| Own a business? Buy for large groups (scouts, | | | | No License, No Problem |
| students, family)? Allergic to paying retail? Any of | | | | Although business permits give you more access to |
| these reasons is good enough for you to explore the | | | | buying wholesale, you don't have to have a license to |
| world of buying wholesale. | | | | get wholesale prices. Wholesale businesses often |
| Hard Core Buyer or Casual Shopper? | | | | have special times they open to the public. Prices will |
| If you always buy large quantities of merchandise, it | | | | be a little more, but you still pay less than retail. |
| would be a good idea to obtain a business license and | | | | Check the Yellow Pages to find local wholesalers and |
| reseller's license. Some wholesalers will not sell to you | | | | ask if they have public sale hours. |
| without these permits. | | | | Consider buying wholesale from liquidators. Liquidators |
| In addition, the licenses are your ticket to trade | | | | buy huge quantities of product from manufacturers |
| shows that are not open to the public. Here, you can | | | | and retailers. |
| find a multitude of items priced below retail. You can | | | | These items are usually discontinued, damaged, or |
| also get on the mailing list for major trade shows. | | | | from a previous season and prices are often below |
| These events sell everything from furniture to the | | | | wholesale. You can find liquidators in the phone book |
| latest fashions at wholesale prices. | | | | or on the Internet.The Internet is also a good source |
| When applying for a business or reseller's license, | | | | for buying wholesale merchandise especially for those |
| make sure you understand what fees, taxes, and | | | | who don't want to bother with permits and buying in |
| bureaucratic red tape are required to keep you out | | | | bulk. Many Internet wholesalers don't require a |
| of trouble. Depending on the state, you may be able | | | | minimum purchase. |
| to get a reseller's license for free. | | | | Another option is to join an association that buys in |
| However, you are responsible for collecting sales tax | | | | bulk. The combined purchasing power of a large |
| on products sold within the state. Assess the cost | | | | group lowers the cost of merchandise. Warehouse |
| verse expected savings from buying wholesale to | | | | clubs such as Sam's Club and Costco are another |
| determine if it's worth the trouble to obtain licenses. | | | | good source for prices that are close to wholesale. |
| To get a business license, you must be in business or | | | | Wholesale Grapevine |
| planning to start one. You can legitimize your business | | | | Use your network of friends, associates, and family |
| status by turning a hobby or talent into a business | | | | to find wholesale buying opportunities. Your interior |
| venture. For example, a weekend furniture maker | | | | decorator neighbor may grant you access to her |
| sells a few pieces to friends and a business is born. | | | | wholesale contacts. The local florist may be willing to |
| Even the casual shopper may benefit from obtaining | | | | let you in on a sweet deal on dried flowers. Beware |
| business and reseller's licenses. You get access to | | | | though - these folks may require you to engage their |
| non-public wholesale events and wholesalers that | | | | professional services in exchange for buying |
| don't sell to the general public. In addition, you can | | | | wholesale through them. Weigh the cost of doing |
| make a little money off the deals you find. Buying | | | | business with them against potential savings from |
| wholesale usually means purchasing large quantities. | | | | buying wholesale. |
| While you don't need three dozen cashmere | | | | Sources |
| sweaters, you can keep a few and sell the rest to | | | | "How to Buy Wholesale," (ehow.com) |
| friends, or, via online auctions and at flea markets. | | | | "Five Secrets to Buying Wholesale," (majon. |