Case #4: Help Running Apparel Store Reduce Costs

qiandao

Brand Story

Run_mith.com is an independent running brand built on a deep love for the sport, founded in the USA in 2017. It sells custom personalized running wear,  running apparel, and running gear with no colors and designs restrict. They have a wide range of running clothes includes running tops, pants, running outfit and running suit. Running clothing is serving for different occasions; OFF ROADS, RUN COMMUTE, RACING. 

qiandao

The Challenge

Selling on the Internet is challenging—it’s a fiercely competitive, fast-paced marketplace where customers demand cheap prices, good quality, and immediate shipping of orders. But, for Run_mith.com, because of the expensive cost of manufacturing in USA, their running apparel isn’t that attractive to customers anymore from 2019. Their sales decreased heavily year by year and many competitors copied their designs at cheaper prices.

qiandao

The Solution

To keep up with the stiff competition, Run_mith.com had to find much cheaper manufacturers without sacrificing clothing quality. And they also need to find a more professional team to custom new running apparel with more added value. So they won’t be abandoned by the market. Considering the 2 elements, Run_mith.com went to Alibaba and found us, Qiandao, which is the customized sportswear leader supplier in China with 20+ years of experience in running wear, cycling garment, and many other sports uniforms.

  • The First Step

    We carried out a supplier and manufacturer selection. Qiandao works with 30+ material suppliers, clothing factories, and private label manufacturers. Some of them have expertise in running apparel, some of them are good at cycling clothing, so no matter what sportswear you want to custom, we can find a suitable company. To Run_mith.com, we chose the factory has 10 years’ experience in running wear and the supplier which offered high-quality fabric exclusive for running.

  • The Second Step

    We successfully added more value to their original running clothes. One of our package manufacturers designed and customized exquisite gift boxes for their one product line to replace the old traditional plastic bag packaging. In fact, the cost is very similar. Our designer team also developed more functions(dry-wicking, moisture,quick-dry, tech fabric,ultra-lightweight, full Stretch)on their hot sale products, while keeping the same cost. With our help, their running apparel became popular again in USA market. Because the purchase price is cheaper and the product value is higher.

  • The Last Step

    Qiandao conducted quality control inspections (QCs) and providing logistics management, comparing and choosing the suitable logistics companies based on order size, weight, time plan, and quotation to reduce costs and time. All this was done with adherence to international shipping requirements and customs regulations to ensure timely delivery. Finally, all customized running shirts, polos, pants were arriving at their warehouse within a half month. They surprised by our fast turn-around and high quality.

The Outcome

With Qiandao’s supplying management, Run_mith.com successfully customized more premium running apparel from reliable suppliers in China, at reduced costs(15%) and shorter lead times.

Run_mith.com’s major running clothing has lower defect rates, was consistently high quality, and delivered on time, allowing this e-commerce website to update its product portfolio and inventory frequently, much to the delight of consumers always demanding new designs availability.

Final Review

Review from Joseph, Sales Manager of Run_mith Polo in the UK:

It has been a real pleasure working with Qiandao as our supplier. We have been very satisfied with their production follow-up, quick response, understanding of the European polo wear market, and consistently positive attitude throughout our cooperation.

As the Vice President of Qiandao, Herman is very flexible in handling different situations. She listens carefully to clients’ needs and always tries her best to meet their requirements.

I am pleased to give Qiandao my highest recommendation.