A wholesaler is a business entity that sells new or used goods in bulk to other firms or individuals. In essence a wholesale business connects suppliers with retailers, commercial and industrial companies, and others in need of merchandise or raw materials. Wholesalers can specialize in sourcing a specific good or material or provide a variety of goods to an industry, for example retail toys.
Wholesaling can be highly profitable once a business is up and running with a reliable supply and steady demand from customers. To be a good wholesaler one needs to have the ability to focus and problem solve, think and act quickly, and be service-orientated. With these qualities present, starting a successful wholesaling business is not that difficult.
Step One: Choose which products or industry you'd like to service. Many people become wholesalers because they are knowledgeable about a certain good or material or have contacts within a particular category. If no particular specialty exists, choose a product that has some traction in the market, but has not yet matured.
Step Two: Decide on wholesale model. There are two primary choices here: stocking goods or drop shipping. Stocking requires warehousing and then reshipment to customers. With drop shipping, one arranges for the goods or materials to be shipped directly to clients. Drop shipping has fewer upfront capital requirements, but in cases where some assembly or quality checks must occur, this may not be an option.
Step Three: Locate suppliers. The internet has transformed the wholesaling business and there are many sites, both general and specific, that match suppliers and wholesalers. These are good for initial research, but it is important to speak in detail to potential suppliers to ensure they can deliver.
Step Four: Negotiate shipping arrangements. Even if you plan to drop ship, it pays to investigate the most efficient and low cost shipping you can. These expenses cut into profit so it is well-worth looking to get the best deal.
Wholesaling can be highly profitable once a business is up and running with a reliable supply and steady demand from customers. To be a good wholesaler one needs to have the ability to focus and problem solve, think and act quickly, and be service-orientated. With these qualities present, starting a successful wholesaling business is not that difficult.
Step One: Choose which products or industry you'd like to service. Many people become wholesalers because they are knowledgeable about a certain good or material or have contacts within a particular category. If no particular specialty exists, choose a product that has some traction in the market, but has not yet matured.
Step Two: Decide on wholesale model. There are two primary choices here: stocking goods or drop shipping. Stocking requires warehousing and then reshipment to customers. With drop shipping, one arranges for the goods or materials to be shipped directly to clients. Drop shipping has fewer upfront capital requirements, but in cases where some assembly or quality checks must occur, this may not be an option.
Step Three: Locate suppliers. The internet has transformed the wholesaling business and there are many sites, both general and specific, that match suppliers and wholesalers. These are good for initial research, but it is important to speak in detail to potential suppliers to ensure they can deliver.
Step Four: Negotiate shipping arrangements. Even if you plan to drop ship, it pays to investigate the most efficient and low cost shipping you can. These expenses cut into profit so it is well-worth looking to get the best deal.