The Ultimate Guide for Pet Retailers Buying Pet Products To Resell

Pet retailers, do you have questions about where to find the best pet products to resell to your customers?

Maybe you’re a new pet store owner, dreaming of stocking your shelves with the best pet products, or you’re an established retailer looking to expand your inventory. Either way, we’re about to take a deep dive into the wild world of wholesale purchasing for pet retailers!

Before we get into the nitty gritty distributor details, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page about what wholesale actually means.

What is Wholesale?

Wholesale is buying goods at a marked-down price, typically about half of what you’ll sell it for to your customers. This magical price difference? That’s where your profit comes from!

When you buy at wholesale prices, you get to mark it up and make those bucks. The money you make is the difference between what you paid and what you sell it for.

Requirements for Pet Retailers Buying Wholesale

There are a few things you need to know to get set up to sell wholesale pet products:

Federal ID Number: This is your FEIN or EIN. It’s like your business’s social security number.
Resale Certificate: Also known as a resale license in some states. This lets you buy products without paying sales tax (because you’ll be collecting that from your customers).
Physical Location: Some distributors (especially the big ones who deliver by truck) want to see that you have a real, brick-and-mortar store.
References: If you’re the new pup on the block, some wholesalers might ask for references from other suppliers.

Options for Purchasing Wholesale in the Pet Industry

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s explore where you can actually buy all these awesome pet products!

Local Distributors

These are the neighborhood top dogs of wholesale. They typically work within a city, state, or region, and they’re great for getting a variety of products delivered right to your pet retail store’s door.

👍 Pro: They often deliver weekly or bi-weekly, so you can keep your inventory fresh.

👎 Con: If you only use local distributors, your store might look a lot like your competitors’.

Online Distributors

Welcome to the digital age of pet product distribution! Companies like Pet Palette Distribution and King Wholesale Pet Supplies are changing the game.

👍 Pro: You can order anytime, anywhere.

👎 Con: You might miss out on the personal touch of a local rep.

Online Marketplaces

Think of these as the Amazon of wholesale pet products. Sites like Faire and WholesalePet.com offer hundreds of brands to choose from.

👍 Pro: Huge variety and often lower minimum orders.

👎 Con: It can be overwhelming with so many choices.

Sales Representatives and Rep Groups

These are like the matchmakers of the pet industry. They don’t hold inventory themselves, but they represent multiple brands and can offer some solid deals. Packer Mellem is a great rep group to check out!

👍 Pro: They can give you insider info on upcoming products and trends.

👎 Con: They might not be able to offer the same bulk discounts as larger distributors.

Direct from Brands

Sometimes, you can bypass the middleman and order straight from the source!

👍 Pro: You might get better pricing or exclusive products.

👎 Con: Higher minimum orders and less variety in a single order.

Choosing the Right Wholesale Source for Your Pet Store

Now that you know where to find products, how do you choose? It’s all about balance!

Considerations for Pet Product Mix

You want your store to stand out, right? Having just the right mix of pet products on your shelves can help you stand out like a Great Dane in a Chihuahua parade. Here’s how to do that:

Mix it up! Use a combo of distributors and direct-from-brand ordering.
Look for unique products that your local big box stores don’t carry. You know your customers best. What would they love?
Consider your store’s vibe. Are you all about all-natural? Focus on distributors who specialize in holistic products.

Pricing and Profit Margins

Let’s talk money! 💰

Distributors typically take a 15-30% bite out of the wholesale price. That’s why it’s so important to know how to properly mark up the pet products you’re purchasing wholesale.

When pricing your products, remember:

Factor in all your costs (product, shipping, overhead).
Know your competition’s pricing.
Don’t be afraid to premium price unique, quality items.

Getting Started with Wholesale Purchasing In Your Pet Retail Store

Think you’re ready to dive into the wholesale world in your pet retail store? Here’s how to get started:

Setting Up Your Pet Business for Wholesale

Get your paperwork in order (that FEIN and resale certificate mentioned above).
Create a business plan that includes inventory management.
Set up a dedicated business bank account (keep it separate from your personal fund).

Building Relationships with Distributors and Brands

Network, network, network to find the distributors that are the best for your pet business.

Attend trade shows like SuperZoo or Global Pet Expo.
Join groups where you can find support from fellow pet retailers (ahem, like the Pet Boss Club!)
Don’t be shy – reach out to brand reps directly and start asking questions.

Nuances of Purchasing Wholesale Pet Products

When diving into the world of wholesale purchasing for your pet retail store, there are some nuances you should be aware of. These can make a big difference in how you manage your inventory and cash flow.

Understanding Case Pack Splitting

One advantage of working with larger distributors or online wholesalers is their ability to split case packs. Why does that matter?

👉When ordering directly from a manufacturer, you often have to buy full case packs. For example, dog shampoo might come in cases of six bottles of the same scent.

👉Distributors can split these case packs. So if you only need a couple of bottles to replenish your stock, you can order just what you need.

This is a big pro! This kind of flexibility can help you manage your inventory more efficiently and try new products without overcommitting.

What are the minimum order quantities?

Different suppliers have different minimum order requirements:

If you order directly from a manufacturer, they often have lower minimum order quantities, maybe around $150, for example.
Ordering wholesale from distributors might have higher minimums, ranging from about $500 to $1500.

Remember, while the distributor’s minimum is higher, you can mix and match products from various brands to reach that threshold. Product mix matters!

What are lead times?

Remember, not all products are ready to ship immediately. It especially might vary by the product type. For example, pet shampoos and similar products are often ready to ship the same day or next day. But handmade dog collars or fresh bakery treats? Of course those items will take longer! They might have a 3-4 week lead time.

The more aware you are of how lead times can vary, the better you’ll be at planning your inventory!

What are your payment options for wholesale orders?

Understanding payment terms is crucial when buying wholesale items for your pet business. It’s not uncommon for distributors in the pet industry to require some form of payment up front, but that could look different depending on who you are ordering from. Here are a few common scenarios:

💰 Credit Card on File: The vendor takes your card details but doesn’t charge until the order ships.

💰 Deposit and Balance: For large or custom orders, you might pay a deposit upfront and the balance upon shipping.

💰 Cash on Delivery (COD): You pay when the products are delivered, often by check to the delivery driver.

💰 Net Terms: Established pet businesses might qualify for terms like “Net 30”, where you have 30 days to pay after receiving the goods (terms and how much time you have to pay back may vary!)

If you are utilizing net terms options, it can also help you establish yourself as a trusted business moving forward, which can help with cash flow. As you build your history of timely payments, you can utilize those relationships to provide references to vouch for you and establish terms with other distributors.

Tips for Successful Wholesale Buying In Your Pet Business

You’ve got the basics down, now let’s get into some pro Pet Boss tips.

Managing Inventory Of Your Pet Products Effectively

Start small and grow. Don’t let your eyes be bigger than your storage space!
Use inventory management software to track what’s selling and what’s sitting.
Understand each distributor’s minimum order quantities.

Negotiating Terms and Deals

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. It’s a potential yes until it’s a no!

Ask your reps about volume discounts.
See if you can extend payment terms as you build a relationship.
Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions or clearance deals.

A Quick Wrap-up On Where To Find Pet Products To Resell:

Remember:

Do your homework on different distributors and their specialties.
Mix up your sources to keep your inventory fresh and unique.
Build relationships in the pet industry – it’s all about who you know!
Keep a close eye on your numbers to ensure you’re making a profit.

More pet parents than ever are looking for high-quality products for their pets. By mastering the art of wholesale buying, you can stock your shelves with amazing products that’ll meet their needs. It’s all about smart buying strategies and knowing which products will work for your audience. You got this!

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