What To Ask Before Taking On A Wholesaler
Your wholesaler is a major part of your business. Therefore, it is important to take time in deciding which to pick. There are a few questions you should bear in mind, which can make the process a little easier.
What Kind Of Business Do They Deal With?
This is especially important if you run a small company. Most wholesalers sell in bulk orders so, as a smaller enterprise, you might not fill the quota that they require. Bulk orders for such a company may not only prove too expensive but also may not be practical. Make sure to ask a wholesaler what they are willing to deal with and what their minimum order is. Many companies online are more willing to sell smaller amounts. Alternatively, you could see if they would be willing to sell a number of different items to make up the order quota. It is very possible that you could negotiate a deal with the wholesaler. However, if you’re just starting out, then it’s better to avoid any deals which involve you having to sell a certain amount by in a certain period
Do They Keep With The Trends?
If you’re a retailer who sells items that need to be in fashion such as wholesale clothes, then this is very important. You want a wholesaler who is able to be ahead of the next trend. Not only will they have what you want but they will also save you the time and effort needed to follow the market yourself.
How Good Are Their Prices?
You should take the time to research into a number of wholesalers in order to ascertain which one can offer you the most competitive prices. Most of the time, a wholesaler who imports their stock is able to pass it on cheaper. In addition, wholesalers that buy directly from the manufacturer can buy cheaper and so sell onto you at a reduced price. Do not forget to find out what the shipping costs are. This can really increase the charges of stock that you thought was cheap initially.
Are They Able To Drop ship As Well?
If the company deals with dropshipping as well as wholesale, then this can save you a lot of time and money. Not only can they stock your product, saving you money on needing storage space yourself, but they also pack and ship the product to your customers. Your role then boils down to marketing your product and getting the customers in. However, you need to remember that this company will represent you and be the middleman between you and your customers. Therefore, it is important that they are reliable and pack the products properly so they reach your customers in the condition expected. Also, ask how quickly they can ship a product if you ever got a last minute order in.
It can be daunting trying to find a wholesaler because there are so many available. However, asking the right questions can help narrow your search down some.