By Lanee’ Blunt
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| Find a wholesale supplier-- linder6580 |
Starting an online store,retail store, hair salon, or auto body shop you must have a relationship with awholesaler or wholesalers. Finding and forming a relationship with a wholesalerwill require that you do your homework. It’s easier to find one if you knowwhat products you will need.
Types of Wholesalers
You have to understand thedistribution channels and how companies get goods to their customers. Somewholesalers if you are a small company may not work with you because they onlysell to large companies that can handle bulk. There are many others that willwork with smaller businesses.
- Manufacturer—you may buy direct for some products. For example, a small boutique buys goods from a small manufacturer.
- Wholesaler Regional Distributor—regional wholesalers who take delivery of boxcar sized lots, and sells directly to local wholesalers.
- Jobbers—they make daily deliveries to local grocers and retail brick and mortar stores.
- Importer Distributor—they import and distribute a product in a certain country.
Start Accounts with Wholesalers
Identify a supplier. Contacteach wholesale company through their website, or by calling them on the phoneand fill out their new account application. Make sure you understand the volumediscounts, return policies, and order processing time for the types of productsyou want to sell. Purchase the products you want to sell or set up a dropshipping arrangement with them. Start promoting your online store or retail store.
Reference:
SBA: Small Business Matters;Tips for Finding and Working with Wholesale Suppliers; Caron Beesley; 2010
About: How to Find aWholesale Distributor; Gregory Go