Teaming up with a wholesale supplier can be an excellent idea for your business if you work hard to make the right decisions. From how you find them to deciding between them, there are many choices to consider. Learn some quick tips below for sourcing wholesalers and choosing which could be ideal for your company.
Visit trade shows
Going to trade shows is an excellent way to discover wholesalers you feel fit your business well. It’s a great opportunity to see products in front of you, converse with those associated with the industry, and discuss prices and inventory availability.
Trade shows occur in major cities, and the size of each can vary from small ones to those that host thousands of exhibitors. Remember that the larger the event is, the more attendees you’ll be surrounded by who are looking at the same products, meeting the same exhibitors, and also trying to ask questions. Regardless of the trade show size, plan to arrive when you feel most comfortable and get the most out of the experience.
Read directories
Multiple wholesaler directories can give you ideas of what wholesalers could be potential options for your business. They usually make it easy to narrow down the choices you’re specifically interested in, whether it’s items like books, corsets, bracelets, chargers, jeans, or Bella + Canvas wholesale zip-up hoodies. Under each wholesaler’s name typically comes relevant information, such as what products they offer, their location, where they ship, and the year they started. In addition, the businesses included in these directories verify beforehand.
Attend networking events
In addition to visiting trade shows, attend other events where you can do networking. They’re typically easy to find with a simple internet search in various industries the closer you are to a big city. For example, if you’re in fashion, do an internet search for “fashion networking events in (your location)” to pull up options. Meeting others in the same industry allows you to make friends and connections while pointing you toward possible wholesaler options.
Network online
If you want to network but can only sometimes do so in person, try online networking. Plenty of spaces exist to interact with those in your industry, especially on social media sites. You never know when a simple (genuine) interaction could positively impact you. It could also help you to get more comfortable asking questions and getting advice, whether it’s about finding a wholesaler, interacting with them, or handling another area of your business.
Now that we’ve discussed options for sourcing wholesalers, that could be great for your company. Let’s continue reading for tips for using them.
Know what you’re looking for
You may have a general idea of what area to shop in, such as the fashion section, but there are plenty of sub-areas to consider. For example, in clothing, do you want to sell bathing suits, belts, high heels, sweatshirts, or shorts? Narrowing down what products you want to sell can help you focus your efforts and be more specific about what products you need to find.
Feel confident about their reputation
Only work with a wholesaler if you’re completely confident about their reputation. Then, after reading through legitimate reviews (and skipping over the fake ones), decide what you think about each company based on the information you found. Even if a wholesaler seems excellent on many levels, if something feels off, you may want to think about what could be making you doubt and if it’s worth it to take the chance.
Learn about their different ordering processes
For each wholesaler you’re considering working with, look into the type of ordering processes they offer. For example, in addition to the standard placement that involves going through the website or speaking with a customer service representative, they may offer other possibilities like custom orders and rushed options. So, while you’ll likely opt for standard ordering, it helps to know what other choices may be available if you need to utilize them.
Decide about location
When choosing a wholesaler, you’ll need to decide between one located domestically or internationally (although you can opt for both if you so choose). The choice might seem minor, but it is, with several factors to consider, such as how long you’re willing to wait for your packages to arrive. While you can have a wholesaler domestically and internationally, it is ideal to have only one; either way, take the time to consider the pros and cons of each.
Set up your account
So you’ve found a wholesaler you want to work with, and now it’s time to make sure your account is all set. You’ll typically have to submit paperwork to the company as part of the process of establishing your account. Once you ensure all your information is correct and your account gets approved, you can proceed to the ordering stage.
Keep your ordering in check
Ordering wholesale products can be exciting, especially your first few times. You’re getting items you love that you think will be popular with your customers, learning about great products, and getting good deals significantly lower in cost than retail. It’s easy to get so enthusiastic that you go overboard with ordering and buying products you don’t need, don’t really want, or later decide wouldn’t resonate with your customers. Take the process slow and deeply consider each product you wish to order. Consider loading your cart and reviewing it after a day or two to ensure you still want the same items.
Wholesale ordering may seem like regular shopping, but as you can see from those above, there’s much more to it. The decisions you make for your business have a significant impact on its success, so the more mindful you are, the more things may work out in your and your company’s favor.