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How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

In regards to just general online sources like the 2 Ali sites, DHGate, Tao, etc.

How do you go about vetting sources to determine if they are legit wholesalers vs. just somebody reselling?
Even when I search via top rated sellers, I rarely see feedbacks for orders more than 1 piece at a time. I also assume that just because someone sells in 'lots' it doesn't make them a wholesaler.

I'm not on the level of paying for sourcing on large scale wholesalers yet, but I am trying to learn for now and the future how one goes about figuring out who is the real deal.

Hopefully I don't have this whole concept screwed up already..... :s

Re: How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

The reason you won't have had many replies is the reason for why forum members are not very forthcoming with some other info as well, when they have a really good wholesale supplier they know if they put those details out in the public domain, that supplier will no longer be a great wholesale supplier as everyone and there dog will flock there to buy up the stock. The way you keep great suppliers is by keeping that info to yourself, the way YOU find some of those great suppliers for yourself to use is by reading up any info that comes your way, check out the platform you want to sell on, what are their top selling items? There will be clues there as well about where some of those top selling items can be bought from.

Re: How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

Not sure I fully get what your asking?

Wholesalers can sell both singles items and in bulk. Just because the sell singles items doesn't make them a non-legit wholesaler. Nearly all wholesalers are resellers. They will buy from the manufacture and they will resell. Its then just a case of quantity as to if its wholesale or not.

Maybe your after a manufacturer?

Re: How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

I understand that how to find them is kept privy for good reason. I'm just trying to figure out how you sift through the muck to find someone that is reliable, trustworthy, has access to sizable stock, etc.
I know you could start buying little bits from a whole bunch of different wholesalers to see who pans out, but that doesn't seem efficient in terms of time or money.

From what I've read here, I was under the impression that a legit wholesaler gets their goods direct from the manufacturer. They wouldn't even necessarily have to carry an inventory that they need to move, and wouldn't be as inclined to push less favorable or overstock merchandise just to get rid of it.
A "reseller" would get their goods from a legit wholesaler, and thus is limited in certain ways as they are an extra step removed from everything. Basically, anyone can be a reseller, but a legit wholesaler is getting it from the source and has greater resources for their customers as a result. The reseller is just trying to move their own inventory asap.

Either way, my question is still more about how to go about vetting suppliers to see who you can trust and rely on, and not be duped by someone just trying to get off inventory.

Again, maybe I have things a bit cloudy still.

Re: How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

There is a very informative blog about selling on erBay by a guy from the UK called Andrew (you can't miss him on google). He talks about wholesaler from China too. That might be a good start for you.

On Alibaba, it is always good to look for suppliers that are Gold more than 2 years. Its expensive to become gold and most scammers cant effort it. As well as check if Alibaba has inspected the supplier or not. Again full details on how not to get scammed you can find on Andrews blog.

Some items can take me up to a month to find the right supplier, some other just in a few days. Also not only check the price but check costumer service, shipping time too.
Sometimes a re-seller could be just a few dollars more expensive but offer superior service and easy communication. Always get a sample before ordering bigger quantities to check the product quality and the above mentioned points.

Re: How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

I do not care, as long as price adds up, if a reseller is having a sale or wants to get rid of stock, and I like it, I would buy....

Re: How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

there are a million resellers out there. Just look for the right price and quality. Start slow with Sm qty and see how they ship and what you get

Re: How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

Has anyone here ever purchased direct from a manufacturer? and was the profit margins larger? I assume the initial investment/capital would also be quite large.

Re: How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

Yes and yes profit margins are larger if you van buy it directly from the manufacturer (you have to be able to buy large quantities though).

Re: How Do You Determine Who Is A LEGIT Wholesaler? (vs. Resller))
 

Makes sense. I seem to easily find suppliers, here in the UK. But when it comes to manufacturers its a whole different story!:pout: