Articles & Guides
75 articles on wholesale buying, selling and industry strategy
OEM or ODM manufacturing: choosing the right route for a product
Your design or the factory’s existing product? Look beyond OEM and ODM labels to the development work, rights and responsibilities involved.
Pre-shipment inspection: a practical briefing for wholesale buyers
“Check the quality” leaves too much open. Give an inspector the detail needed to decide whether this batch is ready to ship.
How to approve a manufacturing sample before placing a production order
The sample looks good. Can the factory reproduce it? Turn approval into a clear reference for the batch you are about to buy.
Is SAP the Best Option for Automating an Independent Wholesale Business?
SAP can connect a wholesaler’s purchasing, stock, sales and accounts. But which SAP product fits, and when would a simpler system be a better buy?
Managing backorders without losing wholesale customers
Customers can sometimes work around a delay. Give them clear choices, credible dates and a next update they can rely on.
Dropshipping supplier service levels: what to agree before you launch
Someone else sends the parcel, but you own the customer conversation. Test the dropshipping service before promising it on your website.
How to compare 3PL fulfilment quotations without missing hidden costs
A low pick fee is only one line on the bill. Follow real orders through a 3PL’s charges to see what fulfilment will cost.
LCL or FCL shipping: how to compare the full container decision
You need not fill a container to book one. Compare the full journey without letting freight savings push you into unwanted stock.
Choosing a freight forwarder: questions to ask before booking
A forwarder earns its fee when the journey becomes difficult. Compare the complete service and find out who will handle the exceptions.
How to calculate landed cost before comparing wholesale quotations
A £6 product can cost £7.50 by the time you have saleable stock. Follow the costs before choosing between quotations.
Minimum order quantities: how to make a large supplier order workable
A factory wants 1,000; you want to test 100. Find out what drives the minimum before deciding how much stock to commit to.
How to read a supplier stock list without misreading the deal
Fifty available, but fifty what? Read the units, conditions and availability behind a supplier’s spreadsheet before calculating your margin.
How to write a wholesale purchase order that prevents avoidable disputes
A short purchase order can leave a long argument. Give the supplier, warehouse and accounts team enough detail to get the deal right.
How to check a wholesale supplier before placing your first order
Before paying a supplier you have never used, check the offer, test a small order and find out how problems will be put right.
The Hidden Risk Behind Asking Customers for a Five-Star Review
Online reviews are essential for modern retailers, yet the way businesses request those reviews can unintentionally damage customer loyalty.
Developing Private Label Products as a Wholesaler
In an increasingly competitive wholesale markets, an effective strategy to stand out is developing and selling private label products.
How to buy from wholesalers
This guide will help you navigate the complexities of buying from wholesalers, with practical tips and insights.
Automation in Order Processing: Tools and Techniques
Explore the tools and techniques businesses can use to automate order processing, making operations seamless and scalable.
Blockchain enhancing supply chain transparency
Let's delve into how blockchain can revolutionize supply chain management in the wholesale sector, offering practical insights and examples.
How AI and machine learning can optimize inventory management
The integration of AI and ML into inventory management systems is revolutionizing how wholesale and retail businesses can handle their stock.
Understanding the impact of currency fluctuations on wholesale
Currency fluctuations are a significant factor in the global wholesale and retail landscape, influencing every aspect of business.
Lean Management Techniques for Wholesale Businesses
Lean management, primarily inspired by the Toyota Production System, focuses on maximizing customer value while minimizing waste.
Best practices for warehouse layout and space optimization
In the competitive world of wholesale management, the efficiency of your warehouse operations can be the difference between profit and loss.
