Published April 2026 · By the La Moda Buyer Support Team · 5 minute read
You want to buy wholesale. Maybe you're opening a boutique, expanding an existing resort store, or starting an online retail operation. Every fashion wholesaler has a different application process, different documents required, and different timelines. This guide walks through what every US buyer needs to open a wholesale account — at La Moda and anywhere else.
What "wholesale" actually means
Wholesale means you're buying to resell, not to consume. You'll pay a wholesale price (typically 40–55% below retail) in exchange for two things: (1) proof you're a legitimate business, and (2) minimum order volume (MOQ). The wholesaler provides pricing, terms, and support that a consumer buyer doesn't get.
At La Moda specifically: our wholesale program serves boutiques, resort stores, cruise retailers, private-label designers, and online resellers. We've been running a wholesale operation since 1998. Here's what you'll need.
The documents you need before you start
Before you fill out any wholesale application (at La Moda or any US-based supplier), gather these documents:
- Business registration / LLC or DBA paperwork. Your state-level proof that your business exists. Most wholesalers accept an EIN letter, a state business registration document, or an LLC formation document.
- Resale certificate (also called "sales tax exemption certificate" or "seller's permit"). This is the single most important document. It proves you're buying to resell — which exempts your purchase from sales tax. Every US state issues these; in most states you apply through your state's Department of Revenue. Miami-area buyers get a Florida Annual Resale Certificate for Sales Tax; Texas buyers get a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit. It's free or under $50 in most states and takes 1–2 weeks.
- Business website or active social media. If you don't have a website yet, most wholesalers accept an Instagram business account, Facebook business page, Etsy storefront, Faire profile, or Shopify store URL. You need to show you're actively selling or about to.
- Physical business address. Wholesalers generally don't ship to PO boxes. Even home-based online boutiques need a physical street address on file.
- Trade references (for Net-30 terms). You won't need these for your first order, but if you plan to apply for Net-30 terms later, have 2–3 existing supplier contacts ready.
Step-by-step: opening a La Moda wholesale account
Step 1 — Fill out the wholesale signup form
On our Wholesale page, fill out the wholesale application. You'll provide your business name, address, website, product categories you plan to sell, and an estimate of your first-order size. Upload your resale certificate in the form.
Step 2 — Approval within 24 hours
Our team reviews your application the same or next business day. We verify business details, check your resale certificate is valid, and confirm your product categories align with our wholesale terms. Approval is emailed directly with login instructions.
Step 3 — Browse wholesale pricing
Once approved, all collection pages — Wholesale Swimwear, Wholesale Kaftans, Resort Wear, Cover-Ups — automatically display your wholesale pricing when you log in. Volume discounts activate at checkout based on your order size; no coupon code required.
Step 4 — Place your first order
Our MOQ is low (see our Wholesale FAQ for current terms). First orders are paid up front via credit card, ACH, or wire transfer. Orders typically ship from our Miami warehouse within 2–4 business days. Domestic US delivery is 5–7 business days from order date.
Step 5 — Apply for Net-30 terms (after your first paid order)
Once your first order clears, you can apply for Net-30 terms. We review based on trade references, time in business, and first-order size. Most qualified buyers are approved within 48 hours.
Red flags when vetting any wholesale supplier
This applies to La Moda and every other wholesaler you're considering. A reputable wholesale program will have:
- ✅ Clear MOQ stated up front. If a supplier won't tell you their MOQ before account approval, walk away.
- ✅ Published shipping lead times. "When it ships" shouldn't be a mystery.
- ✅ A physical US address or warehouse. Especially if you need fast restocks.
- ✅ Trade show presence. Attending Magic Las Vegas, Coterie, Curve NY, or similar signals an established operation.
- ✅ Buyer support contact — not a ticket system. You should be able to reach a real person within one business day.
And red flags to watch for:
- 🚫 No resale certificate required. Means they're probably selling to consumers too; wholesale pricing may not reflect real wholesale economics.
- 🚫 Extremely low prices paired with vague shipping timelines. Usually means drop-shipped from overseas with 4–6 week transit and high defect rates.
- 🚫 No physical address, no phone, no buyer references. Might be fine, might be a scam. Do due diligence before a large first order.
- 🚫 Requires a huge deposit before seeing the product. Reputable wholesalers let you sample or see in person at trade shows.
Common questions new buyers ask us
"Can I open a wholesale account if I don't have a store yet?" Yes. We approve online-only retailers, pop-up stores, and pre-launch boutiques as long as you have a resale certificate and active selling platform.
"Do I need a separate business bank account?" Strongly recommended (it simplifies accounting and your resale certificate), but not required for your first order.
"What if my business is outside the US?" We ship to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, and Latin America. International buyers skip the US resale certificate step; provide your equivalent business registration instead.
"How much should my first order be?" Start at the MOQ. Test 3–5 different styles instead of stocking deep on one. Your first order is a learning investment, not a bet on one style.
Ready to start?
Apply for your La Moda wholesale account — most approvals happen within 24 hours. If you have questions before applying, email our buyer support team directly. We answer every inquiry personally.
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