Start by defining the pair you need
Running shoes, basketball shoes, leather shoes, slides, soccer cleats, skate shoes, and casual sneakers have different evidence needs. Write the use case, model or code, color, size range, required upper/sole claim, and box preference. A broad “wholesale sneakers” list is useful only after those differences are visible.
Separate four sizing terms
- Label size
- The printed size system shown on the product or chart.
- Foot length
- A body measurement used to select a size, depending on the seller's method.
- Insole length
- The measured removable component, which may not equal usable internal space.
- Internal shoe length
- A measurement of the interior using a stated tool or method.
Ask which one the chart uses, how it was measured, and whether width or last shape changes the recommendation. Do not convert between systems without the chart for that exact code.
Use a fixed photo order
- Outer and inner side of both shoes.
- Toe shape and top view.
- Heel alignment and rear construction.
- Full sole, edge, and flex-relevant areas.
- Opening, tongue, label, and internal finish.
- Material, stitching, glue, hardware, or closure details.
General album images help with discovery. Recent pair-level QC photos are more useful for comparing the selected code, color, and size, but they still do not guarantee every pair in a future order.
Turn the size run into a quantity table
List the quantity for each label size and color. Ask whether the MOQ is per size, per color, per model, or across the whole run. If the supplier uses prepacked cartons, record the fixed ratio and decide whether unwanted sizes make the order unsuitable.
Make the box policy explicit
“With box,” “without box,” replacement box, dust bag, spare parts, and protective packing describe different products and weights. Record which version is quoted. For worldwide shipping estimates, use carton dimensions and gross weight for the confirmed packed order rather than a generic shoe weight.
Give a sample a precise job
Define which uncertainty the sample must resolve: internal length, width, material feel, sole construction, closure, finish, box size, or another item-specific question. Compare the sample code and version with the later quote. A sample of a nearby model cannot validate the selected pair.
Reject a footwear comparison when
- The chart cannot say whether it uses foot, insole, or internal length.
- The quotation changes the code, color, size run, or box version.
- Only one side or one promotional angle is available.
- The MOQ hides a fixed size ratio that does not fit the order.
- Packed weight is estimated from an unrelated footwear type.
