How to find wholesale products?

Finding a reputable wholesale product vendor is vital whether you own a large or small business. However, it may not be clear to determine which type of wholesale vendor is best for your business. By reading the below guide, you'll learn more about each type of wholesale product vendor to align your business needs with inventory purchasing better. Continue reading to learn how to find wholesale products.

Manufacturer

One of the first places many people look for wholesale products is the manufacturer of the specific items they want to sell. This allows you to talk directly with the producer of the product. In some cases, if you're purchasing from a smaller manufacturer, you can save money on costs by removing the middleman.

Pros

As mentioned above, by going directly to a manufacturer, you can potentially save money on products. This is typically the case with smaller product producers (such as one-person teams).

Cons

If you're seeking products made by larger producers, you may have to buy in large quantities which can affect your budgeting.

Importer/Exclusive Distributor

If you’re purchasing specific items from a company, you may find that the only way to gain access to these products is via an exclusive importer. This importer potentially has the sole right to distribute the product to a country, territory, etc. Like working with manufacturers, purchasing from an exclusive distributor has pros and cons.

Pros

Working with an exclusive distributor means you can have a leg up on your competitors who don't have access to the distributor. You may find that since the products are only distributed by one group or individual, not everyone will have access to the items. Thus, you can provide customers with new items that other stores may be unable to keep on their shelves.

Cons

As the distributor is exclusive, this will likely mean that the items are sold to you at a higher cost. So, the products will likely need to be sold in your store at a higher cost. This means your inventory purchasing can be riskier since it will cause your business expenses to rise.

Wholesaler

Additionally, you can source your products from a wholesaler. When purchasing wholesale products, you’ll find that prices are typically lower as you must buy in bulk. Wholesale suppliers can provide products to specific regions, or larger areas, like Mila Wholesale.

Pros

Purchasing from a wholesaler provides lower prices. Generally, wholesalers will purchase items in large quantities from a distributor or manufacturer. These purchases will include a bulk sale discount, which they can then pass on to you and your business. Consider establishing a relationship before placing an order so that you can discuss pricing on products. This way, you'll ensure the price point meets your needs.

Cons

Unlike purchasing directly from the manufacturer or a distributor, you’ll need to purchase items with a minimum quantity. It’s necessary to confirm the minimum quantity with your wholesaler before proceeding with an order. Minimums can also vary between products.