Are you looking for a wholesale direct supplier for your store?
There are so many options for you to buy from that it can be hard to figure them all out. Once you know what products you want, you can usually get started finding a supplier that fits your needs.
However, some retailers or small business owners make the mistake of choosing the wrong supplier for their business niche. They can be expensive, unreliable, or simply not move fast enough to get the products to you.
Want to avoid all that?
Keep reading, this guide will explain exactly how to find wholesale direct suppliers.
Understand Your Industry
Before you get to choosing a wholesale direct supplier, it’s vital to understand your place in your specific industry. This applies even if you haven’t chosen the product you want to specialize in. Still, it’s important to know that each type of product has a particular type of distribution channel.
At the top of the supply chain ladder is the manufacturers. Some of these you can buy direct from. However, often they only sell to wholesalers.
The next rung on this ladder then is the wholesalers or regional distributors. They distribute goods locally. A distributor often sells to a wholesaler.
Next is the “jobbers” or brokers. These mostly work with local small businesses. For example, they’ll do daily deliveries to brick and mortar stores or local groceries.
If you are just starting out buying, you’ll have to pay higher prices from smaller wholesalers. As and if you grow, you have the option to move up the ladder and use a bigger wholesaler.
Do Some Research
The number one place to research suppliers today is the internet. However, there’s an art to searching Google and other search engines for what you want.
Start by using basic search terms and cast a wide net. As you get deeper, you’ll have an idea of the specific products you want to obtain.
Use the brand and product names as well as model numbers and combine them with “distributor” or “wholesale. You should also add some keywords from your product niche. When you find results, look for the contact information or a link that is targeted to wholesale only sales.
You can also do your research by contacting brand manufacturers. It’s not always the case that they’ll sell to you directly. Yet you can still ask the company for their distributors and get in contact with them.
Attend Trade Shows
A great way to grow your business and find new suppliers is to attend a trade show. These events are specifically geared toward people like you looking for wholesale direct suppliers.
These shows allow you get up close and personal with distributors and manufacturers. It also cuts through the noise and inaccurate info that might be on the internet.
What’s more, the admission is usually free. All you need to get is a seller permit.
On the other hand, many small businesses are finding the internet better than trade shows for their needs. If you have limited time, the huge convention centers that trade shows are held in can be a nightmare. You don’t want to spend your valuable time wandering around, so if you decide to attend have a plan.
Trade shows are often held in major cities, so they are a good choice if you live in a metropolitan area.
Save Time and Money Buying Domestically
Many buyers have the idea that it’s better to buy wholesale from abroad. This is not always the case, though. Many products aren’t made domestically, it’s true. However, when you use a USA – based company to buy your wholesale products you gain a number of benefits.
The wholesaler takes on a huge amount of the hassle of importing products for you. You won’t have to deal with shipping or unpredictable customs charges.
There’s no international travel required to meet with a supplier. The cost of that travel is also eliminated. If you have a busy schedule, you probably are not able to just pick and go to China, anyway.
Time is, in fact, the biggest consideration here.
Using a domestic supplier is as easy as ordering and waiting for the product to show up.
Getting the First Contact Right
Once you’ve found a supplier, it’s a good idea to establish contact with them. It can sometimes be difficult to do so as a different person answers each time you call.
Your goal should be to get one or two people who will remember you and your relationship with the company. This builds trust, makes the conversation go quicker, and you learn more about the supplier too.
The first call can be productive if you get the information you need out of whoever answers. Have a template of what you’ll say in mind. If your goals are clear, you gain more from the conversation.
An example would be:”Hello, I’m planning to start a store selling X. I would like to get some information on your wholesale prices and what your minimum order requirements are”.
Once first contact has been established, you should follow up by email. Remember, suppliers are busy and so are their staff. If you don’t get a response, keep trying.
Get an Agreement
When you find that perfect wholesale direct supplier, make sure all the formalities are taken care of. Ask them about their return policies, discounts, and how long orders take to process.
Be prepared to negotiate pricing, delivery, etc. before you sign a contract. Ask for references to see how they do business. Check with the business bureau to make sure they don’t have any complaints, as well.
Find a Wholesale Direct Supplier
Now that you’ve got all the info you can decide if buying wholesale direct is right for you.
For successful business owners, it’s a no-brainer. Wholesale direct is easy and profitable. Just look at the testimonials from people who have done it before. If you’re ready to start on your wholesale journey, check out our site for products.