7 Unique Tips on How to Find a Wholesale Supplier in 2024

When you are looking to know how to find a wholesale supplier it is important to consider many things. But today we are not going to take you through a long guide but give you the fastest tips. We asked all of our b2b partners to share some tips on “how to find a wholesale supplier” and compiled a list of top 10 for you. 

If you are looking for a wholesale clothing supplier that will work with you for years and form a long-term business relationship, then this article will be the perfect place to start. We will share some helpful tips to find that perfect vendor who understands your business needs.

That being said, let us see the things you must consider before hiring a wholesale supplier.

1. Look for a Reliable Supplier 

First thing that you need to keep in mind is the reliability factor. This means the wholesale supplier you find must have a good inventory for each product. 

If the product sells in bulk and the product is no longer available then it will affect your brand. This is especially common for AliExpress dropshippers where the product runs out and the retail store needs to look for another supplier with almost similar product design. 

Make sure that the wholesale supplier is reliable and have been selling the items for a long time. 

2. Must be highly profitable 

Another one of our successful partners said that “for me it comes down to profit after multiple charges”. Oftentimes when eCommerce stores are calculating the profitability, they overlook shipment cost, marketing campaigns cost, storage fee, warehousing fees, taxes, and product cost. After adding all this the profit revenue should be 20% to 30% or more based on how well you optimize your business for higher ROI.

3. Check the Warehousing Locations

Many suppliers have warehousing centers all over the world for ensuring fast delivery. You can also use their warehousing & storage services. This is something you need to consider for customs. For example if you are dropshipping in UK and the supplier is based in another country, then you need to check that they have domestic warehousing for ensuring that their is no additional tax on shipment as per Brexit laws. 

Also, if you are using wholesale or dropshipping models, consider shipping time for different locations as this would affect your business in the long run.  

4. Domestic Supplier Vs. Overseas

When hiring wholesale clothing suppliers, you must first determine if you want to work with a domestic supplier or overseas. Needless to say, both come with their own pros and cons and are suitable for different kinds of business models. So before you choose which supplier to work with, you must define your business requirements and then pick one of the two depending on who serves your needs better.

5. Research the Supplier

When that is out of the way, you must start researching the supplier by using online directories. You will be able to find all the information you need online, be it domestic or overseas suppliers. 

However, if you don't find enough details on the internet, then consider this as a red flag and continue looking. Additionally, you can also ask for referrals from your friends or business partners. You can ask for recommendations, check social media channels, or simply do an online search with basic keywords such as Wholesale Clothing Suppliers for Boutiques etc. Some businesses also participate in trade fairs to meet industry suppliers under one rood and to build their network.

6. Request for Quote

Once you find a supplier who meets all your business needs, then the next important step is to ask for a quotation. Ask them for their price list based on quantities and delivery timelines.

When asking for a quote, make sure the supplier includes all the pertinent details such as inclusions and exclusions. They shouldn’t waste your time by going back and forth on the emails, providing important information in bits and pieces. Ask about discounts for bulk orders and tell them to give you a quote as per various quantities to get a fair idea of the ongoing market price.

7. Turnaround Time, Shipping and Payment Terms

Once you are satisfied with the quote, ask about shipping terms and delivery timelines. When you are in the clothing business, timing is everything. Ask them how long they will take to ship the items to you and the time it will take to deliver. Another important question is to ask about their payment terms. It goes without saying that the payment terms vary from supplier to supplier. So make sure you know what to expect for the money you are paying.

These tips are the basics for finding a wholesale clothing supplier that will stay with you for years to come and deliver as per your requirement. Don't forget to ask for samples to evaluate their business ethics and delivery standards.