Sections of this topic
In the modern business landscape, the success of retail and eCommerce ventures heavily depends on sourcing the right products from reliable wholesalers. Finding the best wholesalers to source products can be daunting for a retailer due to the vast number of suppliers.
Therefore, it’s crucial to understand what a wholesale supplier does, how to find the best ones, and the difference between wholesale and dropshipping. This article aims to guide you in navigating this process and making informed decisions that will drive your business success.
Marketplace
Best For
Minimum Order Quantities
Prices
Shipping Times
Tundra
Financing, Cash Back, Free Shipping
Vendor-dependent
Free membership, no transaction or commission fees
Vary by vendor
Faire
Personalized Product Recommendations
Seller-dependent
Free membership
Vary by seller
AliExpress
Vast Product Selection
None
Free membership
Variable, often several weeks
Alibaba
Global Wholesale Trade
Supplier-dependent
Free membership
15 to 45 days
Etsy
Unique, Handmade Items
Vendor-dependent
Free membership
Vendor-dependent
Wholesale Central
Niche and Closeout Products
Variable
Free membership
Vary by vendor
DH Gate
Small Orders of Products
None
Free membership
Vendor-dependent
SaleHoo
New Online Sellers, Shopify Dropshippers
Vendor-dependent
$67 annually, $ 127-lifetime access, or $27 to $97 monthly for Shopify dropshipping
Vendor-dependent
Handshake
Sourcing Quality Goods
Vendor-dependent
Free Membership
Vendor-dependent
Abound
Indie Retailers, Unique Products
Vendor-dependent
Free Membership
Vendor-dependent
What Does a Wholesale Supplier Do?
A wholesale supplier is a vital link in the supply chain between manufacturers and retailers. They purchase products in large quantities directly from manufacturers, store them in warehouses, and then sell them to retailers or online merchants in smaller lot sizes.
Wholesalers play a significant role in ensuring the goods reach the marketplace efficiently. They also provide retailers with a broad assortment of products, eliminating the need for retailers to maintain relationships with multiple manufacturers.
How Do You Find The Best Wholesale Supplier to Source Products?
Finding the best wholesale supplier requires a systematic approach that involves research, verification, and negotiation. Here are some steps to guide you through this process:
- Identify Your Needs:
Understand what products you want to sell and the desired quality, quantity, and price range.
- Conduct Market Research:
Look for suppliers who offer products that align with your needs. Use online wholesale directories, attend trade shows, or use search engines to find potential suppliers.
- Verify Suppliers:
Check the reliability and reputation of potential suppliers. Look for verified suppliers, read reviews, and check their track records.
- Get Quotes:
Contact potential suppliers to get quotes. Compare prices, minimum order quantities, payment terms, and shipping policies.
- Negotiate:
Don’t shy away from negotiating terms with suppliers. You can get better prices or favorable payment terms.
- Test the Product:
Order a sample product to check the quality and delivery time before making a significant order.
Wholesale vs. Dropshipping: Which is Better?
Wholesale and dropshipping are two standard supply chain methods retailers use to source products. Wholesale involves buying products in bulk from a supplier and storing them in your warehouse. You are then responsible for packaging and shipping the products to your customers. The advantage of wholesale is that you can negotiate lower prices for buying in bulk, thereby increasing your profit margin. The downside is the upfront cost of buying in size and the responsibility of managing inventory and shipping.
On the other hand, dropshipping involves selling products stored and shipped directly by the supplier. When a customer orders, you forward the order details to the supplier, who then sends the product to the customer. The advantage of dropshipping is that it requires less upfront investment since you don’t have to buy inventory in advance, eliminating the need for inventory management and shipping. The downside is that your profit margins may be lower because the supplier handles the merchandise and shipping.
Whether wholesale or dropshipping is better for your business depends on your business model, resources, and capabilities.
Top 10 Wholesalers to Source Products in 2023
The following sections will provide an overview of the top 10 wholesalers to source products for small businesses in 2023. These wholesalers have been chosen based on their product range, reliability, pricing, and customer support.
Finding the best wholesalers to source products for your business can be daunting. With so many options available, it can often feel overwhelming.
But fear not; we’re here to guide you through this complex process. This article explores the top wholesalers you should consider in 2023, covering various aspects, including
- Offerings
- Minimum order quantities,
- Pricing,
- Shipping times
- Pros and cons
Best for Financing, Cash Back, and Free Shipping
Wholesale marketplace with diverse products from Canadian and U.S. suppliers.
Overview:
Tundra is a comprehensive wholesale marketplace offering various products primarily from suppliers in Canada and the United States. Notable features include financing options, cash back on purchases, and free shipping on most items.
Minimum Order Quantities:
Vendor-dependent.
Prices:
Free membership, no transaction or commission fees.
Shipping Times:
Vary by vendor.
Pros and Cons:
- User-friendly interface.
- Financing is available through Kickfurther.
- Pro membership requires a $500 monthly spend
Best for Personalized Product Recommendations
Online marketplace for independent brands’ wholesale goods.
Overview:
Faire is an online marketplace that empowers independent brands by providing a platform to list their wholesale goods. It stands out with personalized product recommendations, free shipping and returns on opening orders, and net 60 payment terms.
Minimum Order Quantities:
Seller-dependent.
Prices:
Free membership.
Shipping Times:
Vary by seller.
Pros and Cons:
- Personalized product recommendations.
- Rewards program for loyal customers.
- Shipping fees apply to recurring orders.
Best for Vast Product Selection at Competitive Prices
Global online retail marketplace with a broad product range from Chinese suppliers.
Overview:
AliExpress is a global online retail marketplace offering an extensive array of products from primarily Chinese suppliers. While it provides a vast product selection at competitive prices, users should be mindful of longer shipping times and potential language barriers.
Minimum Order Quantities:
None.
Prices:
Free membership.
Shipping Times:
Variable, often several weeks.
Pros and Cons:
- Vast product selection.
- Competitive prices.
- Buyer protection program.
Best for Global Wholesale Trade
Leading platform connecting buyers with global wholesale suppliers.
Overview:
Alibaba is a prominent platform for global wholesale trade, connecting buyers with suppliers worldwide. It boasts a vast selection of products and wholesalers, with trade assurance for all orders. However, users should be cautious about the potential risks of scams and longer shipping times.
Minimum Order Quantities:
Supplier-dependent.
Prices:
Free membership.
Shipping Times:
15 to 45 days.
Pros and Cons:
- Trade assurance for all orders.
- Bulk discounts are available.
- Risk of scams.
Best for Sourcing Unique, Handmade Items
Online marketplace for independent artisans.
Overview:
Etsy is an online marketplace where independent artisans can showcase their unique, handmade items. While it offers a distinctive selection, potential downsides include smaller order quantities and the risk of scams.
Minimum Order Quantities:
Vendor-dependent.
Prices:
Free membership.
Shipping Times:
Vendor-dependent.
Pros and Cons:
- Unique handmade items.
- Supports small businesses.
- Customization options are available.
Best for Finding Niche and Closeout Products
Supplier directory for retailers to discover products.
Overview:
Wholesale Central is a supplier directory facilitating retailers in finding niche and closeout products. While it offers an easy way to find unique items, it does not directly facilitate buying or retailer-supplier communication.
Minimum Order Quantities:
Variable.
Prices:
Free membership.
Shipping Times:
Vary by vendor.
Pros and Cons:
- Easy to find niche products.
- Daily deals and closeout specials.
Best for Small Orders of Products
They are a leading online marketplace with various products from Chinese suppliers.
Overview:
DH Gate is a prominent online marketplace offering diverse products from Chinese suppliers. It stands out for no minimum order quantities and a wide selection, but users should be aware of potential issues with counterfeit items and customer service.
Minimum Order Quantities:
None.
Prices:
Free membership.
Shipping Times:
Vendor-dependent.
Pros and Cons:
- No minimum order quantities.
- Escrow protection for buyers.
- Notorious for counterfeit items.
Best for New Online Sellers and Shopify Dropshippers
New Zealand-based wholesale supplier directory with a vetted database.
Overview:
Salehoo is a New Zealand-based wholesale supplier directory catering to new online sellers and Shopify dropshippers. It offers a well-vetted database of over 8,000 suppliers, market research features, and highly rated customer service.
Minimum Order Quantities:
Vendor-dependent.
Prices:
$67 annually, $127 for lifetime access, or $27 to $97 monthly for Shopify dropshipping.
Shipping Times:
Vendor-dependent.
Pros and Cons:
- Well-vetted vendors.
- Marketplace fees.
- Comprehensive educational resources.
Ideal for Discovering Hand-Selected Quality Goods
A meticulously curated wholesale marketplace powered by Shopify, exclusively offering high-quality brands.
Overview:
Handshake, the curated wholesale marketplace by Shopify, is a beacon for those seeking a hand-selected assortment of unique and high-quality brands. It distinguishes itself through a commitment to trustworthy suppliers, along with enticing perks such as free shipping for opening orders exceeding $100 and a commitment to a fee-free environment.
Minimum Order Quantities:
Dependent on individual vendors.
Prices:
Enjoy the benefits with a complimentary membership.
Shipping Times:
Timelines are contingent on the practices of individual vendors.
Pros and Cons:
- A reliable source for trustworthy and high-quality brands.
- Exclusive benefits through a loyalty program.
- Limited availability, catering exclusively to U.S. retailers.
Prime Destination for Indie Retailers Seeking Unique Products
A carefully curated wholesale marketplace passionately supporting indie brands and local retailers, showcasing thoughtful and distinctive products.
Overview:
Abound, a meticulously curated wholesale marketplace, fervently supports indie brands and local retailers. It distinguishes itself by presenting a curated selection of unique and thoughtful products. Notable features include a 60-day return policy on opening orders, a loyalty rewards program, and dedicated customer support.
Minimum Order Quantities:
Subject to the policies of individual vendors.
Prices:
Membership comes without cost.
Shipping Times:
Ranges from one to 45 days based on vendor practices.
Pros and Cons:
- An advocate for small businesses.
- Extends services to both US and UK retailers.
- Rewards loyalty through a dedicated rewards program.
Bottom Line
Navigating this guide empowers you to discover optimal wholesalers aligning with your business model and target audience. Each wholesaler brings forth a distinct array of benefits and services. Hence, consider your product type, budget constraints, and desired customer support level when selecting the perfect wholesaler for your business.
>>Recommended Reading: How to Find Wholesale Distributors in 5 Steps<<
