You may be interested to start a wholesale distribution business and earn huge profits. This type of business generally involves products manufactured by other businesses. Your work is to deliver such products to retailers in the region to sell. Even though you may not be involved directly in manufacturing these products, you still can create a brand presence. For this, you need to curate your offerings and render superior quality service. Before starting this business, you need to work out your business model and margins. This can help avoid unnecessary, costly changes in the future.
How to start a wholesale business – Things to consider
Product Line Scope
You need to invest big to create an impressive inventory. But if you short on the budget, then avoid stocking plenty of items. Rather, narrow down your focus to those items that sell quickly. Be very clear about your product line scope as it helps manage your cash flow. You will also be able to identify the target market and carry out an understandable marketing message. An extensive product line will appeal to potential customers. Diverse offerings will easily help derive a vast market. For perishable items, you should not have more stock in hand than the market demand. This can help avoid unnecessary wastage.
Storage and Warehousing
You need to have a proper and well-developed infrastructure for your wholesale distribution business. You may need to store items, be it big or small, non-perishable or perishable in your storage house. The place should be well insulated or proofed to ensure that all the products kept within are safe. If food products are to be kept, then the storage space should be properly sealed to devoid entry to pests. For plants, the warehouse needs to be cool or warm to ensure survival, while for books, it should be dry. At the same time, the warehouse needs to boost easy loading, both in and out. This can prove to be useful if the items are bulky or heavy. Also, install shelves and pallet jacks.
Marketing to retailers
Retailers are to be provided with essential products and services regularly. The marketing strategy should be as such to direct the benefits to retailers as much as possible. This can be in terms of affordability and quality. Moreover, the benefits offered to retailers could be frequent offerings or deliveries, which they may not be enjoying elsewhere. Marketing efforts should also include ease of ordering and prompt customer service. Delivering properly such processes is sure to increase the volume of orders provided by your retailers. They will prefer your company for their supply rather than your competitors. In case you come up with a web-based ordering platform, then it should be easily navigable. You need to set up exceptional customer care service when answering queries over the phone, email or chat.
Product delivery
Once the retailers place orders, the next step will be to make sure the products reach them on time. For efficient and timely distribution of wholesale products, it is necessary to invest in a dependable vehicle. Vehicle size and type will be determined by the product shape, weight, and volume to carry around and the set budget. Your business is likely to grow with time with your efforts and hard work. So invest in a vehicle that will accommodate the growing needs of your business. A refrigerated truck will be essential if you have to deliver refrigerated products. For live animals, a vehicle with adequate ventilation will be necessary. Also, know your vehicle routes
Following the above procedures will allow you to know how to start a wholesale business the right way.
