What You Need to Know About Wholesale Delivery Dates

There is a lot of verbiage thrown around in the wholesale space that you may not be completely familiar with unless you’ve been in the industry for a while. 

For those brands that are starting to dip their toes into wholesale, we want to help provide a glossary of terms to help you better understand some of this verbiage. 

Think of it as wholesale terms 101. 

And today’s term that we’re breaking down is: wholesale delivery date. 

What do You Need to Know About Delivery Dates

When customers place prebook orders, they often select from multiple delivery dates within a single season. These dates might include the same products or vary significantly depending on seasonal trends and inventory availability. 

Common delivery timelines for a spring season, for example, could be March 1, April 1, and May 1.

Sales reps typically input orders for specific delivery dates based on customer needs and product availability. Managing these varying dates requires careful planning to ensure timely fulfillment and optimal inventory levels.

Seasonal products, especially those influenced by fashion trends, add another layer of complexity. Fashion-related items may only be available on certain delivery dates, making timing critical for both retailers and customers. Even brands that aren't traditionally fashion-focused can have seasonal offerings that are time-sensitive.

For instance, a unique spring collection might only be available for the April 1 delivery. Brands and retailers need to be aware of these constraints to make informed ordering decisions that align with consumer demand.

How Different Regions Affect Delivery Dates

Geographical location plays a significant role in determining product needs for different delivery dates. Regional climates and customer preferences can vary widely, affecting when certain products are in demand.

Here’s an example for a golf brand managing pre-book orders with multiple delivery dates. 

The brand’s retailers in Florida might require spring products as early as March, given their warmer climate, while stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or New York might not need the same items until May. 

This regional difference necessitates having unique products available for each delivery date to meet specific market demands.

By tailoring inventory to regional needs, that golf brand can optimize sales and reduce overstock of items that may not sell equally well across all locations.

Strategies to Break Up Your Seasonal Catalog

Use these strategies to better manage multiple delivery dates: 

• Segment Your Catalog: Divide your seasonal catalog based on delivery dates, highlight which products are available when. This helps sales reps and customers easily identify what can be ordered for each timeframe.
• Customize for Regions: Adjust product offerings in your catalog to reflect regional demands. Include climate-appropriate items for different areas to ensure relevance.
• Communicate Clearly: Provide detailed information on product availability and delivery timelines. Clear communication helps prevent ordering errors and ensures customer expectations are met.
• Monitor Inventory Levels: Keep a close eye on stock levels for each delivery date. Accurate forecasting and inventory management prevent shortages or excesses.
• Keep Your Ordering Systems Flexible: Implement ordering systems that allow for adjustments based on changing demands or unexpected delays in production or shipping (check out RepSpark’s online ordering system.

Effectively navigating prebook orders with multiple seasonal delivery dates is an essential part of meeting your diverse customer needs and maximizing your sales.  

Stay proactive in your planning, and you'll be well-equipped to handle the complexities of multi-date deliveries.

And, if you want to see how wholesale software can help your planning, schedule some time with us and we'd love to help.