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4 Replies Last post: Mar 25, 2009 4:42 PM by BizSolutions

Finding wholesalers

Nov 10, 2008 9:46 AM

Click to view coffeenut's profile Start-up coffeenut 1 posts since
Nov 10, 2008
Hi, I am in the midst of trying to create a business plan. In trying to determine what kind of capital I will need for my startup inventory, I am finding it very difficult to find legitimate wholesalers.

It is my understanding tha vendors make themselves more accessible to established businesses, so how does one find the best wholesale provider before their retail business is up and running?

I have found my niche market as a craft supply store and would love to have a starting inventory that will attract the scrappers and the jewelry makers as well as the usual crafts most moms have to buy for school projects as that will be the biggest demand in my area.

Can anyone advise me on finding supply vendors for price comparison before I am ready to make a purchase or open my doors?

TIA
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Click to view Lighthouse24's profile Mogul Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
1. Re: Finding wholesalers Nov 10, 2008 1:27 PM
in response to: coffeenut
Welcome to the community. This link may help:

http://www.craftassoc.com/dirwhbks.html

You might also consider attending a craft wholesale trade show or marketplace event, if one is scheduled nearby (most are held in the spring of the year).

Best wishes.
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Click to view Mongoose's profile Mogul Mongoose 270 posts since
Nov 2, 2008
2. Re: Finding wholesalers Nov 10, 2008 4:16 PM
in response to: coffeenut
Like what Lighthouse said, attending a trade show or conference is a wonderful way to find quality wholesalers.
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Click to view baltikpearl's profile Professional baltikpearl 3 posts since
Oct 9, 2008
3. Re: Finding wholesalers Nov 10, 2008 11:40 PM
in response to: coffeenut
Hey there, i'm a jewelry wholesaler, i sell silver and amber if you are interested. What part of the country are you at? This are invitation only products
specially designed for my business. Please let me know if you are interested. Have a good day.
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Click to view baltikpearl's profile Professional baltikpearl 3 posts since
Oct 9, 2008
4. Re: Finding wholesalers Nov 10, 2008 11:52 PM
in response to: coffeenut
And by the way i get the jewelry directly from the source, it's unique and handcrafted and even the pieces i sell myself as retail i sell cheaper than most jewelers due to the better and less handling sources. BEAUTIFUL AND CHEAP, hard to find, I GOT IT!!!
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Click to view DDVVDD's profile Start-up DDVVDD 2 posts since
Nov 12, 2008
5. Re: Finding wholesalers Nov 12, 2008 8:22 PM
in response to: coffeenut

Hi,i am Ann,from hongkong,i have been doing this kind of samll business for along years,i can offer you the best quality and the best serivce.
i have lots of experience for it,we manily do clothes,shoes and so on,if you are interested ,please contact me asap!
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Click to view FransCandles's profile Start-up FransCandles 1 posts since
Nov 20, 2008
6. Re: Finding wholesalers Nov 20, 2008 9:23 PM
in response to: coffeenut
Coffeenut, I am glad to see your post. I am a crafter of Home Fragrance products: Soy Candle, reed diffusers, air fresheners. Check out my site http://francandlecreations.com/default.aspx I do wholesale my products as well as custom label. Good luck on your store.
Fran
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Click to view triplert3's profile Mogul triplert3 16 posts since
Nov 19, 2008
7. Re: Finding wholesalers Nov 20, 2008 10:10 PM
in response to: coffeenut
Hey Coffeenut,
If you near NYC a good place to go is on Broadway starting from 30th to the 20th streets.(its near madison square garden) Bring your sales and use tax id, sometimes they ask for it. Im an outdoor food vendor and I find shows at Fairs and Festivals.com, Festivals USA, Arts and Crafts Vendors.com. Also you can purchase Bill Ronay Guide for $14.95 he list alot of shows too. Good Luck.
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Click to view deepoet's profile Mogul deepoet 36 posts since
Nov 9, 2008
8. Re: Finding wholesalers Nov 20, 2008 11:21 PM
in response to: coffeenut
Hey it just hit me. I just remembered this place. Go to http://www.alibaba.com

You can find all kinds of wholesalers, buyers from around the world. Spread the word.

You'll find what you want there I'm sure, in fact I'll write about it on a topic so others can see too.

Never give up on your dreams

Deepoet
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