Couple of wholesale questions

[swirlyarts]

I'm just about to start offering wholesale on most of my products and I just wanted to check a few things out first. Do you ask for some/all payment up front? Do you have a minimum order? Anything else I need to think about?
Thanks in advance
Lynsey

[EMEvans]

I don't know much about selling wholesale but do by goods wholeasle. Most wholesalers use a pro forma basis where you have to pay for goods before delivery, this is for the first three or so orders then they allow you credit. They all have minimum orders whether it be in product quantity or value of order.

Sorry i can't offer anymore advice but i hope this helps a bit.

[swirlyarts]

Thanks - I was re-reading the post where Picture it in stitches hasn't received her payment and I just wanted to check it was ok to ask for money up front! There was another question I was going to ask but I can't remember what it was!

[Funkyhand]

Morning Swirly,
I would definitely ask for payment up front for at least the first order. I set a minimum order quantity for the order to qualify for trade prices, otherwise you get cheeky people ordering 1 of each of your items and getting trade prices when really they should have just bought retail! (I have made a few mistakes over the last year..believe me it happens)
I suggest that you make sure that you have thought clearly about a returns policy and state it in writing in terms and conditions that you give to the trader. Sorry if I am suggesting things you have already got sorted. If I think of anything else I will come back! It's early and I'm not 100% awake yet!!
Anice xx :):)

[swirlyarts]

Thanks Anice - I was thinking last night about a minimum order. Also, when you give out your prices do you give out an order form too?

[candles by lisa]

Yep I give out an order form too - saves time later if they do decide to order.

Good luck.

Cheers.

Lisa

:D

[Funkyhand]

Yep I certainly do. When I have a request for trade details I send out terms and conditions which state clearly prices, delivery timings, minimum orders details, postage prices, complaints procedure,returns processes, what to do if they receive damaged goods and a order form. Best to say too much than not enough!! :o
Anice xx :):)

[swirlyarts]

Right - I've worked out my terms and conditions and I'll crack on with the rest today!!

[samsq]

To keep your overheads lower, why not offer a down-loadable set of Ts & Cs and an order form, so that way you are not paying out for printing of stationery etc which may never be used.

A realistic minimum order value and payment up front is a definite - that way you don't have to chase payment. If customers want the goods they'll be happy to pay up front.

Keep us posted to how you get on:)