How to process, price, and tag incoming clothing stock

The moment your stock arrives, your priority is to verify the delivery against your invoice, prepare the garments to look their best through steaming, and apply all necessary tags so the items are ready for immediate sale or photography. This process ensures your inventory is accurate, your products look premium, and your pricing is consistent from the first day of trading.

Step 1: Check the delivery against the invoice

Before you get excited and start hanging things up, you must verify the shipment. Suppliers can, and do, make mistakes. Open every box and check the contents against the delivery note or invoice.

• Verify quantity: Count every item to ensure it matches the number ordered.
• Check variants: Ensure you have received the correct mix of sizes and colours.
• Quality Control (QC): Look for "seconds" or damaged items. Check for loose threads, faulty zips, or marks on the fabric. If you find a fault, set it aside immediately and contact the supplier for a credit note or replacement.

Step 2: Prepare the garments

Clothing that has been packed in boxes for days or weeks will arrive wrinkled. To justify your retail price, the items must look pristine. A handheld or professional vertical steamer is usually better than an iron for most retail environments, as it is faster and less likely to scorch delicate fabrics.

Hang each item on the correct hanger (e.g., padded for delicates, sturdy wood for coats) and steam out the creases. Allow the garment to "set" and dry completely before tagging or moving it; if you fold or pack damp, steamed clothes, the creases will return instantly.

Step 3: Attach swing tags and price labels

Your swing tags are often the first thing a customer looks for. Consistency is key here to make your brand look professional.

• Tag placement: Use a tagging gun to attach your branded swing tags. To avoid damaging the fabric, try to shoot the plastic barb through an internal seam or the existing manufacturer's care label. Never pierce the main body of a delicate fabric like silk or fine knitwear.
• Pricing: Ensure the price on the tag matches your records and your Point of Sale (POS) system. If you are using adhesive price labels, place them neatly on the swing tag rather than directly onto the garment fabric to avoid leaving sticky residue.
• Size stickers: Many retailers add small circular size stickers to the hanger or the tag to help customers find their fit quickly.

Step 4: Apply security tags (if applicable)

If you are operating a physical shop with a security gate, you will need to attach hard security tags or "ink tags."

Tip: Place security tags in a consistent location, such as the left-hand side seam or the hem, so staff can find and remove them quickly at the till.

Best practices for stock processing

Action	Why it matters
Use a dedicated space	Processing stock on a clean, large table prevents garments from touching the floor and getting dirty.
Check your hands	Always wash your hands before handling light-coloured stock (especially whites and creams) to avoid oil or dirt transfers.
Keep a "Fix-it" kit	Keep a lint roller, a small pair of snips for loose threads, and a fabric comb nearby to perfect every piece.

A note on efficiency: Once a batch of stock is processed, price-checked, and tagged, it is "live." Move it immediately to the shop floor or the photography area to start generating a return on your investment.