The advent of the Internet has enabled small retailers, flea market vendors, and eBay sellers to find wholesalers from across the country.
Many times these wholesalers can be located on the opposite end of the country, making a warehouse visit impractical.
There is a dilemma in these situations because many times these wholesalers will have really good wholesale deals. But since the wholesaler is located far away from the retailer, is difficult, and sometimes nearly impossible to inspect the wholesale merchandise.
While this situation might discourage many stores, flea market vendors, and eBay sellers from dealing with far away wholesalers, there are steps that can be taken to make these transactions safer.
The best way to ensure that the wholesale deal is legitimate is to make sure that the wholesaler is reputable.
So how do you ensure that a wholesaler is reputable?
For starters, see what kind of treatment they extend to you over the phone.
You want to make sure that the wholesaler is patient and fully answers all of your questions. Make sure you he gives a very clear description of the wholesale merchandise you are buying.
A legitimate wholesaler will be happy to supply references upon request. So make sure you ask for them if you are not sure about a wholesaler.
You can also search on Google and see what comes up when you type in the wholesaler’s name in the search box.
By using this technique you will uncover any positive or negative reviews about the wholesaler. While a new wholesaler can be just as honest as a long time established one, you might want to stick to the more established wholesalers until the new ones prove themselves.
Lastly, perhaps the most realistic method for researching a wholesaler is to place a small trial order.
You will then be able to see the quality of the wholesale merchandise. You will also know if the wholesaler has accurately represented the quality of the wholesale products which you have ordered.
I would strongly favor any wholesaler that calls you after you receive your order. If a wholesaler calls you, or emails you, after the sale it shows that he is concerned with your satisfaction.
This type of follow up by a wholesaler means that the wholesaler wants your repeat business, not just a one time sale.
Donny Lowy is the CEO of http://www.closeoutexplosion.com, an online wholesale and closeout business.
Closeoutexplosion.com supplies brand name wholesale and closeout merchandise to dollar stores, flea market vendors, and eBay sellers.
