How to Find Wholesale Suppliers for Your Business
Every business owner wants to find their eureka moment, especially when sourcing products.
However, the process of finding reliable wholesale suppliers can often seem like an overwhelming task, filled with challenges such as price negotiations, quality assurance, and supply chain management.
Heroshe Post is our all-in-one logistics software that lets you make payments, send packages, schedule deliveries, and track your shipments.
If you have a trusted wholesale supplier who meets your needs, you might need to go to church for Thanksgiving because you have hit a jackpot! You are the envy of those still swimming the tides of product sourcing and looking for suppliers.
If you are yet to get a reliable supplier, RELAX, Heroshe dey for you.
This guide provides all the information you need to find the best wholesale suppliers for your business, regardless of your industry sector.
From identifying your needs to conducting supplier research and evaluation, this article covers everything you need to streamline your sourcing process and build a strong supply chain for your business.
So, what do you say to new insights? Let's get started!
What is a Wholesale Supplier?
A wholesale supplier is a bulk buyer. They buy large quantities of products directly from manufacturers and sell them to retailers, whether they operate physical stores or online shops, for a profit.
Wholesale suppliers are important in the supply chain as they act as intermediaries between retailers and manufacturers.
Without them, retailers would have to go directly to manufacturers to buy their products, which can be complex and time-consuming.
Wholesalers can sell at low prices because they buy in bulk from manufacturers, who in turn give them discounts, which they then pass on to their retail customers.
Wholesale suppliers usually hold product licenses, meaning their goods are unavailable to regular consumers at the same price points. This exclusivity ensures that retailers have unique access to these products, which can help differentiate their offerings in the market.
Related: How To Find The Best Suppliers In The US, China & Dubai
How to Find a Reputable Wholesale Supplier
In Gen Z lingo, let’s clock the tea to see what you can and should do to find reputable wholesale suppliers.
Before proceeding, note that these are very intentional steps and require your full participation. Got it? Okay, let’s fire down.
Research and Identify Your Needs:
Just like you can’t build a house without a plan, you cannot find reputable suppliers if you don't know your target market’s needs.
The first step is to identify your target market and assess their needs. Knowing this will help you pick a winning product, which is essential for the next step.
“Now, pay attention. The very first thing you must come to realize is that you must become a "student of markets". Not products. Not techniques. Not copywriting. Not how to buy space or whatever. Now, of course, all of these things are important and you must learn about them, but, the first and the most important thing you must learn is what people want to buy.”-Gary Halbert, The Boron Letters
Gotten what your target market wants? Bravo!
Now, you will have to understand product requirements. What type of products will solve the needs of your audience? What quality do you want to sell? And what are the specifications for this product?
Knowing all of this will help you narrow down your supplier search. For example, if your audience consists of freelancers who want flexible working spaces (not just desks), you can source a product that helps them work comfortably from bed.
Check Online Directories and Marketplaces:
One of the most common ways to find wholesale suppliers is through online directories and marketplaces. Popular directories like Alibaba, ThomasNet, and SaleHoo offer extensive lists of suppliers from various industries.
These platforms allow you to search for suppliers based on product categories, location, and other criteria. Additionally, online marketplaces like AliExpress can be useful for finding suppliers.
Industry Events and Trade Shows:
Just as industry events are great ways to network with people, get new jobs, or even top recommendations, they can also be great ways to find suppliers.
What about tradeshows?
They are even more efficient because many suppliers will be there to exhibit their products. This gives you a chance to meet suppliers face-to-face, see their products firsthand, and build relationships.
Referrals and Networking:
Sometimes, you can save yourself the stress of searching by asking for referrals from other business owners, colleagues, or industry professionals with experience working with suppliers.
Joining professional networks and forums related to your industry can also provide opportunities to connect with potential suppliers.
Use Social Media Platforms and Groups:
In addition to traditional methods, social media platforms and groups are useful resources. Many suppliers use social media to promote their products and connect with potential buyers.
So you can do some snooping around to see what you can find. Facebook groups are one of the best ways to do this.
Related: How to Source Products For Your Online Store
Best Wholesale Supplier Sites
When researching this topic, one of the most popular questions was, “What’s the best site to find wholesale suppliers?” The answer to this question is in the following words.
Wholesale Suppliers in China
Alibaba:
Alibaba is to China what Amazon is to the USA. It is one of China's biggest and most popular wholesale suppliers, offering over 100 million products in many categories.
With Alibaba, you can find almost any product you need, whether it's electronics, clothing, machinery, or household items. And the good thing is that aside from suppliers, you can also get manufacturers on the platform.
While there might be high MOQ requirements, the pricing is highly competitive, and you can get really good items at low prices. Plus, they offer reliable shipping options, so you can trust that your products will arrive on time and in good condition.
DHgate:
One customer described DHgate as making "online shopping easy and efficient" while offering "great deals." DHgate’s mission is to promote global trade and help small and medium-sized businesses grow.
As your partner in growth, DHgate connects you with a wide network of suppliers and products, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs.
DHgate offers much more than just a marketplace for buying and selling products. They provide advertising services to help you reach a wider audience and boost your visibility.
Their import and export agency services simplify international trade, making it easier for you to navigate regulations, manage logistics, and expand your market reach.
Additionally, DHgate is committed to supporting entrepreneurial dreams. They offer tools and resources to help new businesses get started and grow. This includes educational materials and customer support.
Related: Top 10 Affordable Products To Import From China
Global Sources:
Global Sources is a big name in the business-to-business (B2B) market and is often mentioned as a top alternative to Alibaba.
They call themselves "your trusted partner for all your sourcing needs" and connect you with many manufacturers and suppliers from countries like China, Vietnam, India, and South Korea.
Like Alibaba, Global Sources has a wide range of products, so you can find almost anything you need for your business. Besides being a place to find products, they offer several other services:
Global Sources organizes trade shows in places like China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Africa, where you can meet suppliers in person. They have a business matching service that helps connect you with the right products and suppliers.
They also provide smart sourcing updates, where their analysts share the latest news, industry trends, and best practices for businesses.
Made-in-China:
Made-in-China is a top platform that connects you with suppliers from China. It proudly boasts over 6 million registered suppliers, making it a one-stop shop for all your sourcing needs.
One key feature of Made-in-China is the ability to post sourcing requests. Instead of manually searching through countless products, you can simply submit a request detailing what you're looking for.
Suppliers will then respond with multiple quotations, making it easy for you to compare prices and options. This simplifies the process and saves you time.
Moreover, Made-in-China offers the opportunity to customize products. If you have a specific design or requirement, you can work with suppliers to create custom products that meet your exact specifications.
In addition to these benefits, Made-in-China ensures that all suppliers are verified, giving you peace of mind about the quality and reliability of the products.
AliExpress:
AliExpress is another platform belonging to the Ali family of websites. It is a platform for finding wholesale manufacturers, especially for small businesses.
AliExpress offers over 100,000 products, making it easy to find anything you want. Like Alibaba, AliExpress's prices can be categorised as cheap.
And guess what? There are no minimum order quantity (MOQ) requirements because the platform also services individual purchases.
Related: 13 Best Wholesale Suppliers in China
Wholesale Suppliers in the UK
MX Wholesale:
MX Wholesale is a wholesale supplier in the UK, known for its extensive experience and broad range of products. Established in 1973, this family-run business has built a solid reputation over the past five decades.
They specialise in fast-moving consumer goods and serve various industries, including retail, leisure, hospitality, corporate, government, and more.
They have a reputation for being the “best online wholesale discount store and go-to one-stop supplier in UK discount wholesale.” They have a large product category, so you can get anything you need without any MOQ requirements.
WorldwideBrands:
WorldwideBrands is highly specific about its mission and the audience it serves. Their core focus is on identifying the best wholesalers for online sellers to partner with.
They operate on the principle that home-based businesses and small sellers deserve access to the same top-quality suppliers that large retail chains rely on.
They offer access to an extensive selection of over 16 million products, covering a wide range of categories and industries. This large product database allows small businesses to compete on a level playing field with larger retailers.
They also carefully vet their suppliers, ensuring you can trust the quality and reliability of the wholesalers you connect with, thus empowering you to grow your business and succeed in the competitive online marketplace.
Pound Wholesale:
As a business owner, you always want to meet the evolving needs of your growing market, and one way you can achieve that is by using Pound Wholesale as one of your suppliers.
With over 20 years of experience, Pound Wholesale has gone the extra mile by sourcing high-quality products at competitive prices for their customers.
Their main goal is to “Provide quality products for as many markets and industries as possible and offer great prices that allow businesses of all sizes to flourish.”
They have a wide range of items, making finding exactly what you need for your store easier. Because of their long history and commitment to quality, they are trusted by many other businesses, which is a good sign that you can rely on them, too.
Related: 30 Best Wholesale Suppliers in the UK
J5 Fashion:
Looking good is good business, and with J5 Fashion, you can get nice fashion pieces that you can use to build a distinct brand that caters to different individuals.
With over 20 years of experience, J5 has supplied some of the biggest industry names with trending designs. With a client base spanning Prettylittlething, Boohoo, and ASOS, you are sure this wholesaler didn’t come to play.
Clearance King:
For over 60 years, Clearance King, a family-owned business, has provided quality products to retailers while helping them grow and meet their business goals.
The company started because they saw the ‘wahala’ small retailers faced when they needed to buy from established wholesalers who required high order quantities they would rather avoid.
Their long-term vision is to collaborate with everyone, regardless of business size, to acquire products to build their business up. Their product category is large, and their prices are competitive.
Wholesale Suppliers in the U.S.
ThomasNet:
ThomasNet is a directory that lists American manufacturers from various industries and product categories. It helps businesses find reliable suppliers for all kinds of products, from industrial equipment to consumer goods.
By providing detailed information about each manufacturer, ThomasNet makes it easy to compare different suppliers and find the right one for your needs. Whether you're looking for custom-made items or standard products, ThomasNet got you covered.
Generally, the platform simplifies finding and vetting suppliers, saving businesses time and effort. Whether a small startup or a large corporation, ThomasNet provides access to a vast network of manufacturers, helping you find the best suppliers for your specific needs.
Related: Top 10 Quality Wholesale Suppliers in the US
Wholesale Central:
When you think Forbes, where does your mind go? If I guessed correctly, highly reputable individuals and companies.
Wholesale Central is one of America's leading Sourcing platforms, and FORBES recommends it as a top pick for wholesale buying and selling!
The platform caters to different categories across different industries and use cases, so you can literally find anything you want.
One of its prominent sourcing tools is the Trade Show Calendar. This tool provides a list of upcoming trade shows across the United States.
This further gives businesses the opportunity to discover new suppliers, see the latest products in person, and network with industry professionals.
Faire:
Faire is an online wholesale marketplace that connects retailers with unique products from small—and medium-sized makers and brands. Its aim is to help these brands compete with larger retailers. Seven years later, the goal is still strong.
The platform provides a wide range of products from over 100,000 brands. From home goods and clothing to accessories and gifts, you can discover and order products easily through the Faire website, which offers a user-friendly interface.
Faire also offers benefits such as Net 60 payment terms, free returns, and low minimum orders to make wholesale buying more accessible for retailers. Overall, Faire is a convenient and efficient platform for retailers looking to source quality products from independent makers.
Costco:
Costco is a well-known wholesale retailer with physical warehouse locations across the United States. Customers must have a membership to shop at Costco, allowing them access to various products at discounted wholesale prices.
Costco offers a range of goods, including groceries, electronics, clothing, and household items. They are known for quality products, bulk packaging, and competitive pricing.
In addition to in-store shopping, Costco has an online platform where members can order products for delivery.
Related: How To Shop and Ship From USA to Nigeria Using Heroshe
TradeKey:
TradeKey is a global business-to-business (B2B) platform that connects buyers and sellers from around the world. The platform offers various products and services, from electronics and machinery to textiles and agricultural products.
With features such as product listings, RFQ (Request for Quotation) options, and secure payment methods, TradeKey simplifies buying and selling wholesale goods internationally.
How to Evaluate Potential Wholesale Suppliers
When looking for wholesale suppliers, it's important to vet them carefully to ensure they meet your needs.
Here are some key steps to follow:
Check Supplier Credentials:
The first thing you need to do is verify the supplier’s business licenses and certifications. This helps you ensure they are legitimate and operate legally.
To do this, you can either check the supplier’s website or ask them directly for the information. A legitimate supplier will not hesitate to provide this information.
You also need to look at online reviews. In fact, it is my personal mission not to buy anything online without checking the ratings and reviews from other buyers.
Doing a review/ ratings check will give you an idea of the supplier’s reputation and reliability. Websites like Trustpilot and Google Reviews can be useful for finding honest feedback.
Assess Product Quality and Pricing:
Request samples from the supplier to check the quality of the products. This lets you see and test the products before making a large purchase. Good suppliers should be willing to provide samples for a small fee or even for free.
Compare the pricing and terms of different suppliers. You want to ensure that the prices are competitive. Check the payment terms to see if they fit your budget and cash flow needs. Also, consider any discounts for bulk purchases.
Evaluating Supplier Reliability:
Check the supplier's delivery times. It's important to know how long it will take for the products to reach you. Reliable suppliers should provide clear and consistent delivery schedules.
Finally, assess the supplier's customer service responsiveness. Try contacting them with questions and see how quickly and effectively they respond. Good customer service is crucial for solving any issues that might arise.
What to Ask When Contacting a Potential Wholesale Supplier
When you find a potential wholesale supplier, asking the right questions is important to ensure they fit your business well. Here are some key questions to ask:
What are Your Prices and Minimum Order Quantities?
Start by asking about their prices and the minimum order quantities (MOQ). This will help you understand if their products fit your budget and if you can handle the amount of inventory they require you to purchase.
What are Your Payment Terms?
Inquire about their payment terms. Ask if they offer payment plans, discounts for early payments, or credit terms. Knowing this will help you manage your cash flow better.
What is Your Shipping Policy?
Ask about their shipping methods, costs, and delivery times. It's important to know how long it will take for products to reach you and how much shipping will cost, especially for international orders.
Do You Offer Samples?
Request samples of the products you are interested in. This allows you to check the quality before making a large purchase.
What is Your Return Policy?
Find out their return policy for defective or unsatisfactory products. Understanding this policy is needed if you receive products that don't meet your expectations.
Can You Provide References?
Ask for references or testimonials from other businesses they have worked with. This can give you an idea of their reliability and the quality of their service.
How Do You Handle Custom Orders?
If you need custom products, ask if they can accommodate your requirements. Discuss any additional costs or timeframes associated with custom orders.
What Are Your Production and Lead Times?
Inquire about their production times and how long it takes to fulfill an order. This is important for planning your inventory and ensuring you can meet your customers' demands.
Do You Have Any Certifications?
Ask if they have any industry certifications or quality assurances. This can provide extra confidence in the quality and reliability of their products.
How Do You Handle Communication and Support?
Understand how they communicate with their clients. Ask about their customer support and how quickly they respond to inquiries or issues.
When contacting a supplier, avoid vague questions like, "Can you tell me more about your business?"
This type of question is too broad and doesn't give the supplier any clear direction on what information you need.
They might ignore it because it requires a lot of effort to respond and doesn't show that you have done any prior research.
Instead, be specific: "Can you tell me more about your experience in manufacturing and supplying women's fashion clothing? Do you have any case studies or examples of previous work in this area?"
This shows the supplier that you have a focused interest and have done your homework, making it more likely they will provide a detailed and helpful response.
Final Checks Before Signing a Contract
Before signing a contract with a wholesale supplier, it's important to ensure everything is in order. Here are some practical steps to take for your final checks:
Review the Contract Details:
Read through the entire contract carefully. Make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. Look for details about prices, payment terms, delivery schedules, and any other important aspects of the agreement.
Confirm Product Specifications:
Ensure the contract clearly lists the products you buy, including quantities, quality standards, and specifications. This prevents any misunderstandings about what you are purchasing.
Check for Hidden Costs:
Look for any hidden fees or additional charges in the contract. These could include shipping costs, taxes, or handling fees. Make sure you know the total cost before you sign.
Verify Delivery Terms:
Confirm the delivery schedule and shipping methods. Make sure the contract states how and when the products will be delivered. This helps you plan your inventory and sales.
Understand the Return Policy:
Make sure the contract includes a clear return policy. Know what to do if the products are defective or not as described. This protects you if there are any issues with the goods you receive.
Ensure Clear Communication Channels:
Check that the contract specifies how you will communicate with the supplier. This should include contact information and preferred methods of communication.
Review Warranty and Support:
If the products come with a warranty, ensure the details are clearly stated in the contract. Also, check what kind of support the supplier offers if you have any problems with the products.
Confirm Legal Compliance:
Ensure that the contract complies with local laws and regulations. This might include safety standards, import/export regulations, and other legal requirements.
Seek Legal Advice:
Consider consulting a lawyer if you are unsure about any part of the contract. They can help you understand the legal language and ensure your interests are protected.
Double-Check Everything:
Before you sign, go over the contract one more time. Ensure all the details are correct and you are comfortable with the terms. It's better to take a little extra time now than to deal with problems later.
Related: 10 Ways to Save Costs for Your eCommerce Business
Leveraging Heroshe’s Buy For Me Service
Finding reliable suppliers can be hard, especially when dealing with international vendors. It’s as hard as putting a thread though the eye of a needle and not everyone get to do that successfully.
But if you want to get quality products without ever having to stress about the brouhaha of looking for a supplier, Heroshe’s Buy For Me can simplify this process and ensure you get quality products from trusted sources.
It is designed to help you purchase items from U.S., U.K., and China suppliers and have them shipped directly to you in Nigeria.
Key Features of Buy For Me
Heroshe’s Buy For Me (BFM) service includes three main components:
Sourcing:
Heroshe helps you locate products or services that meet your needs. We use our extensive network to find reliable suppliers who offer quality products you can trust.
Procurement:
Once the right suppliers are identified, we negotiate contracts and secure the best possible prices on your behalf. So you are not only receiving quality products, you are receiving them at competitive rates, saving you time and money.
Escrow:
To further protect your interests, we provide an escrow service. We receive and hold your payment securely until the supplier or manufacturer fulfills their contractual obligations. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that you only pay for what you receive.
So, what do you have to do to leverage this service?
Create an Account or Log In:
If you're new to Heroshe, start by creating an account. If you already have an account, simply log in to access your dashboard.
Navigate to the "Buy For Me" Section:
Once you're logged in, head to your dashboard. Look for the "Buy For Me" option on the left menu. Click on it to start your purchase request.
Submit a Request Form;
After selecting the "Buy For Me" option, you'll be prompted to fill out a request form. Here, you'll provide detailed information about the product you want to purchase. This includes:
- Product Description: Clearly describe the item you're interested in, including the name and brand if applicable.
- Quantity: Specify how many units of the product you need.
- Specifications: Include important details like size, color, model number, or other attributes critical to your order.
International shipping orders can be stress-free and less time-consuming. You just have to submit your request form and let Heroshe do what we do best–making our customers' lives easy.
Final Thoughts
Finding a reliable wholesale supplier is crucial for the success of your business. It involves more than just locating a vendor who can provide products at a good price.
It’s about building a dependable partnership that supports your business’s growth and meets your quality expectations.
Start by clearly defining your needs and understanding what you require from a supplier. Research potential suppliers thoroughly, looking for those with a proven track record, positive reviews, and the ability to meet your specific product demands.
Don’t overlook the importance of clear communication and a transparent relationship with your supplier. Establishing a strong connection and understanding their customer support can help address any issues that arise and ensure smooth operations.
Always perform a final review of the contract and terms before signing. Ensure that all details are accurate and that you are comfortable with the terms outlined. Seeking legal advice, if necessary, can help safeguard your interests.
Lastly, join the Heroshe community to get more valuable information to help you grow your business. Don’t worry; it comes with a heavy dosage of love and swift delivery.
