Historically, sunglasses were perceived as a luxury commodity. Yet, as time has advanced, they have metamorphosed into an indispensable accessory. Remarkably, a significant majority of Americans – approximately eighty per cent – are current users of this vital eyewear product.
From prescription sunglasses to designer sunglasses and children’s sunglasses, consumers are obsessed with sun visors. They often buy sunglasses for eye protection and fashion. Moreover, many consumers own more than one pair of glasses, making the eyewear industry a lucrative business.
If you are considering sourcing wholesale sunglasses, prudence would suggest that comprehensive market research is essential. Your purchase cost plays a significant role in your subsequent profitability when dealing with bulk purchases of sunglasses. A considerable proportion of prospective purchasers intend to procure their products from China.
When selecting a wholesaler, multiple factors need consideration including price point, quality and location of the supplier. This piece aims to provide assistance on how to navigate the process of wholesale importation of sunglasses from China whilst successfully mitigating potential challenges inherent in this business operation.
What is a sunglasses manufacturing business?
A sunglasses manufacturing business is a company that produces sunglasses in large quantities for wholesale or retail distribution. This type of business typically involves the design, development, and production of various types of sunglasses, including trendy fashion sunglasses, sports sunglasses, and prescription sunglasses.
The manufacturing process may include sourcing materials, cutting lenses, frame construction, assembly, quality control, and packaging. Additionally, some businesses in this industry may also provide custom sunglasses manufacturing services for clients who want to create their own unique designs.
Is it profitable to sell glasses?
Yes, you can make money selling glasses. The eyewear market is a growing industry, with increasing demand for prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.
Furthermore, with the advancement of e-commerce and online shopping, more and more people are purchasing eyeglasses online, which provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to tap into this market and run a successful online eyewear business.
However, like any business, profitability depends on factors such as pricing, marketing strategy, product quality, and competition.
Why should I start the glasses business?
Starting a glasses business can be a lucrative venture for several reasons:
Growing demand: The demand for vision correction is increasing due to factors such as an aging population and increased screen time. This creates a steady demand for glasses as an essential accessory.
Profitability: Eyewear typically has a high-profit margin, making it a profitable product to sell. By offering a range of styles and price points, you can cater to different customers and maximize your profit margins.
Repeat customers: Eyeglass wearers often need to renew their prescriptions, replace lost or damaged glasses, and stay up to date on the latest fashion trends. This creates a loyal customer base and repeat business opportunities.
Target market diversification: Almost anyone can become a potential customer of glasses, regardless of age or gender. This versatility allows you to reach different market segments, such as children, young people, professionals or seniors.
Technological Advances: Advances in lens technology, such as anti-glare coatings, blue light filters, and lightweight materials, provide opportunities to upsell and differentiate your product from competitors.
Online retail potential: The rise of e-commerce has made it easier than ever to start and grow an online eyewear business. You can reach customers around the world and make the buying process more convenient with a personalized shopping experience, easy prescription uploading, and virtual try-on tools.
Growing influence of fashion: Glasses have become a fashion statement and many people own multiple pairs of glasses to match different outfits or occasions. By offering new and trendy frames, you can attract fashionable consumers who view eyeglasses as a fashion accessory.
The Different types of sunglasses
Aviator sunglassesThis style features large teardrop-shaped lenses and a thin metal frame. It was originally designed for pilots and has a timeless classic look. |
Wayfarer SunglassesPopularized by the Ray-Ban brand, Wayfarer sunglasses are known for their trapezoidal thick plastic frames. They have a retro yet stylish look. |
Round sunglassesThese sunglasses have round lenses and come in a variety of frame materials and sizes. They are often associated with vintage or bohemian styles. |
Cat-eye sunglassesThis style is characterized by upward-turned outer corners, resembling a cat-eye shape. Cat-eye sunglasses are often associated with a retro or retro vibe and are especially popular with women. |
Shielding SunglassesShielding sunglasses feature a single large lens that spans the entire frame to provide maximum coverage and are typically worn by athletes during sports or outdoor activities. |
Sports SunglassesDesigned for sports enthusiasts, these sunglasses are lightweight, durable, and often have wraparound frames for maximum protection. They often come with polarized lenses to reduce glare. |
Oversized SunglassesThese sunglasses have larger lenses and frames, giving them a bold and glamorous look. They come in various shapes such as square, round or cat-eye and are a popular choice among fashionistas. |
Rectangular SunglassesWith rectangular lenses, these sunglasses have a more angular and modern design. They come in different sizes and frame styles to suit different face shapes. |
Clubmaster SunglassesThis style combines a smooth metal frame on the upper half with a thick plastic frame on the lower half of the lens. Clubmaster sunglasses have a unique and sophisticated look often associated with a retro aesthetic. |
Wraparound SunglassesWraparound sunglasses feature curved frames that fit snugly around the face and provide excellent sun and wind protection. They are often used for outdoor activities and sports. |
Why Buy Wholesale Sunglasses from China?
There are several reasons why buying wholesale sunglasses from China may be advantageous:
1. Cost Effectiveness: China is known for its low manufacturing costs, which allows wholesalers to purchase sunglasses at much lower prices than in other countries. This cost advantage allows them to offer competitive prices to their customers.
2. Wide variety: China is the largest sunglasses manufacturing center in the world, offering a variety of styles, designs, and colors. Buyers can choose from a variety of sunglasses to suit different tastes and preferences.
3. Quality control: China’s quality control measures have improved significantly over the years. Many reputable manufacturers employ strict quality standards to ensure that the sunglasses they produce are of high quality. However, it is important to conduct proper due diligence and work with reliable suppliers to guarantee product quality.
4. Customization options: Chinese manufacturers often offer customization services, allowing buyers to customize their sunglasses with their own branding, logo, or special features. This is especially beneficial for retailers or businesses looking to create their own unique products.
5. Large-scale production capacity: China’s manufacturing industry has a huge production capacity, making it an ideal choice for wholesalers who need to purchase sunglasses in large quantities. Fast turnaround times and bulk order capabilities enable businesses to efficiently meet customer needs.
6. B2B platforms and convenient purchasing: China’s B2B platforms, such as Alibaba, provide easy access to numerous sunglasses suppliers. These platforms simplify the purchasing process by offering extensive product catalogues, price comparisons, and direct communication with suppliers.
7. Trade agreements and logistics support: China has signed favourable trade agreements with various countries, which promotes the smooth progress of the import and export process. In addition, the country has a well-developed logistics infrastructure, including efficient transportation and delivery services, ensuring that goods are transported in a timely and cost-effective manner.
How to find a China sunglasses supplier?
Identifying suppliers of Chinese sunglasses online is a straightforward task. However, an alternative approach involves personally visiting China to meticulously vet potential options.
A majority of importers initially opt for the convenience and affordability of securing sunglass vendors over the Internet since it aligns with their modest-scale operations. Additionally, mitigating expenses such as travel costs contributes significantly to this decision-making process.
However, if you go directly to China to find sunglasses suppliers, you can view the products in person and choose the style and quality you want. It’s up to you to decide the best way to find sunglasses that suit your requirements and business.
A. Visit China to find sunglasses suppliers
China hosts a multitude of eyewear wholesale markets, yet a majority of them occupy smaller scales. The primary suppliers for sunglasses predominantly converge within the Yiwu market and the Shenzhen/Guangzhou markets respectively.
Each of these markets possesses distinct attributes that set them apart from each other, necessitating an understanding of their inherent differences. Upon establishing this comprehension, one can effectively discern which location best suits their specific business requirements for purchasing sunglasses.
Yiwu market
The MOQ of Yiwu sunglasses suppliers is relatively high, usually around 600-1000 pieces. So, if you want to purchase a large amount of sunglasses, I highly recommend you to go to Yiwu market.
Sunglasses come in many price levels depending on the material, style and quality of sunglasses you choose. For example, traditional plastic-frame sunglasses cost $0.5 to $1, while metal-frame sunglasses cost $1 to $2. Likewise, if you’re looking for polarized sunglasses, you’ll likely pay $0.6-$1.20 more per pair.
If you plan to customize your sunglasses, add your logo on the sunglasses or print some pictures on the sunglasses frames, the suppliers in the Yiwu market can meet your needs. Sunglasses from the Yiwu Wholesale Market are mainly for export. There are many types of fashion styles, so you can buy a wide variety of products in the Yiwu market.
Shenzhen/Guangzhou market
Sunglasses suppliers in the Shenzhen/Guangzhou market generally have a small minimum order quantity, and even small orders of 10-30 pairs are acceptable. At the same time, the price of sunglasses is also higher than that in the Yiwu market.
If you are worried about the quality of these sunglasses available in the market, then it all depends on the grade of glasses you want and where your manufacturer comes from.
B. Find Chinese sunglasses suppliers online
For those seeking to procure sunglasses, Alibaba and other wholesale digital platforms offer a variety of reputable suppliers. It is important, however, to note that the majority of vendors found on these portals are not direct manufacturers or factories.
Although their minimum order quantities are typically low, this convenience often comes with elevated prices. Further limitations may include an inability to accommodate specific customization requests.
If you plan to place a larger order and the suppliers on the above websites cannot meet your requirements, the best way is to find a purchasing agent who can contact the manufacturer on your behalf and source the products according to your requirements.
Purchasing agents can quickly help you find several good factories in China for you to choose from based on your needs.
Steps to Buying Sunglasses Manufactured in China
Research and Determine Your Needs: Start by determining the specific style, shape, and functionality of sunglasses you want. Consider factors such as UV protection, lens material, frame material and style preference.
Find reliable suppliers: Find reputable sunglasses suppliers or manufacturers in China. You can search for companies online, check out trade directories, or attend trade shows that specialize in eyewear.
Contact and Request Information: Contact the supplier you are interested in and request more information about their products, manufacturing capabilities, pricing and minimum order quantities.
Review and Compare Quotes: Once you receive quotes from different vendors, review and compare them carefully. Consider factors such as product quality, price, shipping method and delivery time.
Sample testing: It is recommended to request samples from the suppliers you are considering. This will allow you to check the quality of the sunglasses in person before placing a large order. Test your sunglasses for durability, fit and comfort to make sure they meet your expectations.
Place your order: Once you have selected your supplier and are satisfied with the samples, negotiate the terms of your order, including payment methods, delivery terms, and any customization requirements. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the timeline and any potential additional costs.
Quality Control: Establish clear quality control standards with suppliers before the production process begins. Insist on regular inspections and quality checks during the manufacturing process to minimize the risk of receiving defective products.
Shipping and Logistics: Arrange shipping and logistics details with suppliers. They can offer options such as air or sea shipping. Consider factors such as cost, delivery time and customs procedures.
Payment: Agree with suppliers on payment methods and terms. Common methods include bank transfers, letters of credit or online payment platforms.
Customs and Import Regulations: Become familiar with the applicable customs regulations and import duties in your country. Depending on your location, you may be required to provide certain documentation or pay customs fees when you receive your sunglasses.
Receive and inspect the shipment: Once the sunglasses arrive, please inspect the shipment carefully to ensure it meets the agreed quality and specifications. This includes checking the order quantity for any damage, defects or discrepancies.
Establish a long-term relationship: If you are satisfied with the product quality and overall experience, consider establishing a long-term relationship with the supplier for future orders. Good communication and positive feedback contribute to a successful business partnership.
Conclusion
You can now purchase sunglasses from China. Remember what your goal is – buy from a trustworthy source so you can make great profits. I hope this comprehensive guide helps you import sunglasses from China to your country with ease.
If you have any questions or confusion after reading this article, please leave a comment and let me know your problem. Or contact us to help you source and customize sunglasses from China.
