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Think of what makes an independent store special: the personal touches, the passionate owners, and, maybe most importantly, the specific, special products chosen with care. When you stock a distinctive assortment of merchandise in your shop, you can give yourself a competitive edge and build a deep connection with your customers. Stocking your store means finding wholesale partners you can depend on and products you can stand behind.
There are a lot of brands out there, so choosing the right wholesalers for your store may feel overwhelming. Here, we’re sharing how to find vendors that work for you, so you can source the very best goods for your community.
How to find wholesalers and source products
There are a few different ways to find wholesalers, including trade shows, online directories, and online marketplaces. They each have their strong points, though many retailers find that an online marketplace has the most benefits. Here’s a breakdown of all these options:
Trade shows
This is the most traditional method to connect with wholesalers and discover products. Visiting in-person trade shows gives retailers an opportunity to network with others in their industry, meet brands face-to-face, see what products look and feel like close-up, and walk away with new contacts. Most of these events are held at convention centers, hotels, or arenas in big cities over a series of days.
Some trade shows are limited to professionals in specific industries, while others are open to the public. For example, the Consumer Electronics Show and Book Expo America are only for professionals in the tech/electronics and publishing industries, respectively.
Although there are benefits, attending trade shows can be expensive and time-consuming. Retailers need to think about whether their budget allows for travel, accommodations, meals, and attendance fees. Virtual trade shows like Faire Markets provide many of the benefits without the costs of attending an in-person show.
Online wholesale directories
An online wholesale directory lists the information for wholesale manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers. Retailers usually filter by wholesale categories, product type, location, shipping options, or specific keywords to find suppliers that suit their needs. This can make it easier to find suppliers without the costs of attending trade shows. However, online directories typically include only basic information and links to the wholesalers’ websites without additional information or resources such as shipping, free returns, or virtual trade show events.
Online wholesale marketplaces
Online wholesale marketplaces, like Faire, have become the top choice for many retailers. Here are a few of the reasons they choose to order wholesale on Faire:
Place wholesale orders with ease: From men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing to food and drink, pet products, and more, it’s easy to test new products with low minimum order values. Eligible retailers can also buy now and pay up to 60 days later with flexible payment terms. Opening orders even qualify for free returns, so you can try out products from new brands without the risk and uncertainty.
Save time and money: Retailers can easily place wholesale orders on a phone, tablet, or laptop from more than 100,000 of the world’s best independent brands. Save time and money by managing all of your wholesale relationships in one place. You can do your buying at any time, from anywhere … and if you need to return something, the process is simple and easy.
More filters to find what you’re looking for: Faire makes it easy to shop by category, such as jewelry, wellness products, or paper and novelty items. You can also filter products based on things like lead time, low order minimums, location of the brand, trending products, and more. This way you can find exactly what you’re looking for and find unique wholesale products that your customers will love without the hassle of attending trade shows.
How to find wholesalers your customers will love
There are plenty of effective ways to approach your buying on a wholesale marketplace. Here are four methods to help get you started.
1. Buy from wholesale brands that share your values
Stock products that align with your customers’ values. For example, your community may love to shop goods that are sustainable, charitable, or that can’t be found at big-box stores like Amazon. Popular consumer values include:
Made in the USA
In a 2019 survey by Faire, 50% of Americans reported they would prefer to receive gifts that were made in the USA. Some of the best selling brands in this category include Camp Craft Cocktails, budgiegoods, and TWEE.
Handmade
In the same survey, 37% of millennial women said they would prefer to receive a handmade gift. Plus, the handmade category ranked as a top-purchased value at both Faire Summer Market 2020 and Faire Winter Market 2021. Popular handmade wholesale brands include albert L. (punkt) and Claire Emery Art.
Eco-friendly
Sustainable and eco-friendly goods were a top trend in 2020 and continue to be highly coveted. Try unique wholesale products from Wowe Lifestyle, Dharma Dog Karma Cat, and Laconiko.
Social good
Brands that give to charitable causes make consumers feel good about their purchases. Some of the top wholesale brands in this category are Aid Through Trade and shar.
Women-owned
At Faire Winter Market 2021, women-owned wholesale brands were the top-purchased value category. Plus, women-owned businesses make up more than 60% of wholesale sellers on Faire. Check out Stacey Day, Borrowed Blu, and Boon Supply.
Not on Amazon
Delight your customers with novelty by stocking unique wholesale products that can’t be found on Amazon. Try brands like Moira Cosmetics and Stitch Note from this category.
Organic
Materials matter. Choose to stock wholesale brands that use organic materials, such as Wildland Organics, Jahmu Chai, and Bee’s Wrap.
2. Buy from international wholesale brands
We know that products made in the USA are popular among U.S.-based consumers—and likewise, products made in Canada do well in Canadian shops.
However, adding high-quality goods from international markets to your inventory can be just as appealing to your customer base. Stocking wholesale brands from around the world gives your customers exposure to products they won’t find elsewhere. To create an exciting and diverse assortment, buy products from both local and international wholesale brands.
For example, try brands that are based in the United Kingdom, or products that are made in Canada and Europe. A few international brands we love include Kinshipped, Lynn & Liana Serveware, and Polli Pots.
3. Select wholesale brands that are fair-trade certified
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is a nonprofit trade association for businesses committed to equitable and sustainable practices that aims to promote a system of fair wages and long-term, direct trading relationships based on dialogue, transparency, equity, and respect.
As part of the global fair trade movement, the Fair Trade Federation shares a vision of a world in which justice, equity, and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood.
The Fair Trade Federation traces its roots back to the late 1970s when individual alternative trade organizations began holding yearly conferences for groups working in fair trade. Since then, the FTF has focused on supporting fully committed businesses to expanding markets for artisans and farmers around the world.
The FTF is a vibrant community of over 250 U.S. and Canadian businesses and organizations, and many members of the federation are wholesale brands. You can buy wholesale products from fair trade brands and delight your customers with worldly, ethical goods.
A few fair trade wholesale brands we love include Sobremesa by Greenheart, Ten Thousand Villages, and Mayan Hands.
4. Choose unique wholesale products from curated collections
A nudge in the right direction can help you make good choices when it comes to finding wholesale brands. Curated collections, such as those found on Faire, can help guide your buying. A few examples of helpful collections include:
- For the Foodie. If your customers love sweet and savory goodies, browse this collection and discover new products they’ll love. Try wholesale brands like Runamok Maple and Willa’s Shortbread.
- For the Staycationer. Help your customers relax with both fun and indulgent products for the home. Explore unique wholesale products from Sonoma Lavender, Yard Games, and FLÎKR Fireplace.
- For the Green Thumb. Explore products that plant parents are sure to enjoy. Browse brands including Tal & Bert and Flora Bundle.
- As Seen on SHOPPE BLACK. We partnered with content creators Tony Lawson and Shantrelle Lewis to curate a collection of Black-owned businesses. Check out the collection, which features wholesale brands like FOLKUS and BlackTravelBox.
- Curated by AMP Beauty LA. This collection, curated in partnership with AMP Beauty LA, features beauty products for every tone and texture. Shop brands including Sistine, AJCRIMSON Beauty, and KAZMALEJE.
Stock your store today
On Faire, you can shop by value and geographic location while gaining access to thoughtfully curated collections. Start browsing at faire.com.
