When it comes to starting or running your business, one of the most important things is to link with a great wholesale supplier.
Many people believe it’s because of the quality of the products. But, another reason is that a good and trusting relationship between the two parties is key to running a successful business.
However, finding the best wholesale suppliers can be a daunting task.
This is why we’ve put together 5 ways for you to find the best wholesale suppliers on the market and also how to be wary of the problematic ones.
So without further ado, let’s take a look!
1. Ask manufacturers
A great way to find the best suppliers is to contact the product manufacturers.
Search for their website on Google or go through a directory to get their contact information. This will get you in direct touch with the manufacturers.
You can also save money through this method as distributors charge more than manufacturers.
However, most manufacturers have high minimum order requirements. If you don’t want to take a risk or don’t have enough money, we recommend looking for an alternative.
2. Search for suppliers on the internet
Easily connect with wholesale suppliers, including cotton product vendors, from home with a quick Google search. Discover numerous reputable vendors at your fingertips, streamlining your sourcing process.
Use an online B2B marketplace
Sign up for a B2B wholesale marketplace. It is a great way to connect with suppliers as these marketplaces act as a bridge between buyers and sellers.
For starters, it is easier to skim through thousands of suppliers as they are organized by categories, products, prices, and even location.
Most of these online marketplaces first verify the wholesalers before listing them on their site. This results in little to no possibility of you running into any unauthorized or sketchy vendors.
Examples of an online B2B marketplace are sites that include SeeBiz, Faire, DHgate, Handshake, etc.
How to find suppliers on online marketplaces
Let’s say you want to buy remote control cars in bulk.
First, you’ll go to a wholesale marketplace (SeeBiz in this case) and then search for ‘rc car’ in the search bar.
You’ll be directed to a page that shows you all the suppliers that are selling remote control cars.
By clicking on a product, you can see the product’s lot size, minimum order quantity, estimated delivery time, an option to ask the supplier a question, their verification status, and contact info.
Finding good suppliers becomes relatively easy with B2B platforms like these.
Online suppliers apart from B2B marketplaces
There are many great vendors that don’t do business on online marketplaces because they have their own websites instead.
To search for these vendors, you’ll have to get specific with your search queries.
Include your product category or niche within your search term. This will filter your search results. For example, if you sell toys you may search for “toy vendors, toy wholesale suppliers”.
You cannot simply search “wholesale distributors, vendors, good wholesale suppliers”. That won’t help you find the vendors you’re looking for.
Keep in mind that wholesalers do not usually have SEO-optimized websites.
Therefore, try to expand your search by using keywords like “toys in bulk, toy distributors” etc. to filter out the best ones. Also, don’t be afraid to go further down the search results.
The more you look into these sites, the better the comparison you’ll get into the prices and products.
3. Connect with your local suppliers
Before you start looking for overseas or out-of-state suppliers, first search for them in your local area.
This approach can save you a lot of time and money. Plus, it makes it easier in person to inspect the products that you are paying for.
Use Google Maps
Google Maps is a great help for both online and offline businesses. Use Google to find wholesalers in your area.
For example, if you want to locate a clothing supplier in Los Angeles, you can just search the term “clothes wholesalers in Los Angeles”.
Note down their location and contact information. Schedule a visit to see if they have what you’re looking for.
Visit wholesale markets
A classic way to find local suppliers is to visit wholesale markets in your city.
Exploring these markets will give you an idea about the overall product variety, quality, and price.
4. Subscribe to your industry’s trade publications
Subscribe to all trade publications in your industry as they include tons of information.
Many wholesale distributors and manufacturers publish their ads in these trade magazines.
And unlike many wholesale websites, trade magazines have up-to-date contact info on suppliers.
You can call these suppliers or visit them to get further information.
You can also participate in online forums to get regular updates and information on vendors in your industry.
Here’s a list of trade journals for retailers, online shops, and wholesalers.
- Retail Brew: Online newsletter and resources for retailers
- Gifts and Dec: For the gift industry
- Home Accents: News and more for the home decor industry
- HFN: News for the Home furnishing industry
- Smart Retailer: Resource for the gift and home decor industry
- Gift Shop Magazine: Essential resource for the modern retailer
- Stationery Trends: Industry resource for the paper and stationery industry
- Apparel News: Industry resource for apparel
- National Jeweler: Resource for the jewellery industry
- Home and Textiles Today: Market news for the home and textile industry
- Kids Today: Resource for retailers dealing in kid products
5. Attend trade shows
There are a lot of people who attend trade shows. In fact, trade shows are the second-largest source of B2B revenue in the US. (PwC)
These shows/exhibitions help businesses showcase their products to new clients.
Both wholesalers and retailers attend these trade shows as it is a great way for businesses to build trust and gain potential clients.
You can check the samples in person. Plus, there are sales representatives present to answer any questions or complaints you may have.
