What's the difference between wholesale and dropshipping?▼
Wholesale means you buy inventory upfront in bulk and store/ship it yourself. Dropshipping means the supplier ships directly to your customer — you never touch the product. Wholesale has higher margins; dropshipping has lower risk and no storage costs. Many resellers start with dropshipping and graduate to wholesale as they find winning products.
How much money do I need to start?▼
With dropshipping platforms like Spocket or CJdropshipping, you can start for as little as $0–$30/month (platform fees). For wholesale sourcing, most suppliers allow sample orders for $20–$100. A realistic starting budget for wholesale testing is $200–$500. The key is starting small, testing products, and reinvesting profits.
Are these suppliers safe? How do I avoid scams?▼
Every supplier in our directory has been reviewed by our team. For additional protection: always request samples before bulk orders, use payment methods with buyer protection (credit card, PayPal, Trade Assurance), check for verifiable business information, read reviews from other buyers, and never wire money to an unknown supplier. Download our free Supplier Vetting Checklist for the full 25-point protocol.
Do I need a business license to buy wholesale?▼
Most international platforms (AliExpress, DHgate, Alibaba) don't require a business license for B2C purchases. For US-based wholesale suppliers, a resale certificate (sales tax permit) is often required to buy at wholesale prices and avoid paying sales tax. Getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number) is free through the IRS and makes the whole process smoother.
Where should I sell my wholesale products?▼
The most popular channels are: Amazon (FBA for hands-off fulfillment), eBay (great for electronics and collectibles), Shopify (build your own brand), TikTok Shop (fast-growing, especially for sub-$30 impulse products), Facebook Marketplace (local, no fees), and Etsy (handmade or niche products). Start with one channel, learn it well, then expand.
How do I find trending products before they're saturated?▼
Use Google Trends to spot rising search interest. Monitor TikTok's "For You" page for viral product videos. Check Amazon's Movers & Shakers list daily. Follow AliExpress bestseller categories. Subscribe to our newsletter — we send a "Hot Product of the Week" every Tuesday based on data, not guesswork.