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Thank you for your interest in carrying Oaklandish! We're always excited to hear from new retailers.

To be considered for an Oaklandish wholesale account, please send an email to wholesale@oaklandish.com. Make sure to include a copy of your CA Resale Certificate, a completed BOE-230 form, and links to your website and social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, etc).

We receive many requests for new wholesale accounts and work to respond to everyone in a timely manner. It takes approximately two weeks for an application to be processed. If you haven't received a response in this timeframe, please don't hesitate to follow up with us.

We look forward to sharing the "Local Love" with you soon!

How To Find Wholesale Suppliers (2026) - Shopify

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How To Find Wholesale Suppliers (2026)

Finding a reliable wholesale supplier is essential. A trustworthy partner fulfills quality orders on time—and can be the difference between success and failure.

by Kaleigh MooreJun 24, 2026 • 14 min read

The US wholesale industry has generated around $9.7 trillion in total goods sales. While more businesses are entering wholesale ecommerce, finding wholesale suppliers and sourcing products can feel overwhelming.

This guide will help you understand how wholesale buying works, explore your sourcing options, and learn how to find wholesale or dropshipping suppliers that match your business needs.

Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your product line, you'll discover practical strategies to build reliable supply partnerships.

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What is a wholesale supplier?

A wholesale supplier buys products directly from the manufacturers and sells them to retailers. The wholesale model gained popularity during the rise of mass production in the 19th century.

Wholesalers serve as intermediaries in the supply chain, buying products from manufacturers or distributors in large quantities at discount rates. They pass these savings on to retailers. Most wholesale suppliers have product licenses and offer special pricing that's only available to retail partners.

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How to find and vet reputable wholesale suppliers

Finding the right partner for your business is a two-step process: first, you need to know where to look, and second, you need to know how to evaluate your options. Here's how to do both.

Where to find suppliers

While online wholesale marketplaces are a common starting point, building direct connections can lead to better partners and deals. Explore these avenues for wholesale opportunities:

Industry trade shows: Meet suppliers face-to-face to build rapport and see products firsthand.
Niche social media groups: Connect with other merchants and get real-world recommendations.
Trade organizations: Memberships often include access to directories of pre-vetted suppliers in your product category.

What to look for in a supplier

Once you have a list of potential suppliers, use these criteria to choose the best one:

Product quality: Always get samples before placing a large order. This helps you check the quality yourself and avoid getting stuck with products you can't sell. Do some market research to ensure the products meet customer expectations.
Pricing and negotiation: Keep track of typical wholesale prices and don't be afraid to negotiate. Ask if the supplier offers better deals on larger, bulk purchases.
Customer service: Choose suppliers with a track record of solving problems quickly. Check reviews and ask how they handle issues like damaged items or shipping delays. This is especially critical if you're dropshipping.
Shipping speed: Since most customers consider fast delivery to be same-day, next day, or two business days, ask about order processing times, shipping carriers, and typical delivery windows. Check if they offer expedited options for rush orders.

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8 leading wholesale suppliers

Want to offer a variety of products or compete on price? Here are some great wholesale marketplaces to check out:

1. Shopify Collective

Sell high-quality products from other retailers on your online store with Shopify Collective.

Shopify Collective is a free supplier network that lets eligible Shopify users sell products from other Shopify brands. After browsing products and choosing items to sell, Shopify Collective makes it easy to contact suppliers and import product listings to your store.

At checkout, Shopify Collective calculates shipping rates and routes orders to suppliers for delivery to customers. Products ship globally, with shipping rates and destinations depending on the supplier's shipping service.

This platform is perfect if you:

Don't have much storage space, but want to sell more products.
Want to keep cash flow healthy (you only pay suppliers after making a sale).
Dream of creating an online department store with multiple brands.
Want access to thousands of products across categories, including clothing, beauty, home, food and beverage, and electronics.

You can view product descriptions, prices, ratings, and supplier information with verified reviews. Shopify Collective also provides product recommendations based on your store's existing bestsellers, with margins that typically range from 20% to 50%.

Take luxury fashion brand Larroude, for example. It uses Shopify Collective for "Colléct"—its curated marketplace of emerging brands. "Through a seamless expansion into other luxury brands, Shopify Collective drove an impressive 21% month-over-month revenue increase, showcasing the power of brand collaborations and the ability to tap into new categories," says Bianca Inocencio, business solution specialist at Larroude.

2. Alibaba and AliExpress

Find Chinese wholesale suppliers on Alibaba and AliExpress.

Alibaba and its partner site, AliExpress, are common destinations for global retailers looking to source products from Chinese wholesalers.

If you're just getting started, try AliExpress first, and purchase a single product before jumping into Alibaba's world of wholesale bulk buying. These platforms are great for:

Finding affordable, new products from China.
Exploring tons of products at different price points, from hair care to home decor.
Creating your own private label products.

Shipping from China has gotten much better thanks to ePacket delivery. This means getting products from Chinese suppliers is now faster and cheaper than ever.

3. DHgate

Find wholesalers on DHGate that sell replica goods.

DHgate is another Chinese wholesale platform with competitive prices. Just keep in mind that it's known for replica goods. If you need authentic products, you'll want to look carefully at who you're buying from.

What makes DHgate worth checking out:

Great prices across different products.
Lots of options for any type of store.
Easy-to-use rating system to check supplier reliability.

4. EK Wholesale

Scottish-based supplier EK specializes in wholesale clothing.

EK Wholesale has been in the game for more than 30 years, making it a go-to supplier in Europe. Based in Scotland, it focuses on quality wholesale clothing and ships free to the UK mainland when you spend more than £250.

EK Wholesale might be right for you if you:

Run a fashion store.
Want to start your own clothing brand.
Sell mostly to European customers.

5. Faire

Source inventory for your Shopify store with the Faire app.

Faire is popular with North American merchants. You'll find lots of suppliers from across the continent selling everything from beauty products to office supplies to pet accessories.

Faire is also great for dropshippers. Many of its suppliers offer free shipping, which helps keep your costs down when you're just starting.

Faire offers two ways to use their platform with Shopify:

Buy wholesale products through the Faire: Buy Wholesale app.
Sell products to retailers globally with the Faire: Sell Wholesale app.

6. Wholesale Central

Browse popular categories on this B2B supplier directory site.

Wholesale Central keeps things simple. Its no-frills website connects you with dropshipping suppliers offering products across popular categories—and there's no membership fee.

The website reviews and screens all suppliers to ensure they're legitimate. Products are available across categories, including apparel, beauty, electronics, home goods, furniture, and homeware from US-based suppliers.

What makes Wholesale Central stand out:

True wholesale pricing (you'll need your business ID and tax number).
Easy search tools to find dropshippers in your area.
No registration needed—start connecting with suppliers right away.
Filter suppliers by location for faster shipping times.

7. IndiaMart

Find wholesale suppliers that sell OTC pharmaceutical products on IndiaMart.

IndiaMart shines in specific industries. Consider this marketplace if you're selling:

Medical supplies
Chemical products
Industrial equipment
Automotive parts
Over-the-counter pharmaceuticals

It's one of the few wholesale platforms that work with these specialized industries, making it valuable for niche sellers.

8. Thomasnet

Use Thomasnet to find suppliers based in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Thomasnet is a free-to-use supplier discovery platform listing 500,000+ North American OEMs, custom manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and service companies across more than six million industrial products.

Retailers and private label brands use it to source domestically, shorten lead times, and avoid import duties. Buyers can filter results by location, diversity status, and quality certifications, then send RFIs or download CAD drawings directly from a supplier's profile.

Consider Thomasnet if you:

Want to work with North American suppliers.
Require a smaller minimum order quantity (MOQ) or custom manufacturing runs.
Require vendors with verified ISO, FDA, and ITAR certifications.

Other considerations for finding suitable wholesale suppliers

Finding the right supplier takes some digging. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Location matters

Fast delivery is a must for today's shoppers. Think about where your customers are. If you're selling to European customers, shipping from a German supplier will be faster and cheaper than shipping from China.

Also consider navigating tariffs and customs requirements when sourcing internationally, as these can significantly impact your costs and delivery times.

For example, in June 2026, the office of the US Trade Representative proposed increased tariff rates of either 10% or 12.5% under Section 301 for 60 economies based on "failures to take action on trade in forced labor goods."

When vetting suppliers, confirm they have contingency factories in non-tariffed countries and written plans for quick migration.

Budget wisely

Find the sweet spot with your spending:

Order enough to get wholesale benefits.
Don't overcommit to untested products.
Set clear budget limits.
Calculate costs before ordering.

Watch for hidden costs

Most wholesale suppliers charge membership fees—that's normal. But make sure you understand all the costs upfront. Ask about:

Membership fees
Minimum order requirements
Shipping costs
Payment terms

Check legitimacy

Be wary of wholesale suppliers that sell to the public. Real wholesale suppliers need to see your business ID—it's how they protect their wholesale pricing.

Source suppliers with Shopify Collective

Connect with US-based Shopify brands to easily sell their products. Use Shopify Collective to curate items from like-minded stores and ship directly to your customers. Free for eligible Shopify users.

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How wholesale suppliers help your business

Wholesale suppliers let you focus on what matters: picking great products (so you don't have to develop your own products), marketing them well, and providing excellent customer service. Working with wholesalers gives you several advantages:

Buy what you need without expensive storage costs.
Quickly restock popular items through established supplier relationships.
Get better prices that lead to healthy profit margins.
Skip the product development process—saving money and time.

Understanding dropshipping suppliers

Dropshipping is a different fulfillment method from traditional wholesale. Instead of keeping inventory, you purchase products from third-party suppliers who ship directly to your customers. Think of it as combining wholesale purchasing with third-party fulfillment.

The dropshipping business model helps you avoid:

Managing inventory
Packing orders
Handling shipping

Popular dropshipping apps that integrate with Shopify include:

DropCommerce: Connects you with US and Canadian suppliers offering two to seven-day shipping within North America.
Syncee: Provides access to more than 12,000 global brands, ideal for international selling.
AI Dropship: Offers US and EU suppliers with delivery in under seven days for many locations.

These supplier networks have warehouses or fulfillment capabilities across the US or Europe, so customers can receive orders quickly. Most offer free plans that let you explore the platform before subscribing.

If you're just starting, consider using a dropshipping app that connects with your online store. If you're more experienced or have a specific niche, you might prefer working directly with wholesale suppliers for better pricing.

Learn more: 150+ Dropshipping Products to Sell for Profit

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Questions to ask potential suppliers

Before reaching out to suppliers, gather your business license and tax documents—many won't even discuss pricing without them. This is normal: certified wholesalers can only sell to businesses, not consumers.

When you do call, here are key questions to ask:

Minimum orders and pricing

What are your MOQs? If you're looking to order 100 pieces of jewelry but the supplier only offers discounts on orders of 500 pieces or more, then that's an issue.
What's the cost per unit?
Do you offer volume discounts?

Don't order more than you need just to get a better price. An unsold product that seemed like a bargain can quickly become a costly mistake.

Policies and timing

What's your return policy? Who covers shipping for returns?
How long does it typically take to fulfill orders?
How do you handle out-of-stock situations?
How quickly can you pivot production to another country if tariffs or trade rules change?

Clear shipping times help you set customer expectations. Long delays or unclear restocking timelines can lead to unhappy customers.

Remember: Most terms are negotiable, especially once you build a relationship with your supplier.

Learn more: The Ultimate Wholesale Terminology Glossary

Documentation and compliance

Make sure the supplier fits how and where you sell. Some suppliers allow sales on your own website but ban sites like Amazon, Walmart, or eBay.

Be sure to ask:

Do you authorize resale on marketplaces?
What paperwork will you provide with each order?

You'll need proof of every purchase. If there is ever a problem with customs or a customer, you have to prove the origin of your inventory. Clear invoices make returns, disputes, and compliance checks easier.

Final checks before partnering

Before signing any agreements, take these important last steps:

Ask for references. Request contact information for current customers. Be cautious if a supplier hesitates to share references—this could be a red flag.

Check insurance. Make sure they have product liability insurance. This protects you if customers are injured by faulty products. A supplier without insurance puts your business at risk.

Review the numbers. Start small with new suppliers, even if bigger discounts are tempting. Calculate all your costs upfront, including shipping or handling fees. Remember that unsold inventory ties up money you could use elsewhere in your business, so don't let exciting deals push you to overextend your budget.

How to build strong relationships with wholesale suppliers

Here's how to create strong supplier partnerships that last and help both sides succeed:

Communicate clearly

Wholesale suppliers work with many brands at once, so respect their time with direct communication. Instead of vague inquiries like "I'm thinking about starting a dropshipping business," ask specific questions like, "What's your best price for 250 units per month?"

Think beyond your needs

Don't just reach out when you want something. Find ways to make the relationship work for both sides. For example, ask for their preferred order form template or get the right email for accounts payable. Small things that streamline their processes can make a big difference in how they work with you.

Pay on time

Most suppliers give you a month after delivery to pay for orders, letting you sell some inventory first. Meeting these payment schedules is crucial—suppliers are running a business too. Late payment might lead to stricter terms or even losing the supplier altogether.

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Give and receive feedback

It's rare to get the working relationship right the first time. Both you and your wholesale supplier are learning about each other. Stay open to feedback—it helps solve issues quickly and builds rapport.

Show appreciation

When you find a reliable wholesale supplier, let them know. A strong relationship helps secure steady inventory and reduces stockouts. Suppliers who feel valued are more likely to prioritize your orders and offer you new items first, helping keep your product assortment fresh.

Popular wholesale products

When choosing suppliers, consider your specific product needs. While many suppliers offer general merchandise, some excel in particular niches.

Here's what to look for in trending product categories:

Wholesale jewelry

Before placing a large order for your jewelry business, check these key details. If a supplier doesn't provide this information, keep looking:

Product reviews and quality ratings—do products meet customer expectations?
Current client list—well-known retailers build confidence in the supplier.
Shipping insurance and damage policies—jewelry is small and delicate, so clarify who covers losses before ordering.

Learn more: How To Get Started Dropshipping Jewelry

Wholesale clothing

Fashion is popular with dropshippers and constantly evolves with trends. When evaluating fashion wholesalers, focus on:

Clear niche focus (women's, children's, or men's wholesale clothing).
Brand customization options, like custom t-shirts or hoodies.
Professional packaging—it's the only channel that reaches 100% of your customers.

Learn more: What Is Print on Demand and How To Start a Business

Wholesale tea and coffee

Selling coffee online offers an easy entry point into ecommerce, but has unique considerations:

Product packaging quality is crucial since customers don't see a logo while drinking.
Brand identity support—good suppliers in the food industry should help you build your brand.

Learn more: How To Start Dropshipping Coffee

Wholesale wellness and personal care

The wellness industry is a high-growth sector for wholesalers. When looking for suppliers in personal care, lotions, or skin care, make sure they provide a full ingredient list.

Focus on:

Transparency and safety for certified care and first aid products to build trust with buyers.
Verification that products meet standard quality ratings.

Wholesale home and lifestyle

Expanding into home decor or pet supplies requires finding suppliers that can handle a range of shipping needs for both fragile and bulk items. Consider:

Clarifying who covers shipping for returns or damaged goods.
Who offers specialized goods or gift wraps to increase AOV.
Who offers samples to check the quality for yourself before placing a large order.

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