As a small business owner, you know every penny counts towards your bottom line. One smart strategy to boost profits is purchasing inventory and supplies at wholesale costs. Cutting out the retail markup means you can get amazing deals that give your business a competitive edge.
What is Wholesale?
Wholesalers are companies that sell products in bulk quantities directly to retailers or businesses rather than individual consumers. Their massive volumes allow them to purchase items at rock-bottom prices from manufacturers. They then resell that inventory to businesses for less than retail pricing.
The Wholesale Advantage
Buying wholesale offers several compelling advantages over traditional retail purchases for small businesses:
Lower Costs = Higher Profits
The biggest perk is the potential for huge savings compared to retail pricing. You could pay 50% less for inventory by going the wholesale route. Those savings go straight to boosting your profit margins.
Bulk Buying Power
Wholesalers deal in large trade quantities that are impractical for individual shoppers. As a business, you can leverage that bulk buying power by stocking up on inventory and supplies in quantity.
One-Stop Shopping
Many wholesalers are virtual one-stop shops with huge product catalogs spanning multiple categories. You can purchase all your inventory needs, from office supplies to equipment, from a single source.
Where to Find Wholesalers
So where can you connect with wholesalers to start scoring great deals? Here are some options:
Online Wholesale Clubs
Membership-based wholesale clubs give businesses access to bulk inventory at low pricing. The annual fee is easily recouped in savings.
Cash & Carry Stores
No membership is needed at these local warehouse-style stores that sell a variety of merchandise to businesses in bulk quantities.
Trade Shows
These massive industry events allow you to meet countless wholesalers and suppliers face-to-face to scout inventory opportunities.
The Internet
Of course, the web provides a vast online wholesale marketplace with options ranging from small independent suppliers to major distribution networks.
Insider Tips
Get Verified
Many wholesalers require proof of business credentials, like a resale license or EIN, to access trade-only pricing tiers.
Negotiate Terms
Do not be afraid to ask about discounts, payment terms, shipping rates, and restocking fees. A little negotiation can go a long way.
Plan Ahead
Map out your inventory needs and purchasing schedule. Ordering in carefully planned bulk quantities maximizes wholesale savings.
Now let’s look at some categories where wholesale makes sense for small businesses:
Office & Business Supplies
From pens and paper to cleaning products, wholesale pricing on consumable supplies delivers big routine savings.
Apparel & Accessories
Retailers can stock up on apparel and accessories like wholesale sunglasses from a distributor like OE Sunglasses, at a fraction of retail costs, then markup items appropriately to generate healthy profits.
Electronics & Tech Equipment
Wholesalers dealing in electronics, computers, AV equipment and more enable businesses to get the latest tech inventory inexpensively.
Don’t Overdo It
While the cost savings of wholesale purchasing are enticing, it is important not to go overboard. Tying up too much capital in excess inventory can negatively affect your cash flow and create storage hassles. Avoid the temptation to stockpile merchandise just because it’s discounted. Stick to a disciplined purchasing strategy based on your actual sales forecasts and inventory turnover rates. Managing cash flow prudently while taking advantage of wholesale pricing is key to maximizing your profitability as a small business.
Conclusion
Going wholesale is a simple strategy that allows small businesses to achieve truly maximized profits by smart purchasing of inventory and supplies at unbeatable bulk pricing. A little effort sourcing the right wholesalers pays off immensely in the long run.