Setting up an online shop: advice from mums with fashion or retail backgrounds

[mellowandreadyforchristmas]

I'm looking to set up an online clothing shop. I have a background in web development so I have no problems with building the site, getting the payment solution sorted etc.
However, I do not understand the retail trade and was wondering if anyone could point me to online/offline resource that would be able to give me an introduction into how the supply side works.
For example, do you have to purchase all your inventory outright or are you allowed to return unsold stock etc?

tbh it varies according to supplier, their size and location, and the product. Argos for example used to do sale or return with many of their suppliers or negotiate keen cost prices on end of lines and one-offs in return for volume orders. Large retailers would stagger deliveries so that you can cancel later ones on products not selling early in the manufacture process. You may well want to deal with a wholesaler initially rather than the actual manufacturer but that may mean your prices or profit margins are n't as good. For quick payment terms you may be able to get a discount on the next order.

Thanks lizs. That's very helpful.

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