by Shaheen Darr

Created on: August 26, 2009   Last Updated: September 11, 2009

Wholesalers sell goods in large quantities to retailers and consumers. These goods are imported from cheaper overseas markets or are surplus stock resulting from overproduction. The quantity of good involved means that discounts can be enjoyed and passed around the chain of buyers. There are numerous wholesale opportunities available both offline and online, depending on your area of expertise and financial circumstances.

It helps to do your market research before buying in bulk in case the products do not sell. Going to exhibitions and business events introduces you to new business ventures that have proved to be popular and profitable. In any case, it is advisable to check out the goods before making any financial commitment, especially if buying over the internet.

Manufacturers: Manufacturers can sell finished goods to wholesale retailers and to members of the public directly at a discount. Morevoer, raw materials to make products can be sourced from cheap suppliers in order to manufacture and sell your own creations. Making your own stock items gives them uniqueness and leaves enough room to make a profit. It is important to check out the credibility of suppliers and the items being sold before agreeing to buying them.

Distributorship: You can also become a distributor or a sales agent for a wholesale supplier and sell his or her products in the home market or worldwide on a commission basis. This option reduces the need for a large financial commitment or storage space required for the goods being sold.

Fashion: Many wholesale clothing items are obtained through export markets like China and India, through surplus catalogue stock or through exhibition fairs at prices well below market prices. Buyers sell clothing items like bridal wear, fancy dress, ethnic materials or fabrics at market stalls or through EBay and make a profit. Jewellery, bags, shoes or fragrances are some other items that can be sourced from cheap suppliers.

Household goods and furniture: These can range from antique furniture or reproductions, home accessories to electrical items and building tools. Product lines are reduced from 15% onwards and you can buy in smaller quantities to pallet loads depending on requirements.

Children's items: Selling baby clothing, toys and nursery equipment provides a lucrative wholesale opportunity for market traders or other sellers. These are ex warehouse stock or surplus stock of clothing items which include latest designs and fashions.

Office Equipment: Wholesale office equipment including refurbished equipment, manufacturers overproduction or surplus stocks can also be sold to retailers at bargain prices. Some examples include computers and their components, office furniture, stationery or mobile phones.

Food: Most grocers use large cash and carry businesses to buy their goods to enjoy the benefit from the discounts offered. Items have to be bought in bulk and you have to ensure you have your own delivery arranged once items are purchased.

Nutritional Supplements: Health products are another popular product that can become a profitable wholesale opportunity if bought at the right prices. This is an ever-increasing market, as people become more health conscious and products are sourced from Asian countries where herbal products have been popular and used for years.

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