If you are planning to start your own retail business -- whether online, through an auction site like eBay, through the mail in catalog form, or by opening a brick and mortar operation or store -- one of the very first questions you will need answered is how to buy wholesale products.

There are many kinds of wholesale suppliers you can turn to as a source for merchandise, including manufacturers, distributors, importers and liquidators. Each offer different advantages and disadvantages:

• Manufacturers: Some manufacturers will sell their products directly to retailers at discounted prices, and this is usually the best way to get the lowest price on the items you want to offer for sale. However, manufacturers often require that you purchase merchandise in large or bulk quantities, or they have high minimum orders.
• Distributors: Some manufacturers rely on wholesale distributors to get their merchandise into retailers' hands. If you buy products through wholesale distributors, you should expect the prices to be slightly higher than if you purchased the merchandise directly from manufacturers. However, distributors often allow you to buy products in much smaller quantities, or they have lower minimum orders.
• Importers: These wholesale suppliers specialize in products manufactured by overseas companies. However, before you source merchandise from an importer, be sure you understand all the costs involved with importing products from a foreign country, as well as the length of time it will take to receive your order. Also be sure to ask for references and insist on a secure, traceable payment method like credit card or PayPal.
• Liquidators: These wholesale suppliers specialize in closeouts, customer returns, refurbished merchandise, overstock, display items, discontinued products, etc. Be sure you are aware prior to purchase what condition the merchandise is in and whether you will be able to make a return if it does not meet your expectations.

Now that you know what types of wholesale suppliers you can use to source products, it is necessary to learn how you can find quality suppliers who can provide you with the best merchandise at the best price. Whether you are looking to buy jewelry, children's clothing, furniture, or car audio products, there are many ways to find the right wholesale supplier for your needs.

Here are the top 3 ways to find quality wholesale suppliers:

1. Merchandise trade shows, such as ASD/AMD, are still one of the most effective ways to connect with wholesale suppliers. These events feature a wide variety of exhibitors who sell wholesale products in every imaginable category, from arts and crafts to military surplus. Many of these exhibitors offer special trade show pricing and some unveil new products at these shows before they make them available anywhere else.
2. The Internet is also a useful and cost-effective way to find wholesale suppliers. Some suppliers have their own websites, so doing a search with a search engine like Google can sometimes help you find the right wholesale supplier for your merchandise needs. However, searching the web this way can be time-consuming and you may not be able to do a truly comprehensive company and product comparison using this method. Additionally, some suppliers do not have their own websites, and you will not want to miss out on the wholesale products they have to offer.
3. Product sourcing websites, such as ASD SourceBook, can help make your online search for wholesale manufacturers and distributors easier. These product sourcing websites feature searchable listings of thousands of suppliers and the wholesale products they offer. These listings include contact information, minimum order requirements, images of products, descriptions of products, and other useful information on how to buy wholesale products.

Sign up for SourceBook and discover a vast array of wholesale suppliers today!