How to Find Wholesalers

How and Where to Find Wholesalers for Your Small Business

How to Find Wholesalers
A typical wholesalers' warehouse. Image (c) Alistair Berg / Getty Images
By
Susan Ward
Susan Ward

Susan Ward has run an IT consulting firm and designed and presented courses on how to promote small businesses.

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Updated on 06/25/19

Looking for wholesalers for materials, supplies, or the product(s) you plan to sell? Here's how to find wholesale distributors for your business.

What to Look for in a Wholesaler

Your relationship with your suppliers is critical to the success of your business. Ideally, you want to find a wholesaler that:

  • Is reliable - you need products delivered in a regular, timely fashion (or if this is not possible, a wholesaler that provides plenty of notice so you can pursue alternatives)
  • Provides consistent quality - customers will blame you for inferior quality products, not the wholesaler
  • Delivers excellent customer service - the supplier should always be available by phone, text, or email and be responsive to your needs
  • Has a competitive price point
  • Is financially stable - see When and How to Run a Business Credit Check

How to Find Wholesalers Through the Internet

Here are a few tips about your web search for suppliers:

1) Try different search terms, such as supplier, wholesaler, distributor, etc.

2) Save yourself time by doing a search for suppliers of a specific type. For example, search for "swimsuit wholesalers" rather than just "wholesalers" if that's the product you're looking for.

3) Use web portals and/or wholesale directories.

Domestic:

Foreign:

4) Search by the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Code

Every industry has a corresponding NAICS code, which may make the manufacturers or suppliers of your product easier to find.

5) Work your social web.

A query in a LinkedIn group you belong to, a tweet or a Facebook post will at least let your social network know that you're looking and may lead directly to the wholesaler you're looking for.

How to Find Wholesalers Through Industry Sources

Through industry-related associations.

Getting access to inside information is one of the advantages of belonging to an industry-related association. And in some industries, things such as wholesalers of common products are common knowledge.

Don't overlook industry association websites as a resource. This American National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors Member Association List links to the websites of many different industry associations and may be a good starting point for you.

In industry publications.

Dental Practice Management News. Auto Dealer Monthly Magazine. Florists' Review Magazine. Just three examples of publications that are devoted to particular industries - and can be great sources of information on where to source the product(s) you’re looking for. To find magazines for your industry, type "magazines for (your business type or profession)" into your browser’s search box.

Industry-related trade shows.

There's a trade show for almost every retail business – and often, more than one every year. Home and garden shows abound, for example, and often showcase products that are available through wholesale or distributor agreements for resale.

Business to business or industry-only trade shows focus on manufacturer's latest offerings and can be meccas of new suppliers for small businesses. The ABA Beauty Show in Montreal, for instance, gives manufacturers the chance to show their "innovative products, services and new techniques linked to the beauty industry".

Websites that list trade shows (searchable by industry and/or by country):

How to Find Wholesalers Through Local Resources

Your local business associations often have resources to offer such as lists of wholesalers.

Most cities and larger towns have associations such as:

  • A Chamber of Commerce
  • A Business Development Center
  • Business in Action groups
  • Home-Based Business Associations
  • Rotary Clubs

And the other business people you meet through meetings and business-related social functions such as meet-and-greets are great sources of leads. While networking, let the people you meet know what you're looking for. They'll keep it in mind and be on the hunt for you.

Check your local sources.

If you live in a city, there's a chance that there are some local manufacturers of the product you're looking for. Searching for "manufacturer (the products) (your city)" online or checking the yellow pages can't hurt.

Don't Get Discouraged

Through the web, through your connections, through industry sources – you will probably need to do some legwork and search for the wholesalers you need. Your competitors are not likely to tell you who theirs are or want to share them with you.

Finding wholesalers tends to be a process rather than a one-search event for most new small businesses. So don’t give up if you can’t find the supplier you're looking for right away. After all, perseverance is one of the hallmarks of success.

See also:

10 Low-Cost Ways to Promote Your Business

Why Write a Business Plan?

10 Ways to Cut Business Costs