WHOLESALE BUYING
How to Estimate Usable Garments From a Bale
Knowing roughly how many sellable garments an order will produce is essential for pricing and break-even calculations. It can only ever be an estimate before you open the bale.
Start with a rough method, then improve it with your own sorting records.
A ROUGH METHOD
From weight to garments.
If you know the approximate bale weight:
- Estimate the average weight of a garment in the bale’s main category: light tops weigh less than jeans or jackets.
- Estimated garments = bale weight ÷ average garment weight.
- Estimated usable garments = estimated garments × your expected usable share.
Garment mix, weight and condition vary between bales, so treat every estimate as a planning range, not a promise.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Working it through.
Fictional figures for a bale of mixed light clothing.
Example only, not a description of any bale.
| Step | Value |
|---|---|
| Bale weight | 50 kg |
| Average garment weight | 0.25 kg |
| Estimated garments | 200 |
| Expected usable share | 80% |
| Estimated usable garments | 160 |
IMPROVE THE ESTIMATE
Use your own data.
Your sorting records are the best guide.
- Record counts by category and grade as you sort.
- Calculate your actual usable share for each order and supplier.
- Use a range (for example, low and high) rather than one number.
USE IT
Where the estimate goes.
- Into your break-even price and the profit calculator.
- Into comparing bale offers on cost per usable garment.
NEXT STEP
Need figures to estimate from?
Ask about approximate bale weight, categories and specifications with your enquiry.
General guidance for planning purposes. Examples are illustrative; outcomes depend on your own market, stock, prices and costs.