QC acceptance criteria
Samples help you assess texture, color accuracy and construction. Ask the supplier’s sample policy: cost, sample MOQ, and whether sample costs are refundable against a first bulk order. When you receive samples, evaluate them using consistent criteria: density, lace color and blending, parting, and how the product photographs under store lighting.
Define your QC acceptance criteria in writing and ask the supplier to confirm their QC standards. For larger orders, request a pre-shipment inspection or photos of the actual packed units. Agree in advance on the process for resolving defects or non-conforming batches, including timelines for claims and replacement policies.
8. Product images, branding and image permissions
Clear imagery is essential for online and in-store merchandising. Ask what image assets the supplier provides: high-resolution photos, product-angle images (front, back, side, part), model shots and close-ups. Crucially, confirm licensing terms for those images — whether you have permission to use, modify, and host them on your site or in marketing materials.
Some suppliers restrict images to authorized retailers or require credit lines. Others may supply white-label imagery for resale. Get image use permissions in writing and archive the supplier’s email specifying allowed uses. For product photography you plan to edit, ask whether the supplier requires approval of modified images before public use.
9. Packaging, labeling and barcoding
Packaging affects shelf presentation and shipping costs. Confirm whether wigs ship in plain boxes, branded polybags, or retail-ready packaging. Ask if hang tags, barcode labels (UPC/EAN), size stickers, and style cards are provided and whether custom labeling is available and at what cost.
If you operate multiple sales channels, confirm that the packaging meets each channel’s requirements. For example, some marketplaces require visible barcodes or specific packaging for returns and fulfillment.
10. Returns, defects and warranty terms
Before committing, get clear on returns, warranties and claims procedures. Ask for the supplier’s returns policy: who pays return shipping, acceptable reasons for return, restocking fees and timelines. For defects, ask for a defect rate threshold that triggers remediation (e.g., replacements, credit) and what documentation the supplier requires for a claim.
Record all agreed terms in your purchase order and the supplier’s order confirmation. If the supplier offers a warranty period for construction defects, make sure those dates are visible on your invoices or packing lists so your staff can advise customers accurately.
Conclusion: Turn the checklist into a standard operating procedure
Turn this wholesale wig checklist into a standard operating procedure for every prospective supplier. Keep a procurement packet for each vendor that includes their credential documents, price sheets, MOQ rules, case specifications, sample notes and image permission emails. When you have these items compiled, your buying decisions will be faster, disputes easier to resolve, and your merchandising will match customer expectations.
If you need supplier resources while you evaluate options, visit related supplier pages on our site: /collections/human-hair-wigs/, /collections/accessories/, and our /care/ guidance for product handling. For wholesale account inquiries or to confirm pricing, MOQ, packs and lead time, contact us via /contact/ or view /wholesale/ for next steps.
Remember: orders placed through ARIS BEAUTY SUPPLY begin as email inquiries and are confirmed by the company. Confirm all terms in writing before authorizing payment or shipping. With these checks in place you’ll reduce surprises and build reliable assortments that sell.