Starting a new online business - wholesalers?
Discussion
I have a few ideas in my head and wanted to start an online business selling products via a website, Instagram etc.
The business is pet related which has been a long time passion of mine however I can't for the life of me figure out where to procure stock from. Investment is not an issue (the bounce bank loan has helped in that regard a lot!). Is there a UK directory of wholesalers etc where I can source products to retail online?
The idea is basically an online pet shop so looking to source wholesale rates on such products.
The business is pet related which has been a long time passion of mine however I can't for the life of me figure out where to procure stock from. Investment is not an issue (the bounce bank loan has helped in that regard a lot!). Is there a UK directory of wholesalers etc where I can source products to retail online?
The idea is basically an online pet shop so looking to source wholesale rates on such products.
Unfortunately NO.
Lots of ferreting, googling and digging required.
Or see if there is a trade magazine, see where manufacturers sell to, or even just pick up the phone and ask the manufacturers where you can get thier stuff.
I am having to do something similar at the moment, but by finding manufacturers, I can then find who their reps are in the UK. However it helps as I have knowledge and reputation in the market sector I am ferreting in.
V.
Lots of ferreting, googling and digging required.
Or see if there is a trade magazine, see where manufacturers sell to, or even just pick up the phone and ask the manufacturers where you can get thier stuff.
I am having to do something similar at the moment, but by finding manufacturers, I can then find who their reps are in the UK. However it helps as I have knowledge and reputation in the market sector I am ferreting in.
V.
Try an exhibitor's list for a trade show. There's one in Telford in the autumn, called PATS:
https://www.patshow.co.uk
The show might well not go on, but it shouldn't be too tricky to get a list of exhibitors.
https://www.patshow.co.uk
The show might well not go on, but it shouldn't be too tricky to get a list of exhibitors.
s2sol said:
Try an exhibitor's list for a trade show. There's one in Telford in the autumn, called PATS:
https://www.patshow.co.uk
The show might well not go on, but it shouldn't be too tricky to get a list of exhibitors.
That's really helpful thank youhttps://www.patshow.co.uk
The show might well not go on, but it shouldn't be too tricky to get a list of exhibitors.
We set up a Dog Accessories online business last year.... we source ALL of our stock from manufacturers.
If you look at the bottom of their websites you'll usually find a "Want to be a Supplier" or "Trade accounts" section in the "CONTATCT US" Menu.
Some setup online accounts, some are more formal with application forms etc.
What I would say is, don't expect it to create riches.... Most well-to-do dog owners don't give a scruff what their dogs look like, and the rest are not interested. It's very slow....... Try and stock a product that will bring people back, even if it's not a big earner.... it allows you to try and sell them something else!!
Our site is in my profile
If you look at the bottom of their websites you'll usually find a "Want to be a Supplier" or "Trade accounts" section in the "CONTATCT US" Menu.
Some setup online accounts, some are more formal with application forms etc.
What I would say is, don't expect it to create riches.... Most well-to-do dog owners don't give a scruff what their dogs look like, and the rest are not interested. It's very slow....... Try and stock a product that will bring people back, even if it's not a big earner.... it allows you to try and sell them something else!!
Our site is in my profile
Don’t want to be negative, but my ruthless opinion.
You can’t work out how to get hold of stock, when you do find a wholesaler you are going to be on basic terms at the bottom of the pile - so no competitive advantage.
Then you are hoping to open a random website and sell through this and social channels?
It’s a very lovely idea, but it’s really not that easy. The only way that approach can work is with considerable social advertising and google shopping advertising - but these channels can swallow thousands of pounds daily.
You might be able to find some products and go stick them on eBay, but you’ll likely be years behind others who have already crafted nice businesses doing the same and built relationships with suppliers.
Again, don’t want to be a dick about it. But for it to make you some proper cash and to be worth all the grief you need “something”, a USP - a killer exclusive product, fantastic branding, the best supply chain thus the best prices or simply incredibly deep pockets.
You can’t work out how to get hold of stock, when you do find a wholesaler you are going to be on basic terms at the bottom of the pile - so no competitive advantage.
Then you are hoping to open a random website and sell through this and social channels?
It’s a very lovely idea, but it’s really not that easy. The only way that approach can work is with considerable social advertising and google shopping advertising - but these channels can swallow thousands of pounds daily.
You might be able to find some products and go stick them on eBay, but you’ll likely be years behind others who have already crafted nice businesses doing the same and built relationships with suppliers.
Again, don’t want to be a dick about it. But for it to make you some proper cash and to be worth all the grief you need “something”, a USP - a killer exclusive product, fantastic branding, the best supply chain thus the best prices or simply incredibly deep pockets.
russy01 said:
Don’t want to be negative, but my ruthless opinion.
You can’t work out how to get hold of stock, when you do find a wholesaler you are going to be on basic terms at the bottom of the pile - so no competitive advantage.
Then you are hoping to open a random website and sell through this and social channels?
It’s a very lovely idea, but it’s really not that easy. The only way that approach can work is with considerable social advertising and google shopping advertising - but these channels can swallow thousands of pounds daily.
You might be able to find some products and go stick them on eBay, but you’ll likely be years behind others who have already crafted nice businesses doing the same and built relationships with suppliers.
Again, don’t want to be a dick about it. But for it to make you some proper cash and to be worth all the grief you need “something”, a USP - a killer exclusive product, fantastic branding, the best supply chain thus the best prices or simply incredibly deep pockets.
This 100%..... after a year we’re just starting to see some progress!!You can’t work out how to get hold of stock, when you do find a wholesaler you are going to be on basic terms at the bottom of the pile - so no competitive advantage.
Then you are hoping to open a random website and sell through this and social channels?
It’s a very lovely idea, but it’s really not that easy. The only way that approach can work is with considerable social advertising and google shopping advertising - but these channels can swallow thousands of pounds daily.
You might be able to find some products and go stick them on eBay, but you’ll likely be years behind others who have already crafted nice businesses doing the same and built relationships with suppliers.
Again, don’t want to be a dick about it. But for it to make you some proper cash and to be worth all the grief you need “something”, a USP - a killer exclusive product, fantastic branding, the best supply chain thus the best prices or simply incredibly deep pockets.
I set up a pet food business a few years ago for a relative, I knew all the wholesalers as I supplied them so maybe that was easier but they are not hard to find.
The margins are low on standard stuff and the delivery will kill your profit, look at the specialist things, one of my customers did heated beds for dogs and cats and ended up giving up the rest of the stuff to concentrate on that with much smaller overheads.
The margins are low on standard stuff and the delivery will kill your profit, look at the specialist things, one of my customers did heated beds for dogs and cats and ended up giving up the rest of the stuff to concentrate on that with much smaller overheads.
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