Find wholesale suppliers that sell to small shops like yours
Opening a shop or adding a new line means finding brands and distributors that will sell to you at wholesale prices, with minimums a small store can manage. This prompt has your todo.is agent find wholesale sources for your product category, check how to open an account and the opening order, and estimate your margin at a normal retail price.
The prompt
- Find wholesale suppliers for my [TYPE OF STORE] in [LOCATION]. I want to stock [PRODUCT CATEGORIES], at a retail price range of [RETAIL PRICE RANGE]. Look for brands with wholesale programs, distributors and wholesale marketplaces that sell to independent retailers. For each, find: what they sell, how to apply (do they need a resale certificate or business ID?), minimum opening order and reorder, wholesale price or the usual discount from retail, shipping, and whether they protect small shops with a minimum retail price. Estimate my margin at a normal retail price. Make an Excel file with 15 options sorted by opening minimum, with links. Highlight 5 that suit a store with a budget of [OPENING BUDGET].
What to change
- [TYPE OF STORE]: e.g. "small gift shop", "online boutique" or "pet supply store".
- [LOCATION]: Your country or state, so suppliers ship there.
- [PRODUCT CATEGORIES]: e.g. "scented candles, greeting cards and small home decor".
- [RETAIL PRICE RANGE]: What your customers pay, e.g. "$8 to $45".
- [OPENING BUDGET]: e.g. "$2,500 for the first orders".
Example result
- Wholesale suppliers · gift shop in Oregon, USA
- Categories: candles, greeting cards, small home decor · retail $8 to $45 · fictional example
- Best 5 for a $2,500 opening budget
- 1. Hearth & Wick Candle Co. (brand, direct)
- • Wholesale price about half of retail, opening order $150, reorders $100
- • Apply online with your business name and resale certificate
- • Recommends a minimum retail price, so online discounters do not undercut you
- • Margin example: buy at $12, sell at $26 → 54%
- 2. Paper Fox Cards (brand, direct)
- • Cards sold in packs of 6 per design, opening order $100
- • Free display rack with first order over $300 (check current offer)
- • Margin example: buy at $2.75, sell at $6 → 54%
- 3. Northwest Home Goods (regional distributor)
- • Carries 40+ small home decor brands, one combined order, opening minimum $250
- • Ships in 3 to 5 days within the region, useful for quick reorders
- 4. A wholesale marketplace for independent retailers
- • Many brands in one place, low brand minimums, payment terms for approved shops
- • Check fees and return rules for first orders
- 5. Little Harbor Ceramics (maker, direct)
- • Handmade mugs and dishes, opening order $300, 3-week lead time
- • Margin example: buy at $16, sell at $36 → 56%
- How margin is calculated
- (retail price − wholesale price) ÷ retail price. Many gift shops aim for 50% or more to cover rent, staff and shrinkage.
- Before you apply
- • Get your resale certificate or seller’s permit; most brands ask for it
- • Prepare photos of your store or website and a short description
- • Ask about exclusivity: some brands limit how many shops in one town carry them
- Suggested split of $2,500
- • Candles $700 · cards $400 · home decor $900 · ceramics $500
- All terms are from public wholesale pages and change often. Confirm before ordering.
How to do it with todo.is
- Copy the prompt and describe your store, location, categories and budget.
- Paste it on the Today screen in todo.is, or send it to your agent on WhatsApp.
- Your agent sends an Excel list of 15 wholesale sources with minimums, margins and how to apply.
- Apply to the ones you like yourself, and ask your agent to draft your wholesale application email.
Tips for a better result
- Have your resale certificate or business registration ready. Most real wholesalers ask for it.
- Start with low opening minimums to test which products sell before you commit.
- Ask about minimum retail price policies. They protect your shop from discounters.
- Mix direct brands with a distributor: brands give better margins, distributors make reorders easy.
find wholesale suppliers: FAQ
- How do I buy wholesale for my store? Find brands or distributors with wholesale programs, apply with your business details and resale certificate, and place an opening order that meets their minimum.
- Do I need a business license to buy wholesale? Most wholesalers ask for a business registration or resale certificate. Rules differ by country and state, so check what your local tax office requires.
- What is a good retail margin? Many small shops aim for about 50% or more on gifts and home goods, often called keystone pricing. Groceries and electronics usually have lower margins.
- Can the agent find dropshipping suppliers too? Yes. Ask for suppliers that ship directly to your customers, and your agent will note fees, shipping times and branding options.
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