Make the Switch to Made in the USA:
What to Look for in Your Supplier
Due to complications caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many distributors are making the switch from overseas to domestic suppliers. Make sure you're picking a U.S.-based partner equipped to fulfill orders as effectively and efficiently as possible by confirming they have these key features.
Click on the arrow icons to learn more about each supplier capability.
One of the biggest benefits of switching to a domestic supplier is cutting out lengthy shipping and transit times. That's not just shipping to your clients – having a streamlined supply chain during the manufacturing process is just as important for fulfilling orders as quickly as possible. What's more, when supply chains are U.S.-based, they're also held to U.S. quality and ethical standards, which results in a more premium product.
Consider renowned sock supplier Wilson Brown Sock Company. Their cotton supply chain is entirely U.S.-based, covering 126 miles from start to finish. Cotton is first purchased from the Memphis Cotton Exchange; it's 100% sourced from Georgia, Texas or South Carolina. Next, it's brought to Wilson Brown Sock Company's cotton spinning plant in Thomasville, North Carolina, where raw materials are turned into usable cotton fibers. Next, the cotton heads to Belmont, North Carolina, where it's dyed before traveling to Haw River, North Carolina, to finally be knitted into high-quality socks for your customers.
Another important detail to ask about is equipment. Remember, all promos are NOT created equal. If products are made using cutting-edge equipment versus rickety old machines, you and your clients are sure to notice a difference in quality and construction.
Reputable suppliers will be happy to tell you about their equipment and manufacturing process. For example, Wilson Brown Sock Company recently invested in state-of-the-art seamless tow machines from Italian company Lonati, which is considered an industry-leading brand. These machines have capabilities for up to 200 needles, so you can feel confident you'll always get a high-end product.
One easy way to make clients happy: Have their promos delivered quickly and on time. In today’s Amazon-influenced world, consumers expect products ASAP. If your supplier is based overseas, you’re at the mercy of lengthy transit times and import and export processes. These extra steps can add days, weeks or even months to in-hand dates – not a good way to kick off a new project.
Instead, partner with a supplier that’s based in the U.S. One such company, Wilson Brown Sock Company, is able to deliver socks with super-fast lead times thanks to their USA production. If they need yarn, this supplier can get it the same day so machines are never left sitting idle. Then, once promos are ready to be packaged and shipped, they simply head across the street for processing, not across the country. And the best part? Wilson Brown Sock Company delivers fast without compromising on quality, so you and your clients really can have the best of both worlds.
Clients love customization. Not only do custom elements make end-buyers feel like they're getting a truly one-of-a-kind gift, they're also a great way to differentiate your services as a distributor. After all, competitors that only suggest stock options can't compete with one offering a selection of personalized promos.
Wilson Brown Sock Company understands this, which is why they carry over 35 cotton colors to choose from when designing your client's custom sock. The personalization options don't end there, though. With the combined skills of their in-house design team (including a Creative Director who's been in the industry for 40+ years), Wilson Brown Sock Company can put imprints pretty much anywhere your clients want. Forget being confined to a few standard locations – if your clients can imagine it, Wilson Brown Sock Company can make it happen.
At the end of the day, your customer service is only as good as your supplier's customer service. If clients have a question you can't answer and you can't get your supplier on the phone, you're unable to help them, or left to guess the answer and risk being wrong.
Thankfully, that won't be a problem when you partner with Wilson Brown Sock Company. This family-owned company maintains an "all hands on deck" attitude toward helping their distributor partners. When you call Wilson Brown Sock Company, you call the entire company. Someone will always be there to help and they'll provide helpful answers right away.
You're Part of the Family With Wilson Brown Sock Company
As a family-owned company, Wilson Brown is committed to the resurgence of American textiles manufacturing. Their aim is not merely to produce socks at the lowest possible price point, but to invest in their products, people and partners in a way that creates a rewarding experience from field to foot. With their hands-on attitude and years of experience in the footwear category, you can count on Wilson Brown to get your order right and delivered on time, every time.