Wondering where resellers source their inventory to make big profits online?
As someone who’s been in the online reselling game for years, I can tell you that one of the biggest secrets to success is knowing where to buy things in bulk to resell online.
It’s not just about finding cheap items; it’s more about finding reliable suppliers who can consistently provide quality items at prices that help you make hefty profits.
In this post, I’m going to pull back the curtain on some of the best places to buy things in bulk for online reselling.
But before we dive in, let me be clear: success in online reselling isn’t just about where you buy; it’s also about what you buy and how you sell it.
That being said, having a solid sourcing strategy is the foundation of any profitable reselling venture.
Where to Buy Things in Bulk to Resell?
1- Online Wholesale Marketplaces
One of the easiest ways to find and source bulk items for reselling is through online wholesale marketplaces. These marketplaces connect resellers directly with manufacturers and wholesalers from around the world. Here are some of the best online wholesale marketplaces for sourcing items in bulk:
a) Alibaba:
Alibaba stands as a giant in the B2B marketplace. At Alibaba, you will find hundreds and thousands of items from suppliers globally. The marketplace is particularly suited for larger businesses due to higher minimum order quantities. Alibaba’s strength lies in its supplier verification program and the ability to customize products, making it one of the best wholesale marketplaces.
b) AliExpress:
AliExpress, while being a part of the Alibaba Group, caters to a different market. It’s more seller-friendly as you can order items in smaller quantities as well. This makes it an excellent wholesale marketplace for new resellers to test products without committing to large orders. However, shipping times can be longer as many products come directly from China.
c) DHgate:
DHgate focuses more on consumer goods like electronics, clothing, and accessories. It offers buyer protection and escrow services for added security. Like AliExpress, it’s also a wholesale marketplace for smaller order quantities, making it accessible to smaller businesses. However, buyers should be cautious of replicas and verify product authenticity before placing their orders.
d) Wholesale Central:
Wholesale Central is a little different platform from the others as it’s not a marketplace but a directory of wholesale suppliers. It provides detailed information about US-based suppliers, including their minimum orders and product ranges. While you can’t make a transaction on Wholesale Central, the platform offers valuable tools like the product locator service to help resellers find specific items.
Tips for Sourcing Items from Online Wholesale Marketplaces
- Research suppliers thoroughly by checking their reviews and ratings.
- Be aware of shipping costs and times, as they can significantly impact your business.
- Understand import regulations and tariffs, especially when ordering from overseas.
- Start with smaller orders to test product quality and supplier reliability before ordering in bulk.
2- Liquidation Websites
There are liquidation websites that sell overstock, customer returns, and closeout items from major retailers at steep discounts. You can visit liquidation websites to find and source luxury branded products for online reselling. Some popular liquidation websites for online resellers are:
a) Liquidation.com
Liquidation.com is one of the largest and most popular liquidation online marketplaces. It offers a wide variety of product categories, including electronics, apparel, and home goods. The site allows bidding on individual pallets or truckloads of items and provides detailed information of lot contents, condition, and retail values. Moreover, both online auctions and fixed-price listings are available.
b) Direct Liquidation
Direct Liquidation partners with major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot. It focuses on consumer electronics, toys, and home improvement products. The platform offers both auction-style and “Buy It Now” options, and provides shipping services or allows for pickup at selected warehouses. Detailed item condition reports are often included.
c) B-Stock Solutions
B-Stock Solutions offers liquidation solutions for both small resellers and large businesses. It has a wide range of product categories and lot sizes through auction-style listings with potential for significant discounts. Approval is required to bid on the marketplace, and detailed item condition information and estimated retail values are often mentioned.
Tips for Sourcing Items from Liquidation Websites
- Focus on finding high-demand and easily shippable items with good profit margins.
- Carefully inspect item descriptions and condition ratings before bidding or purchasing.
- Start small to test the market and minimize risk before scaling up your inventory.
- Join online communities and forums to learn from resellers who have experience with liquidation websites.
3- Trade Shows and Wholesale Markets
Trade shows and wholesale markets help online resellers find new products and meet suppliers and wholesalers face-to-face. Especially in trade shows, you can see and touch items before buying. Moreover, you can negotiate talk prices and meet other resellers in your niche. You can also learn about what’s popular in the reselling market and what items you need to get for reselling. Here are some examples:
a) ASD Market Week
ASD Market Week, held biannually in Las Vegas, is one of the biggest and most diverse wholesale trade shows in the United States. It features a wide range of products across various categories, including home goods, fashion accessories, beauty products, and electronics. The event is particularly for online resellers looking to source bulk items for cheap.
b) NY NOW
NY NOW, focusing on home, lifestyle, and gift products, takes place in New York City. It’s an ideal trade show for those interested in trendy designer items. The show showcases both established brands and emerging designers, making it a great source for unique and innovative products that can set a reseller apart in the market.
c) National Hardware Show
The National Hardware Show caters to reseller in the home improvement and DIY sectors. It’s a comprehensive event featuring everything from power tools and building materials to lawn and garden equipment. This show is particularly useful for those online resellers looking to tap into the ever-green home improvement niche.
Tips for Sourcing Items from Trade Shows and Wholesale Markets
- Build relationships with wholesale suppliers and tradeshow sellers to negotiate better prices and get exclusive deals.
- Find about market trends and best-selling items before attending to focus your sourcing efforts.
- Compare prices from multiple suppliers to ensure you’re getting the best possible rates.
- Look for unique or niche products that aren’t widely available online to make more sales.
Also Read: Future Of Poshmark Reselling
4- Factory Outlets and Warehouse Sales
Many manufacturers have outlet stores or periodic warehouse sales where they sell overstock, slightly imperfect items, or past-season items at big discounts. These sales are great for sourcing authentic branded items to resell. Look for outlet malls and follow your favorite brands on social media to learn about their upcoming clearance sales.
Tips for Sourcing Items from Factory Outlets and Warehouse Sales
- Do some research about sales events and sign up for mailing lists to get early access and exclusive discounts. This will help you get the best deals before the general public.
- Focus on high-quality, branded items that are deeply discounted but still in demand, as these tend to have better profit margins and sell more quickly online.
- Carefully inspect items for defects or damage, as factory outlets and warehouse sales often sell slightly imperfect goods; minor flaws can be acceptable if disclosed, but avoid items with wear and tear.
- Calculate profit margins on-site by factoring in all costs (purchase price, shipping, fees) and comparing to current online selling prices to ensure you’re making the right decision.
5- Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
For certain types of products, especially pre-loved, vintage, or collectible items, thrift stores and flea markets are no less than gold mines. While you’ll need to put in time to search for items that are worth reselling, the profit potential is massive. If you are reselling pre-loved clothing and vintage items on online marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, or Depop then thrift stores and flea markets are the best places to buy them in bulk.
Tips for Sourcing Items from Thrift Stores and Flea Markets
- Research popular items in your niche before going to a thrift store or flea market. This way you will be able to find profitable items.
- Inspect and examine items carefully for quality, condition, and authenticity before purchasing.
- Build relationships with vendors and store managers to get early access to new inventory.
- Learn basic restoration and cleaning techniques to increase the value of pre-loved and vintage items.
