Wholesale buying guide for retailers

1. Start with your customer and range

Before you buy anything, be clear on who your customers are and what they want. Choose products that fit your shop's identity and price points, rather than buying purely because something is cheap.

2. Understand margins and pricing

Know your costs, including the wholesale price, shipping and any fees, and set retail prices that leave a healthy margin. Track how each product performs so you can make better buying decisions over time.

3. Manage cash flow carefully

Wholesale orders tie up cash. Consider order sizes, lead times and any payment terms offered by suppliers. Payment terms and returns vary and change — always confirm the current details with each supplier before ordering.

4. Compare suppliers and channels

Look at more than one option — warehouse clubs, distributors, and online wholesale marketplaces all work differently. Comparing them helps you find the best fit for each part of your range.

5. Test small, then reorder winners

• Order new products in modest quantities first.
• Track sell-through and margins.
• Reorder what sells; drop what doesn't.
• Keep good records of invoices, lead times and supplier contacts.

6. Keep discovering

Refreshing your range keeps customers coming back. Online wholesale marketplaces make it easy to discover new and independent brands alongside your existing suppliers.