21 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wholesale Supplier
21 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wholesale Supplier
To ease things up for you, weve put together the most important questions to ask your wholesaler .
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If youre a newcomer to buying wholesale , chances are you neither have an idea where to start looking nor know what criteria to have in mind when the time comes to make a choice.
However, not all wholesalers contribute to these satisfying numbers. Therefore, its important to bear in mind a few things instead of jumping headfirst.
You can only imagine the number of sales made on a global level.
As reported by Statista , the US wholesaler sales have reached an estimated amount of around 670 billion USD with an increase of around 10 billion USD within one year .
The reasons behind this preference are numerous, but we wont go into detail since the sales numbers can speak for themselves.
Its no secret that wholesale is classified as one of the most preferred supplying methods among others, such as dropshipping .
How long have you been offering wholesale services?
The best way to verify that the supplier youve chosen to collaborate with is reliable and sells genuine wholesale products is to find out as much information as possible regarding their experience and work history.
Wholesalers who have secured a network of loyal clients and have been on the market for some time are certain to be more trustworthy and provide you with better wholesale service.
Of course, you can always do a full investigation by yourself by:
- looking at their website
- browsing the companys name on Google
- reading reviews on Trustpilot.
However, its even better to ask them directly as they may share details that havent been published online which could end up being decisive information.
What merchandise do you sell?
Understanding the merchandise your wholesale supplier offers is crucial for aligning their inventory with your stores needs.
When selecting a supplier, ask for a comprehensive list or catalog of the products available. This list should include detailed information like product categories, materials, sizes, and variations.
For instance, if your niche is high-end fashion, youd want to know whether the supplier provides a consistent supply of luxury clothing, accessories, or footwear, and if they carry premium brands or focus on unbranded items.
Additionally, inquire about new product launches or seasonal collections to ensure your store can keep up with market trends.
Dont forget to ask about quality control measures and how they ensure the merchandise is free of defects.
How do orders work?
Understanding the suppliers ordering process is vital to maintaining efficient operations and meeting customer expectations.
Begin by asking if there is a need to create an account on the suppliers platform. If so, this may require you to provide some business details, such as your name, number, address, business name, business permit, or business registration number.
Once your account is verified, youll probably gain access to their wholesale catalog, where you can browse the full range of products available.
in most cases, you can put products you want to order in your shopping cart and finalize your order by paying with card.
How often do you update your inventory with new products?
Besides making sure the supplier has sufficient experience, store owners should prioritize finding vendors for your business that offer new clothing arrivals on a regular basis.
For every store out there, the main source of success comes from keeping customers content which is best done when providing them constantly with the latest products.
This recurrent update on items will continuously draw their attention, making them keep coming back to your shop and eventually turning them into a regular clientele.
Do you offer diverse products?
It goes without saying that product diversity plays a crucial role in retaining customers and preventing them from checking out competitors stores.
Thats why in your search for the finest wholesaler you should never forget to ask potential suppliers about the variety of products they have at your disposal and estimate if that amount would satisfy your customers needs.
Therefore, dont rush into choosing a supplier before confirming that they offer a wide-ranging portfolio of brands and products thatll not only bring you happy and loyal customers but also assure you notable revenue growth.
If you are getting into the fashion industry, make certain your supplier of choice covers enough categories of winning products for both men and women to be able to meet shopping enthusiasts expectations.
Are the products youre offering authentic?
In case your niche consists of selling high-end fashion products, its of the utmost importance to verify their authenticity as there are many suppliers offering knock-off items that you may end up purchasing without realizing theyre counterfeit goods.
So, when browsing for wholesalers of luxury brands, remember to look for suppliers that stand behind their products authenticity and would stock your store with genuine brands.
Could you provide me with a product catalog?
The product catalog is every wholesalers most significant part of their website, giving prospective customers a sneak peek into their inventory, enough to make a general evaluation of the items theyre selling.
However, many business owners may stumble upon wholesalers that offer an extremely limited preview of their catalog, making the rest of the products available only after one decides to use their services.
So, try to avoid these suppliers and stick with those who give clients access to check out their merchandise by registering for free like BrandsGateway and their catalog of the latest trending clothing items.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
The minimum order quantity can vary tremendously from one wholesaler to another but it mostly depends on the type of products being sold.
For instance, expensive products usually have a higher MOQ than those sold at cheaper prices because theyre high-quality authentic products that are obtained from authorized entities.
Thus, its best when clients are informed upfront about the MOQ in order to be able to calculate in advance their order expenses and see if they can fit them into their budget.
Where is the merchandise sourced from?
The location where the suppliers merchandise is produced can say a lot about the quality of the products.
Although many suppliers source their goods from authorized vendors and then sell them to retailers, outlet owners, or eCommerce stores, an even bigger number source them from unreliable manufacturers, some of which are known to have significant disadvantages such as the cons of Chinese suppliers.
Because of that, its highly recommended to check where your wholesale supplier sources their merchandise from prior to buying a poor-quality bulk of items.
Where are your warehouses located?
The whereabouts of your potential wholesalers warehouses are another thing clients should take into consideration, especially because it can greatly affect the delivery time.
In addition to the price paid when purchasing the products, the buyer is also required to cover custom duties for exporting and importing merchandise from one country to another.
That being the case, try to opt for a wholesaler who has warehouses in several places around the world, such as BrandsGateway, which will not only reduce your expenses but also provide you with fast and convenient delivery services.
What is your shipping policy?
Another vital thing wholesale suppliers should inform you about is the approximate time it would take for them to deliver your orders.
You wouldnt want to find yourself in a situation in which customers cant make a purchase of a certain item because your store is out of stock.
Therefore, just like previously mentioned, when choosing a supplier, keep in mind both the location of the warehouses and the time it might take for orders to be handed over to you.
Can I track my orders?
In order for you to be able to keep an eye on your packages, ask your wholesaler if they offer the possibility for you to track your delivery.
The company is the world’s best Metallized PET Sheet Wholesale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
In that way, you can be kept posted on the status of your order at all times and be notified almost instantly in the case of any shipping delays.
Hence, make sure to pick out a supplier that would provide you with a tracking number, as BrandsGateway does with its clients, so you could constantly be kept updated on where your order stands.
Do you ship worldwide?
Before trying to figure out delivery costs, order tracking, or shipping time, you need to find out if the potential suppliers youve been looking into ship globally or just locally.
If they dont ship to your location, youd only be wasting your time with them.
You shouldnt be surprised if you ever come across wholesalers who limit their shipping abilities and offer delivery services only within the countries their warehouses are situated in and sometimes including neighboring states.
For that reason, always make sure that you work with a supplier that ships worldwide so that you can build an international eCommerce business.
What are your return policies?
Being aware of return and refund policies is crucial in the event of having to deal with damaged goods.
Thus, its important to have a clear understanding of how your supplier manages situations when clients wish to return products or cancel orders.
Some might offer monetary reimbursement, some may provide store credit, while others might give out coupons or discounts.
In addition, be on the watch for any hidden fees or additional charges that could be imposed by the supplier.
Who covers the costs in case of returns?
In most cases, suppliers rarely offer freight-collect services concerning the return of products.
In other words, the buyers are the ones responsible for covering the shipping costs when sending items back to the wholesaler.
However, there are suppliers that do bear those costs in the event of merchandise that is faulty, has been damaged, or wrongly shipped.
In order to benefit from a full refund in cases like these, suppliers are likely to ask you to provide them with photos of the products concerned.
After theyve accepted your request, theyll be able to reimburse you for your loss.
Therefore, have a good look at the terms and conditions of your wholesaler and take careful notice of the returns and refunds sections.
What payment methods do you accept?
One more key question to include in your list is regarding the payment methods of the wholesalers you have set your mind on working with.
Taking into account the pros and cons of various payment methods, depending on your preferences and possibilities, you might find some of them are less while others are more suitable for your business.
Thus, itd be wise to opt for suppliers who present clients with the opportunity to choose among different types of payment.
In this manner, youd have the freedom to determine which option would work best for you.
What do your payment terms involve?
To avoid any inconveniences, its essential to settle the payment terms with the supplier, meaning, to agree on when payments should be installed.
Usually, wholesalers have clearly defined payment times that clients are expected to respect.
However, for different types of items, there may be different payment terms to be met.
Hence, its important to inform yourself thoroughly about invoice deadlines so there wont be any confusion or unexpected situations.
What are the anticipated profit margins?
Do you offer discounts?
When purchasing products in bulk, luxury brands particularly, wholesalers try to abstain from giving discounts.
Its an industry standard that has been around for a long time and suppliers attempt to stick with it.
Nevertheless, during the holiday shopping season, chances are youll come across discounts for particular categories of products and brands.
So, stay in tune with your supplier so you dont miss out on those opportunities.
Do you provide customer service?
You know that a wholesaler is worth doing business with when they not only supply clients with excellent products but also have at disposal exceptional customer service.
Whether its about the above-discussed delivery issues, merchandise troubles, or something else, clients should always be able to lean on customer support for any kind of problem that may arise.
In that way, they can keep steady communication with the supplier around the clock.
Do you have customer reviews available?
Last but not least, customer reviews and references exert an astounding influence on clients decisions.
In a survey conducted by PowerReviews, 98% of consumers said that reviews are an indispensable step when purchasing merchandise, thus, giving them a decision-making role in the purchase process both in the B2C and B2B marketplaces.
So, it wouldnt be a bad idea to request from suppliers credible reviews. To illustrate, wholesaler BrandsGateway supplies interested retailers with such testimonials, furnishing them with evidence that BrandsGateway is legit.
Final thoughts
As your store grows and expands, youre likely to constantly come across new wholesale suppliers.
Some of them might emerge immediately as the perfect match, while others might not be up your alley.
To be 100% sure that they are someone your store would benefit from working with, we recommend putting these questions to use when business talks are in progress.
Thus, we advise you to have this list on hand so you can come back to it whenever you need to evaluate new partners and verify the reliability and authenticity of their services and company.
How to Choose a Reliable Printable Metallized PET Film ...
Understanding Metallized PET Film
Metallized PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) film is a versatile material widely used in various applications, from packaging to labeling. Its reflective properties and barrier performance make it an excellent choice for enhancing product aesthetics and longevity. However, sourcing quality metallized PET film requires partnering with a reliable exporter. Here are some considerations to help you choose the right one.
Assess Industry Experience
When selecting a metallized PET film exporter, experience matters. Look for companies that have been in the industry for several years and have an established history of supplying various products. A well-experienced exporter will have a deeper understanding of the market dynamics, production techniques, and quality assurance processes.
Evaluate Quality Certifications
Quality certifications like ISO indicate a commitment to maintaining high standards in production processes. Ensure that the exporter adheres to international quality benchmarks. This guarantee assures you that the product meets safety and performance standards suitable for your specific needs.
Review Product Range
A dependable exporter should offer a variety of metallized PET film products. This range allows you to choose materials tailored to your application, whether it be for food packaging, electronics, or decorative applications. Additionally, a diverse selection can also indicate their capability in catering to different customer requirements.
Analyze Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Reading customer reviews and testimonials is crucial in gauging the reliability of the exporter. Positive feedback regarding product quality, delivery timelines, and customer service reflects well on the company. Look for reviews on third-party sites to obtain unbiased opinions.
Assess Their Production Capacity
Knowing the production capacity of an exporter is essential for ensuring they can meet your demand. Assess whether they have the technology and workforce to handle large orders while maintaining quality. This capability is particularly important for businesses that anticipate scaling up their operations in the future.
Inquire About Customization Options
Different projects often require specific materials or sizes. The best exporters offer customization options for their metallized PET films. Discuss your needs with potential suppliers to see how flexible they are in adjusting to your requirements. This adaptability is a marker of a reliable partner.
Confirm Shipping and Logistics Capabilities
Shipping efficiency is essential for timely project delivery. Ensure that the exporter has a well-managed logistics framework in place to avoid delays. Ask about their experience in dealing with international shipping standards and customs regulations to safeguard your shipment.
Review Pricing Structures
While cost shouldnt be the sole deciding factor, it remains an important consideration. Compare pricing from various exporters to ascertain what is reasonable for the product quality offered. The cheapest option may not always be the best; prioritize those that offer a balance of quality and affordability.
Build a Relationship
Choosing the right metallized PET film exporter is not merely a transactional decision; its about building a reliable partnership. Engage in conversations with prospective exporters to understand their culture, communication style, and responsiveness. A good relationship can facilitate smoother transactions and quicker resolutions to unforeseen issues.
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