Apparel trading distributors often require education and training before they will hire an apparel buyer. The educational requirements vary by company, so you may want to consult job postings for the industry to see what particular companies want. In some cases, you can contact the Human Resource department and find out the necessary qualifications.

An apparel exporter has several options for obtaining education and training. A few of these that you might want to consider include the following options:

1. Find classes, courses and seminars geared toward the fashion industry and exporting and importing.

2. Utilize industry resources for apparel importers & exporters education and training.

3. Keep up to date with laws and regulations regarding apparel trading.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take educational courses, attend seminars or get a degree geared for apparel importers & exporters

When you work in an industry that deals with importing and exporting, there are basic requirements you need to know. Some of these will depend on the countries with which you do business. Education on the basics of importing, exporting and working with fabrics can help you with your career goals.

I recommend: The Global Training Center provides seminars, courses and educational materials to help apparel importers & exporters learn the basics of the industry. World Wide Learn offers an overview of Fashion Merchandising. It offers links to schools that offer programs related to the buying and selling of apparel.

Attend events and training hosted by apparel trading providers

Businesses in the industry can be a great source for education and training. Some providers will offer education and training through conferences and events. Others provide demonstrations at these events as sponsors.

I recommend: Fashion Business Inc. (FBI) offers its members a variety of educational resources specific to apparel buyers. It offers online training for its most popular seminars. Textile Exchange maintains a list of upcoming trade events specific to apparel trading. Its list includes international events.

Gain education on the laws specific to apparel trading

US laws on importing and exporting products regulate the industry. Some things like tariffs and customs impact the countries you can buy and sell to. These laws and regulations change on a regular basis, and the government expects you to stay in compliance. Not only do you need initial training, you need to plan for continuing education in this area.

I recommend: The United States Department of Labor issues a report on The Apparel Industry and Codes of Conduct. You can view the report in PDF or HTML formats. EmergingTextiles.com provides up-to-date information on rules, regulations and policies affecting apparel exporters and importers. It updates its website with weekly reports.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you look into educational opportunities, don't forget to look for international apparel trading distributors that offer training.

If you are in the garment business, then you need a list of apparel importers & exporters to help you stock your supplies. There are so many national and international companies to choose from that it is difficult to know which one is the best for your business.

Begin by deciding on the types of apparel you need to purchase, and search only for apparel distributors and manufacturers for those items. Otherwise, you may find yourself searching through hundreds of products that you do not need. Once you decide on the products to purchase, contact the different apparel importers and exporters that offer them, and request free samples to see exactly what you are getting. Pictures on websites and in magazines can be very deceiving.

When purchasing anything from apparel importers or apparel exporters, remember the following pieces of information:

1. Smaller international companies may offer better deals to apparel buyers to get their name "out there" and to make solid business contacts.

2. Thoroughly research as many apparel importers and exporters as possible, and remember to compare product quality as well as pricing.

3. If all else fails, buy from wholesale companies that offer garment imports.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use apparel trading distributors and apparel trading providers to compare products and prices

The best way to comparison shop is to look at a large number of items. To do this, check out websites that work with a variety of apparel companies and manufacturers.

I recommend: Alibaba.com lists thousands of apparel exporters, offering all types of garments, shoes and accessories. TBC-World.com is an apparel trading provider that helps businesses find international apparel distributors and manufacturers. Importers.com is a business-to-business website that helps national and international buyers and distributors come together. By clicking on an item of interest, you not only get information about the item but the company as well.

Research apparel importers and apparel exporters

If websites that offer large selections of items for sale are not providing the types of contacts you need, consider buying a list of contacts or subscribing to a resource to help you find these contacts.

I recommend: The AKTRIN Textile Information Center offers the American Directory of Apparel Wholesalers, Importers & Exporters. You have the option of buying the compact disk (CD), which includes a bound book of the listings, or the book itself. Contact Communications provides information about a large number of garment exports, garment imports and garment manufacturers. In order to view the information, you must subscribe to the online edition. For free international company information, visit ExportBureau. This website provides company reports and contact information.

Wholesale apparel buyers get the best discount on imported products

Remember that wholesale companies import apparel too. They also sell locally and nationally made products. Consider buying products made in the United States as well as apparel made in other countries.

I recommend: Spring Import provides imported junior apparel and sleepwear. You are required to register to view product pricing. For Italian business suits, visit A H Fashion Men's Suit Outlet. Island Wholesaler Group offers urban wear for men, women and children. Volume Apparel offers clothing for boys, girls, men and women. You need to provide your company information to get pricing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out how long it will take your shipment to reach your store. Do not be afraid to request overnight shipping at the cost of the apparel importer or apparel exporter. You are giving them your business; they should be willing to help make your experience the best it can possibly be.

Apparel importers and exporters can take advantage of a competitive global textile market to find the best fabrics for their needs at a reasonable price. However, navigating trade laws presents a challenge; it's also not easy to find and work with a textile supplier remotely. Fashion industry professionals need to prepare for the intricacies of doing business overseas by mastering some key terms to start.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sourcing, or off-shore sourcing

Fabric sourcing is fashion industry talk for shopping the textile market. Off-shore sourcing might be cheaper, but designers must have a basic understanding of tariffs and duties, and be able to identify a trustworthy supplier and get an accurate quote.

I recommend: Fashion Dex has a guide to sourcing for beginners, including information on the types of fabric suppliers a designer will encounter on his or her search.

Agents and monitors

Because off-shore sourcing entails considerable knowledge of international trade law and the quirks of the local market, the job might be best left to a professional agent. Agents can track down the fabric you need, negotiate the price and inspect the order before it ships.

I recommend: Elite International is a firm that handles sourcing in India.

Licensing

Apparel companies that want to profit from their brand can enter into licensing agreements, allowing an outside manufacturer to produce goods with their brand slapped on it. Often, licensed merchandise is produced in emerging markets.

I recommend: The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association has an introduction that explains the various types of licensing, including fashion licensing.

Quotas

To limit a glut of overseas goods, a country may institute quotas, which set a cap on certain imported products. Due to the competitive global market for textiles, companies must be aware of the quotas in the countries where they do business.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has information on textiles and quotas.

Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA)

A division of the International Trade Administration, OTEXA is responsible for promoting U.S. textile goods abroad and compiles data on the international textile trade. The office both formulates and implements textile trade policy.

I recommend: OTEXA provides statistics and information for industry professionals.

Anti-dumping duties

To discourage a glut of cheap foreign textiles, a country may impose anti-dumping duties on apparel imported at a price below its market value.

I recommend: Emerging Textiles has an anti-dumping feed that lists import/export news from around the world.