How to Find Wholesale Suppliers for Your Business

Knowing how to find wholesale suppliers is one of the most critical skills for any business owner. Starting and growing a small business requires more than just a great product idea, a good product development team, and a brilliant marketing strategy. 

The wrong wholesale supplier hurts more than your bottom line. Late deliveries frustrate customers, poor quality damages your reputation, and inflated “wholesale” prices can make your business unsustainable from day one.

Meanwhile, your competitors are already working with reliable top wholesale suppliers who deliver wholesale quality products at genuine wholesale prices, with consistent delivery and flexible terms. 

What’s the difference? They know how to find wholesale suppliers and reliable wholesale vendors that actually support business growth instead of creating problems.

This guide walks you through the complete process of finding wholesale suppliers that work for your business. You’ll learn where to search, what questions to ask, and how to evaluate potential partners before making any commitments.

What are wholesale suppliers? (Quick overview)

Wholesale suppliers are businesses that purchase large quantities of products directly from manufacturers and sell them in bulk to retailers, distributors, and other businesses at discounted rates. These B2B companies serve as the crucial link between manufacturers and end retailers, enabling businesses to access products at lower per-unit costs.

Key characteristics of wholesale suppliers:

• Bulk purchasing: Buy large quantities directly from manufacturers
• Discounted pricing: Offer products at lower prices than retail
• B2B focus: Serve other businesses rather than individual consumers
• Inventory management: Maintain stock to ensure consistent supply
• Distribution network: Handle logistics and shipping to multiple buyers

The wholesale model allows small and medium businesses to access products without the massive minimum order quantities typically required by manufacturers, making it an essential component of most retail operations.

Why choose reliable wholesale suppliers?

Your choice of wholesale suppliers directly impacts every aspect of your business, from profit margins to customer satisfaction. The difference between a reliable supplier and an unreliable one can determine whether you build a thriving business or struggle to stay afloat.

Protect your revenue and customer relationships

When you find vendors who consistently deliver, you eliminate the costly problems that plague many businesses. Stockouts mean lost sales and damage customer trust that can take months to rebuild. Reliable wholesale suppliers maintain adequate inventory levels and meet delivery commitments, ensuring your customers receive their orders when promised.

Consider this: a single stockout during peak season could cost you 20-30% of potential monthly revenue, plus the long-term impact of disappointed customers switching to competitors.

Improve your bottom line

The right wholesale vendors provide financial flexibility that helps your business grow:

Better pricing structure: Established suppliers offer genuine wholesale rates, not marked-up retail prices disguised as “wholesale.” This can improve your margins significantly compared to unreliable suppliers.

Cash flow benefits: Many reliable suppliers offer Net 30 or Net 60 payment terms, giving you time to sell products before paying for them. This improved cash flow lets you reinvest in marketing, inventory, or business expansion.

Volume discounts: As your business grows, reliable suppliers reward loyalty with better pricing tiers, further improving your profitability.

Stay ahead of the competition

When you work with established wholesale suppliers, you gain access to advantages that help you compete more effectively:

Product innovation: The right suppliers keep you informed about new products and market trends, often giving you first access to wholesale items that could become best sellers.

Customization options: Many reliable suppliers offer private label products or product modifications, helping you create your own private label and offerings that competitors can’t easily replicate.

Scalability support: As your business grows, reliable suppliers can increase their capacity to meet your needs without forcing you to find new partners or compromise on quality.

The businesses succeeding in your market have invested time in finding suppliers who support their growth rather than limit it. When you find vendors who become true business partners, you’re building a foundation for long-term success.

How to find & evaluate wholesale suppliers? (step-by-step process)

Learning how to find wholesale suppliers requires a systematic approach. Follow this step-by-step process to identify and evaluate potential suppliers that match your business needs.

Step 1: Define your product requirements

Before searching for suppliers, outline exactly what you need:

Product specifications: Create a detailed list including exact product names, model numbers, sizes, colors, and materials. If you’re selling electronics, specify technical requirements. For clothing, include fabric types and sizing standards.

Order quantities: Calculate realistic numbers based on your storage space and budget. Consider how much inventory you can store and how quickly you expect to sell through products to determine appropriate order sizes.

Budget targets: Set maximum per-unit costs that preserve healthy profit margins for your business model and market positioning.

Timeline needs: Determine lead times you can handle. Consider whether you need fast domestic delivery for quick inventory turnover or can accommodate longer international shipping times for better pricing.

Step 2: Find vendors

Start your search using these specific resources:

Online marketplaces: Search Alibaba.com using specific product keywords plus “wholesale” or “factory.” On SaleHoo, use their wholesale directory filtered by your product category and location preferences. Check Wholesale Central’s category listings for US local suppliers.

We have curated a list of top B2B marketplaces you can explore. Check it out!

Google searches: Try searches like “[your product] wholesale supplier,” “[product] manufacturer,” or “[product] wholesale distributors USA” to find companies’ websites directly.

Industry associations: Contact trade associations in your industry for member directories. The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors maintains supplier lists by industry.

LinkedIn research: Search for “[your product] supplier” or “wholesale [product category]” to find company profiles and contact information.

Step 3: Screen potential suppliers

Use these specific criteria to evaluate each supplier:

Verify legitimacy: Check their business registration through your state’s Secretary of State website or international equivalents. Look for physical addresses (not just P.O. boxes) and phone numbers you can call.

Assess experience: Look for suppliers with established track records in your product category. Newer suppliers might offer competitive prices but consider the trade-offs in reliability and support.

Review online presence: Check their website quality, social media activity, and online reviews. Professional suppliers typically maintain informative websites with detailed product catalogs.

Test responsiveness: Send inquiry emails to multiple suppliers and compare response times and quality of information provided.

Step 4: Request samples and quotes

Make specific requests to test their service quality:

Sample requests: Request samples of your key products. Most legitimate suppliers have sample policies with associated costs to cover shipping and handling.

Quote requirements: Request written quotes including per-unit costs, minimum order quantities, shipping costs, and lead times. Ask for pricing at different quantity levels to understand their volume discount structure.

Reference verification: Ask for contact information of current customers in your region. Follow up with phone calls to ask about their experience with product quality, delivery reliability, and customer service.

Step 5: Negotiate terms

Focus negotiations on these key areas:

Payment terms: Discuss payment options that work for your cash flow. Many suppliers offer various payment arrangements once they establish trust with new customers.

Pricing structure: Understand when prices might change and how they handle pricing adjustments. Discuss the possibility of price protection periods for planning purposes.

Quality guarantees: Negotiate specific quality standards and replacement policies. Define clear expectations for handling general merchandise and defective merchandise.

Step 6: Start with small test orders

Place initial orders sized to minimize risk while testing performance:

Order size: Start with smaller orders that let you test quality and service without major financial exposure. Size initial orders based on your comfort level and ability to handle potential issues.

Performance tracking: Document delivery dates, order accuracy, product condition upon arrival, and any customer feedback about quality.

Communication test: Observe how they handle order modifications, shipping questions, and any issues that arise during your first transactions.

Step 7: Build long-term relationships

Once you’ve found reliable suppliers, strengthen these partnerships:

Regular check-ins: Maintain consistent communication about upcoming needs, inventory levels, and new product opportunities.

Performance reviews: Provide feedback on their service and discuss areas for improvement. Good suppliers value constructive feedback.

Growth planning: Share your business projections so they can plan capacity and potentially offer you priority service during busy periods.

Many of the best wholesale suppliers use advanced B2B platforms like WizCommerce to streamline their operations, which often means better service and more efficient ordering processes for their customers.

This systematic approach to find vendors ensures you’ll identify wholesale suppliers who can scale with your business needs. Invest extra time in the evaluation steps as thorough screening upfront prevents costly supplier problems later.

Essential criteria for choosing wholesale suppliers

Evaluating wholesale suppliers requires more than just comparing prices. The cheapest supplier often becomes the most expensive when you factor in late deliveries, quality issues, or hidden fees. Focus on these six critical areas to identify suppliers who will support your business rather than create problems.

01. Shipping & order fulfillment requirements

Reliable shipping separates successful suppliers from problematic ones. Late deliveries damage customer relationships and cost you repeat business, while unexpected shipping costs can destroy your profit margins.

Questions to ask:

1. “What are your standard shipping times for orders to my location, and what percentage of orders actually meet these deadlines?”
2. “How do you handle shipping costs—are they included in product pricing, charged separately, or calculated by weight and distance? Do you offer free shipping?”
3. “What happens when shipments are delayed or damaged, and how quickly do you resolve these issues?”

02. Pricing & payment terms

Understanding the complete cost structure helps you accurately calculate profit margins and manage cash flow. Suppliers with transparent pricing and flexible payment terms make it easier to grow your business.

Questions to ask:

1. “What is your complete fee structure including any setup fees, processing charges, or minimum order penalties?”
2. “Do you offer volume discounts, and at what quantities do these pricing tiers begin?”
3. “What payment terms do you offer for established customers, and what’s required to qualify for Net 30 or Net 60 arrangements?”

03. Quality assurance standards

Consistent product quality protects your reputation and reduces customer service headaches. Suppliers with established quality processes typically have fewer defective products and better problem resolution.

Questions to ask:

1. “What quality control processes do you have in place, and can you provide documentation of your quality standards?”
2. “What percentage of your shipments typically have quality issues, and how do you track this data?”
3. “Can you provide samples from recent production runs, not just your best examples, so I can evaluate typical quality levels?”

04. Minimum order quantities (MOQs)

MOQ requirements affect your cash flow and storage needs. Suppliers with reasonable MOQs make it easier to test new products and manage inventory without tying up excessive capital.

Questions to ask:

1. “What are your minimum order quantities for each product, and do these requirements change during different seasons?”
2. “Can you accommodate smaller initial orders for new customers, and what would the pricing difference be?”
3. “How do you handle mixed orders—can I combine different products to meet minimum requirements?”

05. Return & refund policies

Clear return policies protect you from losses due to defective products or market changes. Suppliers with fair return policies demonstrate confidence in their products and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Questions to ask:

1. “What is your exact return policy for defective merchandise, and who pays for return shipping costs?”
2. “How long do I have to report quality issues, and what documentation do you require for returns?”
3. “Do you offer exchanges, store credit, or cash refunds, and how quickly are return issues typically resolved?”

06. Technical integration capabilities

If you use inventory management systems, e-commerce platforms, or accounting software, integration capabilities can save significant time and reduce errors. Modern suppliers often offer automated ordering and inventory updates.

Questions to ask:

1. “Do you integrate with inventory management systems like QuickBooks, Shopify, or other platforms I’m currently using?”
2. “Can you provide automated inventory updates and order confirmations, or do I need to track everything manually?”
3. “What file formats do you use for product catalogs, pricing updates, and order confirmations?”

The best wholesale suppliers often use advanced B2B platforms like WizCommerce, that can integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, making order processing and inventory management much smoother. 

Evaluate potential wholesale vendors against all six criteria rather than focusing only on pricing. Suppliers who excel in most areas typically provide better long-term value even if their initial prices are slightly higher.

Types of wholesale business models

When you’re starting a business, the variety of suppliers can feel overwhelming. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you understand the different types of suppliers and how they can benefit your business:

1. Wholesale suppliers

Wholesale suppliers purchase large quantities of products directly from manufacturers and sell them to other businesses at discounted prices. They are crucial in helping small businesses maintain healthy profit margins and meet customer demand without requiring significant upfront investment.

Key benefits for small businesses:

• Wide range of products:  Small business owners can diversify their inventory with access to a wide selection of items. Regularly introducing new products helps them stay on top of market trends.
• Discounted prices: Buying in bulk often means lower prices per unit, allowing business owners to keep their prices competitive. You also get extra discounts as you order more, lowering your costs.
• Stable supply: Having a reliable supplier means you can consistently meet your customers’ demands. This reduces the risk of running out of stock, ensuring you can always fulfil orders.
• Support for small orders: Many leading wholesale suppliers support small minimum order quantities, which is particularly helpful for startups managing their cash flow. This flexibility allows you to test new products without a huge upfront investment.

2. Wholesale vendors

Wholesale vendors act as intermediaries in the wholesale market. They source products from various manufacturers and sell them to businesses like yours. While they might not always offer the lowest prices, they provide a diverse range of products from multiple sources.

Key benefits for small businesses:

• Diverse product range: Access to a variety of products from different manufacturers. This variety allows you to offer unique items that differentiate your online store from competitors.
• Convenience: One-stop shop for multiple product categories, simplifying the procurement process. It makes managing supplier relationships easier since you have fewer vendors to coordinate with.
• Flexibility: Unlike larger, more rigid suppliers, smaller vendors often offer more flexible terms to cater to specific business needs. This flexibility may allow custom orders or exclusive products to meet your unique requirements.

3. The retail business model

The retail business model involves purchasing products from wholesalers or vendors and selling them directly to consumers. Retailers add a markup to cover their costs and generate a profit, crucial for making products accessible to the general public.

Key benefits for small businesses:

• Direct-to-consumer: Facilitates the direct sale of products to end customers. Retailers provide opportunities for upselling by offering premium versions or additional features of a product at the point of purchase. 
• Convenient shopping: Provides a retail environment (physical or online business) where consumers can purchase products easily. This includes personalized shopping experiences and dedicated customer service.
• Brand building: Direct interactions provide opportunities to build brand identity and customer loyalty. Retailers can also gather customer feedback and insights to improve their product offerings.

4. Dropshippers

Drop-shipping companies handle marketing and sales without holding any inventory. When you sell a product, the drop-shipper ships it directly from the supplier to the customer. This model eliminates the need for storage space and inventory management, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to minimize overhead. According to Fundera, 84% of drop-shipping companies need help finding trustworthy suppliers for storing and shipping products.

Key benefits for small businesses:

• Low overhead costs: There is no need to invest in inventory or storage space. Drop shipping reduces financial risk as you only purchase products with a confirmed sale.
• Scalability: Quickly scale your business without worrying about inventory management. It allows you to test new products and enter new markets with minimal upfront investment, reducing financial risk and enabling flexible business expansion.
• Flexibility: This enables you to offer diverse products without requiring significant upfront investment. You can quickly adapt to market changes and customer preferences by adding or removing products from your catalog.

Top 20 reliable wholesale vendors for small businesses

Finding trustworthy wholesale suppliers saves you time and money. This curated list includes platforms and suppliers that small businesses actually use and recommend, based on their track record, features, and reliability.

Global B2B marketplaces

1. Alibaba

Alibaba is one of the world’s largest global sourcing platforms, offering millions of products from verified suppliers with Trade Assurance protection for secure transactions.

Key features:

• Global sourcing with millions of products across all categories
• Trade Assurance for secure transactions from payment to delivery
• Verified supplier badges for trusted sellers
• Competitive pricing with volume discounts

Pricing: Free to join, with costs varying depending on suppliers and products chosen
Best for: Businesses seeking international suppliers with competitive pricing

2. SaleHoo

SaleHoo is a verified supplier directory platform that connects businesses to over 8,000 trusted suppliers and brands, featuring an extensive research lab for finding profitable products.

Key features:

• Access to extensive network of verified suppliers
• Product research lab for finding market trends
• Community support and training materials
• Pre-vetted supplier directory

Pricing: Various pricing tiers from limited free access to $150 monthly for full features
Best for: Small businesses wanting verified, reliable suppliers with market research support

3. TradeKey

TradeKey is a global B2B marketplace platform that provides suppliers from over 16 countries with free buyer membership, offering international perspective on wholesale sourcing.

Key features:

• Global network of suppliers from multiple countries
• Free membership for buyers
• Extensive product categories across industries
• Direct supplier contact capabilities

Pricing: Free for buyers, premium memberships available
Best for: Businesses looking for diverse international supplier options without membership costs

US-focused suppliers

4. Worldwide Brands

Worldwide Brands is a comprehensive certified supplier directory platform that connects businesses with thousands of reputable suppliers and drop shippers through lifetime access memberships.

Key features:

• Extensive directory of certified wholesalers and drop shippers
• Regular updates to ensure current information
• Access to wide range of product categories
• Lifetime access with one-time payment

Pricing: One-time membership fee of $299 for lifetime access to wholesaler and drop shipper directory
Best for: Serious businesses making long-term investment in supplier relationships

5. Amazon Business

Amazon Business is the B2B marketplace version of Amazon, offering extensive product ranges with business-specific features like multi-user accounts and bulk pricing options.

Key features:

• Extensive product range across all categories
• Trusted Amazon platform with established logistics
• Business-specific features and account management
• Prime shipping benefits and bulk pricing

Pricing: Free to join with subscription plans offering additional features like analytics and procurement solutions
Best for: Businesses wanting trusted platform with extensive selection and reliable delivery

6. FashionTIY

FashionTIY is a US-based fashion wholesale marketplace platform that specializes in offering flexible ordering options with no minimum order quantities, designed specifically for small businesses.

Key features:

• No minimum order quantities required
• Flexible ordering options for cash flow management
• Wide range of fashion and accessory products
• Fast US-based shipping

Pricing: Free to join with product costs varying by category
Best for: Fashion retailers and small businesses with limited initial capital

International specialty suppliers

7. LightInTheBox

LightInTheBox is an international wholesale platform that features various product categories and partners with established logistics companies like DHL for reliable global shipping.

Key features:

• Wide range of product categories
• Reliable shipping through established partners like DHL
• Competitive pricing on consumer electronics and goods
• Global delivery capabilities

Pricing: Free to join, making it accessible for small businesses sourcing products without initial investment
Best for: Businesses needing reliable international shipping for electronics and consumer goods

8. Banggood

Banggood is a China-based wholesale supplier platform that offers dropshipping services with an extensive product range for businesses looking to minimize inventory management.

Key features:

• Extensive product range across multiple categories
• Dropshipping services available for inventory-free operations
• Competitive pricing structure
• Global shipping capabilities

Pricing: Free to join with costs varying based on selected products
Best for: E-commerce businesses using dropshipping models or seeking diverse product catalogs

Beauty and cosmetics specialists

9. StyleKorean

StyleKorean is a Korean beauty wholesale platform that focuses on skincare and cosmetics products, capitalizing on the popular Korean beauty trends in the global market.

Key features:

• Extensive range of Korean beauty products
• Reliable shipping and delivery services
• Competitive pricing on trending K-beauty items
• Access to popular Korean cosmetic brands

Pricing: Free to join with prices varying based on products selected
Best for: Beauty businesses wanting to tap into Korean beauty trends

10. Q-depot

Q-depot is a specialized wholesale platform that focuses on Japanese and Korean cosmetics, providing high-demand beauty products popular among beauty retailers worldwide.

Key features:

• Focus on Japanese and Korean cosmetics
• High-demand beauty products with strong market appeal
• Reliable supplier network in Asian beauty market
• Access to trending Asian beauty brands

Pricing: Free membership with no joining charges
Best for: Beauty retailers focusing on Asian cosmetics and skincare products

11. Asianbeautywholesale

Asianbeautywholesale is a multi-brand wholesale platform that offers fashion and cosmetics from over 700 brands, providing diverse selection of beauty and fashion products.

Key features:

• Over 700 brands of fashion and cosmetics available
• Wide product selection across beauty and fashion categories
• Competitive pricing structure
• Access to diverse Asian beauty and fashion brands

Pricing: Free to join with product prices varying based on selections
Best for: Retailers wanting diverse selection of Asian beauty and fashion products

Regional specialists

12. buyKorea

BuyKorea is a Korean marketplace platform that connects international buyers to over 50,000 Korean sellers, offering variety of Korean products ideal for businesses seeking unique items.

Key features:

• Connection to over 50,000 Korean sellers
• Wide range of Korean products across categories
• Easy sourcing platform for Korean goods
• Access to unique Korean market products

Pricing: Free membership option with product prices varying based on selections
Best for: Businesses offering exclusive Korean products or expanding into Korean market goods

13. TradeKorea

TradeKorea is an official Korean trade platform that features wide range of Korean products with verified suppliers, trusted by businesses for reliable Korean goods sourcing.

Key features:

• Wide range of Korean products available
• Verified suppliers for reliability assurance
• Reliable and consistent quality standards
• Government-backed verification systems

Pricing: Free to join with no membership fees, product prices vary by items
Best for: Businesses seeking reliable Korean suppliers with verified credentials

14. Poundwholesale

Poundwholesale is a UK-based wholesale platform that offers global delivery services, specializing in serving small businesses with low minimum order quantities and budget-friendly products.

Key features:

• Low minimum order quantities suitable for small businesses
• Global delivery services from UK base
• Wide range of products at affordable prices
• Focus on budget-friendly inventory options

Pricing: Product prices vary by category with regular discounts and special offers available
Best for: Small businesses with limited budgets seeking affordable product options

Niche and luxury markets

15. Brandsgateway

Brandsgateway is a luxury fashion wholesale platform that focuses on high-end fashion items, serving as an excellent choice for businesses operating in the luxury market segment.

Key features:

• Focus on luxury fashion items and designer products
• Access to exclusive brands and premium items
• High-end product offerings for the luxury market
• Professional luxury retail support services

Pricing: Membership fee varies, typically around $199 per month
Best for: Luxury fashion retailers and boutiques serving premium market segments

16. Takaski

Takaski is a specialized Japanese wholesale platform that focuses on high-quality Japanese goods for niche markets, ideal for businesses offering unique Japanese products.

Key features:

• High-quality Japanese products for niche markets
• Niche market focus with unique offerings
• Unique product offerings not easily found elsewhere
• Authentic Japanese craftsmanship and materials

Pricing: Free to join with no membership fees, product prices vary by item selection
Best for: Businesses offering unique Japanese products or serving niche market segments

Deals and liquidation platforms

17. Wholesale Deals

Wholesale Deals is a liquidation wholesale platform that provides access to deals from eBay suppliers, helping businesses find discounted products from various suppliers and overstock sources.

Key features:

• Access to deals from eBay suppliers and liquidation sources
• Discounted products from various categories and suppliers
• Regularly updated deals and inventory opportunities
• Bargain pricing on overstock and liquidation items

Pricing: Membership fee typically around $20 per month for access to discounted supplier network
Best for: Businesses focused on finding discounted inventory and liquidation opportunities

Global business platforms

18. Go4worldbusiness

Go4worldbusiness is a global B2B marketplace platform headquartered in India that provides international access to a wide range of suppliers across multiple countries and industries.

Key features:

• Global network of suppliers across multiple countries
• Wide range of products and categories available
• Free membership for buyers and purchasing businesses
• International sourcing capabilities

Pricing: Free for buyers with premium memberships available for enhanced features
Best for: Businesses expanding sourcing options internationally without membership costs

19. Tradewheel.com

Tradewheel is a global B2B marketplace platform that features verified seller badges, ensuring reliability through verification processes with wide range of international products.

Key features:

• Verified seller badges for reliability assurance
• Wide range of global products across categories
• Competitive pricing structure
• International supplier verification systems

Pricing: Free to join with product prices varying based on supplier and selection
Best for: Businesses seeking verified international suppliers with competitive pricing

20. Pex Wholesale UK

Pex Wholesale UK is a specialized wholesale platform that focuses on baby clothes for UK and EU markets, offering quality items catering to the niche baby products market.

Key features:

• Specializes in baby clothes and children’s products
• High-quality products with focus on safety standards
• Focus on UK and EU markets with regional expertise
• Niche market specialization in baby and children’s items

Pricing: Free to join with prices varying based on product selections
Best for: Retailers specializing in baby and children’s clothing in European markets

This comprehensive list provides options for various business needs, from general marketplaces for ecommerce businesses to specialized niche suppliers. Most platforms offer free basic membership, allowing you to explore multiple options before committing to supplier relationships.

Now that you know how to find reliable wholesale suppliers, you have everything you need to start building strong vendor relationships. However, finding great suppliers is just the beginning. 

Once you start working with multiple wholesale vendors, you’ll quickly realize that managing orders, tracking inventory, processing payments, and maintaining relationships across different suppliers can become complex and time-consuming.

Manage your wholesale supplier relationships with WizCommerce

This is where having the right B2B commerce platform becomes crucial. WizCommerce is an all-in-one AI-powered B2B ecommerce solution designed specifically for retailers, B2B buyers, wholesalers, distributors, and manufacturers who work with multiple suppliers and need to streamline their operations.

The platform helps you:

• Faster self-serve ordering & visibility: WizShop portal displays your contract pricing, real-time stock visibility, AI image/text search, one-click reordering, and order tracking, so you can effortlessly place accurate bulk orders from your suppliers.
• Make data-driven decisions: WizAI analyzes your business data to provide insights that help you optimize supplier relationships and inventory decisions.
• Process payments efficiently: WizPay handles payment processing with 99.99% uptime and can reduce quote-to-cash time by 30%.
• Integrate with existing systems: Connect with ERPs, inventory management, accounting software, and other tools you’re already using.

Ready to see how WizCommerce can help your business? Book a demo to explore how our platform can streamline your operations and improve your supplier relationships.

FAQs on wholesale suppliers

How to find a supplier easily?

The best way to find vendors is to start with established B2B marketplaces like Alibaba, SaleHoo, or Amazon Business. These platforms have pre-verified suppliers and user-friendly search features, and are a great place to start from. Begin by clearly defining your product requirements, then use the search filters to narrow down suppliers by location, minimum orders, and product categories. Always request samples before placing large orders.

What is the best website for wholesale?

There’s no single “best” website since it depends on your specific needs. For beginners, SaleHoo offers verified suppliers with research tools. For international sourcing, Alibaba provides the largest selection. For US-based suppliers, consider Wholesale Central or Amazon Business. For specific categories like fashion, FashionTIY works well, while beauty retailers might prefer StyleKorean or Q-depot.

Who is the biggest wholesaler?

Amazon Business has emerged as one of the largest wholesale platforms globally, achieving $35 billion in annualized sales. However, “biggest” varies by industry and region. Alibaba dominates international B2B sourcing, while traditional wholesalers vary by product category. Focus on finding reliable wholesale suppliers that meet your specific needs rather than just size.

How to find the best wholesaler?

To find the best wholesale suppliers, it is a good idea to follow these steps: 1) Define your exact product and business requirements, 2) Research multiple suppliers using the platforms listed in this guide, 3) Request samples and quotes from 3-5 potential suppliers, 4) Check references and verify business credentials, 5) Start with small test orders to evaluate reliability, and 6) Build relationships with suppliers who consistently meet your quality and delivery standards.

Who comes first, wholesaler or distributor?

In the supply chain, manufacturers typically sell to distributors first, who then sell to wholesalers, who finally sell to retailers. However, this varies by industry. Distributors usually have exclusive territorial rights and carry multiple product lines, while wholesale suppliers focus on bulk orders to retailers. For your business, work with whichever type of supplier offers the best combination of pricing, service, and product availability for your specific needs.