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Top 9 best wholesale websites
Companies who buy in bulk can stand to save a lot of money by going through a wholesaling website.
One of the main benefits of using wholesale websites is that they tend to stock a wide range of products.
With so many options out there, it can be difficult to narrow down the best wholesale websites. Luckily, you can find them in this guide.
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Best wholesale websites - Top 9
The following list will outline the top wholesale websites. Each section will detail what they have to offer, how they’re different, and where they fall short.
Alibaba
A wholesale directory based in China, Alibaba was founded in 1999 and continues to be hugely popular for B2B trading.
The platform, considered by some to be one of the best wholesalers, stocks products from international suppliers. It has 40+ categories of products from consumer electronics to machinery.
Through the platform, you can dropship products provided you use a third-party dropshipping supplier website such as Oberlo.
Alibaba is predominantly made up of Chinese vendors, so most products are shipped from China. You can request a refund up to 30 days after delivery, if you have an online order and communication with the supplier as proof of purchase.¹
It is possible to find sellers with low minimum order requirements when you buy from Alibaba. This can be helpful for testing product quality before buying larger quantities.²
Alibaba gives buyers access to two supplier types, which are defined as follows:
Gold Suppliers
A gold supplier on the platform will have basic contact information, a company location, and a business license that has been checked and verified.
Verified Suppliers
A verified supplier has undergone an ‘in-depth inspection’ by a third-party company, so buying from one is low risk.
Buyers can also assess individual suppliers based on various criteria set out by the platform. For example, there are ratings and reviews available for suppliers, as well as recent transactions and a ‘Secure Payment’ tag.
With the ‘Secure Payment’ tag, money won’t arrive in the vendor’s account until the buyer has verified that they’ve received the goods.
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Tundra
Tundra was founded in 2017, and although relatively new to the market, the online wholesale platform has already made its mark.
What so many buyers appreciate about the online wholesaler is that it offers free shipping for many products.³ On the seller side, the lack of commission fees is a huge plus.⁴
Tundra prides itself on presenting affordable supplier options to buyers, who are based in the US and Canada.
It’s straightforward to sign up on the platform, too, as everyone is welcome to create a free account and start trading in minutes.
On the Tundra platform, it’s the vendors who determine the minimum order value (MOV).
Tundra doesn’t accept returns or offer refunds to buyers. However, vendors can choose to offer returns and set their own policies.
There are more than 4,000 brands on the platform, and suppliers can qualify for two premium categories to stand out:
Gold Badge
To qualify for a Gold Badge, suppliers must satisfy one of the two following criteria:
- Offer prices 10% more affordable than on other online marketplaces
- Maintain a minimum order value of $50, 35% lower than it is on any other online trading platform.⁵
Gold Badge+
To be eligible for the Gold Badge+, a supplier must satisfy the criteria for the Gold Badge, and also:
- Have shipped products out on time consistently
- Feature a good stated lead time⁶
Brands that have the Gold or Gold+ badges are shown higher up in search results, categories, and other locations on Tundra.
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Faire
Faire came to market around the same time as Tundra, in 2017, initially under the name ‘Indigo Fair’. The wholesaler stocks goods from around 40,000 vendors and allows buyers to peruse vendors’ virtual storefronts.
As with other online wholesalers, with Faire, the MOV is determined by the brands, not the company itself. Buyers will see in real-time as they shop whether or not they satisfy the MOV set by the brand.
As a buyer, your first order with a brand qualifies you for free returns and a refund, if you request the return within 60 days of placing your order.
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| If you sell on Faire, you can also receive payments from Faire to your Wise Business account. From there you can check your account, move money, and manage transactions. All in one place. |
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
Hong Kong-based wholesaler HKTDC, founded in 1966, is home to more than 130,000 international suppliers. The company has 50 offices around the world, 13 of which are based in mainland China.
HKTDC divides suppliers up into three categories based on credibility and engagement:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
There’s also third-party verification and other measures to protect buyers when purchasing through the platform. The Dun & Bradstreet check is a sign that the supplier has undergone a thorough vetting process.
HKTDC offers returns for exchange within 14 days of purchase, though refunds are not available.⁸
As for shipping, the responsibility lies with the buyer to organize logistics with the vendor.
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Global Sources
Global Sources stocks products from Chinese wholesale suppliers.
To verify the legitimacy of the individual suppliers, there are ‘verified’ status badges. These badges signify that the company has been vetted and everything checks out.
Unlike other online wholesalers, Global Sources doesn’t allow buyers to pay directly through the website. Once you’ve found the right supplier, you’ll have to organize delivery and payment with them, as there is no checkout process on the website.
| If you need to pay a supplier in a different currency, you can save money with Wise Business. Pay international invoices at the real mid-market rate with ease. |
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DHGate
DHGate caters to buyers from around the world, with warehouses in both the UK and the US, though most of the suppliers are based in China.
One of the reasons buyers like the platform is the lack of a minimum order value (MOV). Buyers can spend as little or as much as they like on products, without any limits.⁹ Small business owners can top up stocks by purchasing just a couple of products if necessary.
The website incentivizes bulk buying though, as it offers more affordable pricing to those who buy large quantities.
Buyers can assess supplier legitimacy with the following tags:
Top Merchant - the supplier has proved they have excellent customer support and a great track record for sales on the platform
On-Time Delivery - the supplier consistently delivers its products on time
China Brand - the goods sold by the supplier are authentic Chinese products
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Super Delivery
Super Delivery is a wholesale website based in Japan. The site features more than 480,000 products across various categories such as furniture and apparel.
The online wholesaler lists out the various shipping options available to buyers, so it’s easy to see how much it will cost and how long it might take.
The methods of delivery include sea mail, airmail, and logistics companies such as DHL and UPS. As a result, even if you’re based in the US, you can receive your goods as you would if you had ordered from a local wholesaler.
Super Delivery will also work with buyers when they place large orders (worth more than $5,000) to ensure they get the best shipping option. The company can organize container shipment, for example.
There’s no minimum order quantity with Super Delivery, meaning buyers are free to purchase as many or as few products as they need.
There are refunds, though the terms will vary according to the supplier.
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Top Ten Wholesale
Top Ten Wholesale was founded in 2005. It is a wholesaler that primarily trades with US-based businesses, but also ships internationally.
Of wholesale websites in the USA, Top Ten Wholesale ranks highly, partly due to the ‘Made in the USA’ tag. This tag identifies companies that sell authentic American products. Though based in LA, California, the company has offices around the world.
Shipping and logistics are made easy with Top Ten Wholesale as the wholesaler has warehouses in California, New Jersey, and China.
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Alanic Clothing
Alanic Clothing is based in the US, but has locations in many other countries such as the UK, Australia, and Canada.
The wholesaler focuses on fitness apparel and activewear. Retailers can create and order custom clothing for their stores.
The wholesaler lets buyers request quotes for certain goods by filling out some basic details. That way, it’s easy to estimate the overall cost of the purchase.
Alanic Clothing allows for returns within 14 days of delivery and also offers refunds, with the original fright charges deducted.¹⁰
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How do I find wholesale suppliers online?
Finding the right online wholesaler can make all the difference to your bottom line, so it’s important to get a good idea of what’s out there.
There are various ways you can track down online wholesale suppliers:
Wholesaler Websites
The wholesale websites mentioned in this guide act as online directories, providing buyers with a range of suppliers to choose from.
Trade Shows
At trade shows, you’ll be able to ask any questions you have from various wholesalers, and you could even strike up a working relationship.
Online Searches
Search engines are invaluable tools when it comes to finding anything online. If you’re unsure what wholesalers offer free shipping, international delivery, or anything else that’s critical to you, a quick online search will help.
Things to consider when looking for wholesale websites
Making the right decision when selecting an online wholesaler is essential if you want to get the best deals and quality.
Here are some valuable criteria to consider as you go in search of wholesale websites:
- Minimum order amount
Minimum order amount refers to a limit on how few products you can buy from the supplier. For example, if the minimum order amount is $50, then you have to spend at least that amount of money to make a purchase.
While it's common practice to have a minimum order amount, some wholesalers omit this limit. This allows buyers to buy as many or as few products as they need.
- Shipping time
The longer it takes for your products to arrive, the further ahead you’ll have to plan.
- Delivery fees
Not all wholesale websites manage delivery in-house, but those that do might charge a delivery fee.
- Customer service
If there’s a way to reach out directly to the wholesaler with any issues you have, then you’ll feel much more secure placing an order.
- Return policy
If a wholesaler doesn’t offer returns, then you’re taking a risk every time you purchase from a new supplier.
Pay international wholesale suppliers with Wise
Now you’ve found the best wholesale websites, you’ll need a convenient and safe way to pay your wholesale suppliers.
With Wise Business, you can make payments to suppliers in their own currency. With account details for various countries, you will have an easier time paying for your goods wherever the supplier is based.
Register with Wise Business,
start saving money today
The last thing you want is to have to pay hefty currency conversion fees on top of shipping costs. Wise always uses the mid-market rate (the one you see on Google).
Sources:
- Refund rules Alibaba
- What is Minimum Order Quantity? Tips for Supplier & Buyer
- Tundra free shipping
- Does Tundra charge any fees or take a commission?
- Tundra gold badge
- How do I get the Gold+ Badge? | Tundra
- Can I invite other brands to join Faire?
- HKTDC returns
- How To Shop On DHgate
- REFUND AND RETURN - Alanic Wholesale
All sources checked 15 February 2022.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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