Question 1

What is a wholesaler?

Accepted Answer

A wholesaler is a trade-tier supplier that holds stock across multiple SKU lines and sells in case-pack to pallet quantities to retailers, marketplace sellers, and other resellers. Wholesalers sit between manufacturers and retail buyers — they absorb inventory risk, consolidate range across brands, and offer faster fulfilment from existing stock than going direct-to-manufacturer. The verified wholesaler accounts on WholesaleUp operate across the EU, UK, and North America with multi-region warehousing.

Question 2

How do MOQs and pricing work with wholesalers?

Accepted Answer

Wholesaler pricing is tier-based: the more you order per line, the lower the per-unit cost. Most wholesalers list a minimum order quantity (MOQ) per SKU — typically a case pack or full carton — plus volume breaks at pallet and container scale. Trade pricing is usually 30–55% below RRP depending on category and supplier scale. Profile pages on WholesaleUp surface MOQ floors, payment terms (pro-forma, net 30, net 60), and sample availability so buyers can shortlist by commercial fit.

Question 3

Are wholesalers on WholesaleUp verified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every supplier account is verified through documentary review (business registration, VAT/EIN where applicable, trade references) before profile activation. The platform displays verification badges on the supplier card so buyers can shortlist confidently across the EU, UK, and North America. [Standard+](/retailer-upgrade) tier viewers see additional trust signals on each profile (rating, reviews, response-time metrics).

Question 4

How do I contact a wholesaler?

Accepted Answer

Open any of the wholesaler's deal listings — or its profile — and click **Send Enquiry**. The enquiry routes to the supplier's inbox and you'll be notified when they reply. Free buyers can contact Supplier Pro members; [Standard+](/retailer-upgrade) buyers can enquire on any wholesaler through its deal listings (a non-Pro supplier's standalone directory profile still needs Premium). Premium and Premium+ buyers also get full directory contact access — phone, email, and website URLs visible across all wholesaler profiles.

Question 5

What's the difference between a wholesaler and a distributor?

Accepted Answer

A wholesaler holds stock across many brands and sells to anyone in the trade. A [distributor](/suppliers/distributors) holds appointed distribution rights for specific brands within a defined territory and sells exclusively through trade channels. Distributors give you the cleanest paper trail for marketplace compliance (Amazon brand-gating, eBay authorised reseller status) on the brands they cover. Wholesalers give you broader range flexibility and faster turnaround across multiple brand lines.

Question 6

Can I dropship from a wholesaler?

Accepted Answer

Some wholesalers offer dropshipping (single-unit shipping direct to your customer) but most operate at case-pack scale. Filter the directory by the dropshipping flag, or browse [/suppliers/dropshippers](/suppliers/dropshippers) for accounts whose primary model is dropship-direct fulfilment. Dropship-capable wholesalers typically charge a small per-order handling fee and may have a minimum monthly order volume.

Question 7

What is a manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

A manufacturer is a direct-from-source supplier that operates its own production facilities — factories, workshops, or production lines — and ships product directly to wholesale buyers. Buying from a manufacturer cuts out intermediary margins and offers the deepest cost-down opportunity in the supply chain. The verified manufacturer accounts on WholesaleUp span every major product category and operate across the EU, UK, and North America with multi-region production capacity.

Question 8

What are typical MOQs from a manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturer MOQs are higher than wholesalers' — typically a full case pack at minimum, with most production-run programmes (private label, custom branding) starting at 500–1,000 units per SKU. Per-unit pricing drops sharply at pallet and container scale. Each profile lists production capacity, MOQ floors, lead times from purchase order to dispatch, and the customisation depth available (label-only, formula-bespoke, full tooling).

Question 9

How are manufacturers verified?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturer accounts go through extra documentary review: factory registration, production licences, certification posture (ISO, BRC, GMP, EN71, and category-specific equivalents), and trade-reference checks. Verified profiles display badges + the certifications held. [Standard+](/retailer-upgrade) viewers see the full certification list + the regions each manufacturer is licensed to ship into.

Question 10

How do I contact a manufacturer for production?

Accepted Answer

Click **Send Enquiry** on the manufacturer's profile and include: target SKU specification (or sample), quantity range, target launch date, and any branding/packaging requirements. Manufacturers typically respond with a quotation that breaks down per-unit cost at multiple volume tiers + lead times. [Premium+](/retailer-upgrade) buyers can also use [Custom Sourcing](/help/faq?q=custom-sourcing) to have the platform's team find matching manufacturers for a specific spec.

Question 11

What's the difference between a manufacturer and a brand owner?

Accepted Answer

A manufacturer produces product but may not own the trademark or brand identity. A [brand owner](/suppliers/brand-owners) is the entity that designed, registered, and markets the brand — with full control over pricing, MAP policy, and regional distribution rights. Buying direct from the brand owner gives you the cleanest provenance + authorised reseller status. Buying from a manufacturer (without a brand-owner relationship) is appropriate for private-label, white-label, or custom-spec programmes where you'll attach your own brand identity.

Question 12

What's the typical lead time from a manufacturer?

Accepted Answer

Lead times vary by category and customisation depth. Standard catalogue product is typically 2–6 weeks from order to dispatch; private-label production with bespoke artwork or packaging adds 4–8 weeks for sample sign-off + production scheduling. Each manufacturer profile lists their typical lead-time bands so buyers can shortlist by delivery-date fit. Volume discounts often kick in at the 8–12 week lead-time tier (which lets the manufacturer batch your run with other clients).

Question 13

What is a distributor?

Accepted Answer

A distributor is the appointed wholesale channel for specific brands within a defined territory — they hold authorised distribution rights, carry deep stock of the brands they represent, and sell exclusively through trade buyers. Buying through an authorised distributor gives you the cleanest paper trail for marketplace compliance (Amazon brand-gating, eBay authorised reseller status) on the brands they cover. The verified distributor accounts on WholesaleUp span FMCG, electronics, fashion, beauty, and homeware across the EU, UK, and North America.

Question 14

How do distributor territories work?

Accepted Answer

Distribution rights are licensed by territory — a distributor authorised to sell brand X in the UK may not be authorised to sell into the EU or North America. Each profile lists the territories the distributor is appointed to cover. If you're buying for a specific market, filter or shortlist by the distributor's authorised territory to ensure post-purchase support (warranty, returns, brand-marketing co-op) is available where your customers are located.

Question 15

Can a distributor unlock Amazon brand-gating?

Accepted Answer

Yes — buying from an authorised distributor produces the paper trail (commercial invoice + distributor's authorisation letter) that Amazon requires to ungate restricted brands. The distributor's authorisation document can be uploaded to Amazon's Brand Approval portal as part of the unlocking workflow. Confirm with the distributor BEFORE purchase that they'll provide the authorisation letter on company letterhead — it's standard practice but worth verifying for the brand and category you're targeting.

Question 16

How does distributor pricing compare to manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

Distributor pricing carries a small premium over going direct-to-manufacturer (typically 5–15%) in exchange for several advantages: faster fulfilment from in-region stock, lower MOQs (no production-run minimums), warranty + returns support, and the authorised-reseller paper trail. For most retailers the trade-off favours distributors unless you're operating at production-run scale or need bespoke private-label specifications.

Question 17

What's the difference between a distributor and an importer?

Accepted Answer

A distributor sells the brands they're appointed to represent within their territory. An [importer](/suppliers/importers) handles cross-border sourcing — customs clearance, duty calculation, regulatory compliance, freight consolidation — and may sell across many brands without exclusive rights. Distributors give you brand-specific authority + warranty support; importers give you broader sourcing capability for products manufactured outside your local market.

Question 18

Can I become an exclusive distributor for a brand?

Accepted Answer

Some brand owners on WholesaleUp are open to appointing new distributors, including on exclusive or semi-exclusive terms in territories they don't currently cover. Browse the [brand owners directory](/suppliers/brand-owners), shortlist by category fit + your target territory, and use **Send Enquiry** to open a distributorship conversation. Brand owners typically request a distribution business plan + projected first-year volume before formalising terms.

Question 19

What is a dropshipper?

Accepted Answer

A dropshipping supplier holds stock on your behalf and ships single units direct to your customer when you take an order — removing the working-capital and warehousing burden from your business. WholesaleUp's verified dropshipping accounts span every major retail vertical and operate fulfilment from warehouses across the EU, UK, and North America, so your customers receive in-region delivery at standard parcel speeds.

Question 20

Do dropshippers offer blind shipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes — most verified dropshipping accounts dispatch with YOUR business as the sender on the packing slip + return-address label, not the supplier's. This keeps the customer relationship anchored to your storefront and prevents them from going around you on reorders. Profiles list whether blind shipping is supported + whether custom packing slips (your logo, branded inserts) are an additional service.

Question 21

Which ecommerce platforms do dropshippers integrate with?

Accepted Answer

Most dropshippers offer Shopify and WooCommerce integration via app or CSV-feed. Many also support Amazon FBM, eBay, and BigCommerce. Each profile lists the supported platforms + the integration shape (real-time inventory sync, daily CSV feed, API webhook). Confirm latency + tracking-number push posture before launch — customers expect 1–2 day order-to-tracking notification, which most reliable dropshippers achieve.

Question 22

What margins are achievable with dropshipping?

Accepted Answer

Dropship margins are typically 15–40% gross depending on category and competition. Categories with strong product differentiation (artisan, branded, niche-vertical) carry the higher end; commoditised categories (generic accessories, mass-market electronics) sit at the lower end where Amazon and marketplace competition compresses prices. Profile pages show the wholesale price + suggested RRP so margin math is upfront before you list.

Question 23

Should I use a dropshipper or a wholesaler?

Accepted Answer

Use a dropshipper when launching a new SKU range, testing demand, or running a low-capital storefront — you pay the supplier per-order and never tie up cash in inventory. Switch to a [wholesaler](/suppliers/wholesalers) (or buy direct from a manufacturer) once you've proven a SKU — case-pack pricing is materially lower and your margins improve substantially. Many successful retailers run hybrid: dropshipping for exploration + wholesale for proven bestsellers.

Question 24

How are returns handled in dropshipping?

Accepted Answer

Most dropshippers operate one of three returns models: (a) supplier processes returns directly on your behalf for a per-return fee; (b) returns ship back to YOUR address and you forward to the supplier; (c) destroy-on-arrival for low-value items. Confirm the model + the per-return fee BEFORE launch — customer-friendly returns policies (free returns, 30-day window) materially affect storefront conversion + reorder rates. The platform's verified dropshippers list their returns policy in the profile.

Question 25

What is a brand owner?

Accepted Answer

A brand owner is the entity that designed, registered, and markets a product line — they hold the trademark and define pricing, MAP policy, and regional distribution rights. Buying directly from a brand owner gives you the cleanest provenance possible + authorised reseller status. The verified brand-owner accounts on WholesaleUp span apparel, beauty, homeware, electronics, and food categories across the EU, UK, and North America.

Question 26

How do MOQs work with brand owners?

Accepted Answer

Brand-owner MOQs depend on the brand's distribution strategy. Established brands typically operate through appointed distributors and accept direct retail orders only at meaningful volume (often pallet+ minimums). Emerging or DTC-first brands often accept retail-grade MOQs (case packs) to accelerate distribution. Profile pages list MOQ floors, payment terms, and whether the brand is open to direct-retail orders or requires going through their authorised distributor network.

Question 27

How are brand owners verified?

Accepted Answer

Brand-owner verification includes trademark registration check (USPTO, EUIPO, UKIPO, IPONZ where applicable) + business registration + trade-reference review. Verified profiles list the territories where the brand's trademark is registered, the categories it covers, and any sub-brands or trademark variants that fall under the same ownership. Buyers can confirm authorised-reseller status at the trademark-office record before placing first order.

Question 28

How do I contact a brand owner for direct supply?

Accepted Answer

Click **Send Enquiry** on the brand-owner profile and include: target SKU range, projected first-order volume, target territory, and your retail/online channel mix. Brand owners typically respond with their distribution policy — direct-retail terms, or a referral to their authorised distributor if exclusive arrangements are in place. [Premium](/retailer-upgrade) buyers get full directory access including phone + email for follow-up.

Question 29

Should I buy from a brand owner or their distributor?

Accepted Answer

Buy direct from the brand owner when you need specific brand co-marketing support, want to negotiate exclusive territory or product variants, or are operating at production-run scale. Buy from an appointed [distributor](/suppliers/distributors) when you need lower MOQs, faster fulfilment from in-region stock, and standard authorised-reseller paper trail (sufficient for Amazon brand-gating). Most retailers operate hybrid: distributor for stock-list, brand-direct for bespoke programmes.

Question 30

Can a brand owner offer private label?

Accepted Answer

Some brand owners operate dual programmes: their own branded line PLUS private-label or white-label production for retailers who want to launch their own brand. Filter the brand-owner directory by the private-label flag, or browse [/suppliers/private-label](/suppliers/private-label) for accounts whose primary model is white-label production. Brand owners offering private label typically require higher MOQs (production-run scale) than retailers can meet for stock-list ordering.

Question 31

What is a private-label supplier?

Accepted Answer

A private-label (or white-label) supplier produces product to your specification and ships under YOUR brand identity — they handle packaging, formula, and labelling against your artwork. Verified private-label accounts on WholesaleUp cover packaging, formula development, lab testing, regulatory compliance, and production at MOQs that suit emerging brands and established retail programmes. The supplier base operates across the EU, UK, and North America with multi-region fulfilment.

Question 32

What MOQs do private-label suppliers require?

Accepted Answer

Private-label MOQs vary widely by category. Cosmetics + supplements typically start at 500-1,000 units per SKU per packaging variant. Apparel + soft-goods start at 100-300 units per SKU per colour/size. Food + beverage usually requires 1,000+ units per recipe. Lower MOQs are achievable on existing-formula private-label (label-only swap on the supplier's stock formula) vs bespoke development (your spec from scratch). Each profile lists per-vertical MOQ bands.

Question 33

What certifications do private-label suppliers carry?

Accepted Answer

Private-label production typically requires category-specific certifications: cosmetics/supplements need GMP and CPNP/FDA registration where applicable; food + beverage need BRC, SQF, or HACCP; toys need EN71/CPSC; electronics need CE/FCC. Each profile lists the certifications held + the regions the supplier is licensed to ship into. [Standard+](/retailer-upgrade) viewers see the full certification list + lab-test posture.

Question 34

How does a private-label engagement work?

Accepted Answer

Typical workflow: (1) brief — send target spec, sample, or reference; (2) sample round — supplier produces a development sample at cost; (3) artwork sign-off — packaging design + label compliance review; (4) production run — full MOQ batch produced + shipped. Total cycle is 8-16 weeks depending on category complexity. Use **Send Enquiry** to start; [Premium+](/retailer-upgrade) buyers can also use [Custom Sourcing](/custom-sourcing) for spec-matched supplier shortlisting.

Question 35

What's the difference between private label and manufacturer-direct?

Accepted Answer

Private label is a SERVICE offered by some manufacturers — they produce against YOUR brand spec. A general [manufacturer](/suppliers/manufacturers) may sell only their own catalogue or accept custom spec only at high volumes. Private-label-specialist suppliers are tooled for low-MOQ branded production with established artwork-to-shipping workflows. Filter manufacturers for private-label capability, or browse the private-label directory for accounts whose primary model is white-label production.

Question 36

Do I need to register a trademark before private label?

Accepted Answer

Trademark registration is recommended but not strictly required to launch a private-label SKU. Most private-label suppliers ship under any artwork you provide. However, registering your brand at USPTO/EUIPO/UKIPO BEFORE launch protects you from trademark squatting + enables Amazon Brand Registry, eBay authorised-reseller status, and other channel-specific brand-protection programmes. Budget 6-12 months for trademark registration to issue, in parallel with first-batch production.

Question 37

What is a wholesale importer?

Accepted Answer

A wholesale importer handles cross-border sourcing — customs clearance, duty calculation, regulatory compliance, freight consolidation, and last-mile distribution to in-region buyers. Importers source from manufacturing hubs in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America, then warehouse and distribute across the EU, UK, and North America. For retailers without in-house import capability, importers take on the full duty-and-VAT burden + offer product on standard wholesale trade terms.

Question 38

Do importers handle customs and duty?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's their core value proposition. Importers act as the importer-of-record, meaning customs clearance, duty payment, VAT/HMRC handling, and regulatory compliance are all settled before product reaches your warehouse. You buy on standard wholesale terms (DDP — delivered duty paid) at a price that already includes the import overhead. Compare this with sourcing direct from offshore manufacturers, where YOU become the importer-of-record + handle all paperwork yourself.

Question 39

Which source countries do importers cover?

Accepted Answer

Verified importers on WholesaleUp specialise by source-country region. Common pairings include: China + South-East Asia (electronics, apparel, homeware, accessories); Eastern Europe (textiles, furniture, food); Turkey + Middle East (textiles, leather, food/spices); South America (food, beverage, organic). Each profile lists the source countries each importer is established in, the verticals they cover, and any preferential-trade certificates (EUR.1, GSP, USMCA) they handle.

Question 40

What MOQs do importers require?

Accepted Answer

Importer MOQs are typically lower than going direct-to-offshore-manufacturer (the importer absorbs container-load risk on your behalf) but higher than buying from in-region [wholesalers](/suppliers/wholesalers). Common entry points are pallet quantity (1-2 pallets) for established importers, or case-pack scale for importers operating warehouse-distribution programmes. Each profile lists per-SKU MOQ + whether dropshipping or LCL (less-than-container-load) is supported.

Question 41

Should I use an importer or source direct from overseas?

Accepted Answer

Use an importer when you want simplicity (DDP pricing, no customs paperwork, in-region warranty support), lower order volumes than container scale, and faster cycle times (weeks not months). Source direct from offshore manufacturers when you have strong logistics + customs expertise, target full container-load volume, and need bespoke spec or private-label tooling. Most retailers start with an importer + only move direct once they've proven a SKU at scale.

Question 42

Do importers handle regulatory compliance for restricted categories?

Accepted Answer

Yes — for regulated categories (electronics, toys, cosmetics, food, supplements, medical devices) verified importers handle the EU CE marking, UK UKCA marking, North American FCC/FDA registrations, and category-specific certificates (EN71, CPSC, GMP, etc.) as part of the import workflow. The certified product arrives ready-to-list. Confirm the specific certifications BEFORE first order — regulated-category compliance is non-negotiable + the importer's responsibility shifts to YOU once the product is on your shelves.

Question 43

What is a wholesale exporter?

Accepted Answer

An exporter specialises in wholesale shipping out of their home market into international destinations — supplying buyers in regions where the exporter's source country offers a price, quality, or specification advantage. Verified exporter accounts on WholesaleUp handle outbound shipments from manufacturing centres across the EU, UK, and North America to buyers worldwide, with FCL and LCL options + full export documentation.

Question 44

What Incoterms do exporters use?

Accepted Answer

Common exporter Incoterms include EXW (you handle freight + customs from the exporter's facility), FOB (exporter handles freight to port; you handle ocean freight + destination customs), CIF (exporter pays cost + insurance + freight to destination port; you handle destination customs + duty), and DDP (exporter handles everything to your door — most expensive but simplest). Each profile lists supported Incoterms; choose based on your in-house logistics expertise.

Question 45

What export documentation do exporters provide?

Accepted Answer

Standard export documentation includes commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, bill of lading or air waybill, and where applicable preferential-trade certificates (EUR.1 for EU-UK trade, GSP form A, USMCA certificate of origin, or country-specific equivalents). Verified exporters provide all required paperwork as part of the shipping workflow. Confirm the specific documents you need at your destination customs office BEFORE first shipment.

Question 46

Can exporters handle regulated or licensed-category goods?

Accepted Answer

Yes — verified exporters who hold export licences for regulated categories (alcohol, tobacco, firearms, agricultural products, dual-use technology) list those licences on their profile. Licensed-category exports require additional documentation: export licence, end-user undertaking (for dual-use), CITES permits (for protected species), and origin-specific certificates. Confirm export-licence + your destination's import-licence requirements with the exporter before first order.

Question 47

What's the difference between an exporter and an importer?

Accepted Answer

Same supply chain viewed from opposite sides. An exporter operates in the SOURCE country + ships goods out. An [importer](/suppliers/importers) operates in the DESTINATION country + brings goods in. If you're buying from outside your home market, you typically engage either: (a) the importer in YOUR country (simpler, more expensive, faster), or (b) the exporter in the source country (cheaper, more paperwork, slower). Profile pages for each side clarify which axis they operate on.

Question 48

What payment terms do exporters typically accept?

Accepted Answer

First-time export deals often require pre-payment or letter-of-credit (L/C) given the cross-border counterparty risk. Established relationships move to telegraphic transfer (T/T) at 30/70 (30% deposit + 70% before shipment), or open-account terms (net 30/60) once trust is established over multiple successful shipments. Smaller-scale exporters working with marketplace-grade buyers also accept Stripe + PayPal + escrow services as buyer-protection alternatives.

Question 49

What is a trading company?

Accepted Answer

A trading company brokers wholesale supply across multiple brands and source-country relationships — acting as a single point of contact for buyers who need diversified product lines without managing a long supplier roster. Verified trading-company accounts operate across the EU, UK, and North America with established sourcing relationships in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South America. Trading companies simplify multi-line procurement, consolidate freight, and offer a single trade-credit facility.

Question 50

What's the difference between a trading company and a distributor?

Accepted Answer

A [distributor](/suppliers/distributors) holds APPOINTED rights for specific brands within a defined territory — they're the brand's authorised channel. A trading company brokers across many brands without exclusive rights — they're a multi-brand intermediary. Distributors give you brand-specific authority + warranty support; trading companies give you broader category coverage + single-point-of-contact convenience. Many retailers use both — distributors for brand-led category entries + trading companies for multi-brand assortments.

Question 51

How do trading-company MOQs work?

Accepted Answer

Trading companies typically operate at LCL (less-than-container-load) and FCL (full container) scales — they consolidate orders across multiple brands into shared shipments. Per-line MOQs are usually pallet quantity, with mix-and-match across brands so a single FCL container can carry 5-10 SKU lines from different brands. This pooled-shipping model gives smaller buyers access to container-load economics that single-brand sourcing wouldn't allow.

Question 52

Do trading companies offer trade credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's a key advantage of working with trading companies vs sourcing direct from manufacturers. Trading companies typically offer net 30/60/90 trade credit to established retailer accounts, backed by trade-credit insurance (Atradius, Coface, Euler Hermes are the common providers in the EU/UK/NA region). New accounts start on pre-payment or partial-deposit terms; trade-credit gets approved after 2-3 successful settled orders.

Question 53

Can trading companies provide sanitised invoices for marketplace compliance?

Accepted Answer

Some trading companies provide sanitised invoices (commercial-invoice variant with the original-supplier identity removed) for buyers who need to satisfy marketplace authenticity checks without disclosing their sourcing chain to the marketplace. Confirm this option BEFORE first order — not all trading companies offer it, and Amazon/eBay invoice-verification rules vary by category. Profile pages list whether sanitised-invoice provision is available.

Question 54

Which verticals are trading companies strongest in?

Accepted Answer

Trading companies are particularly strong in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), apparel, electronics accessories, homewares, and gifting categories — verticals where SKU breadth matters more than per-line specialisation. They're typically weaker in regulated categories (food, supplements, cosmetics, electronics requiring CE/FCC certification) where direct-from-manufacturer or appointed-distributor relationships are preferred for regulatory compliance. Each profile lists the verticals each trading company specialises in.

Question 55

What is a liquidator?

Accepted Answer

A liquidator specialises in stocklot, clearance, end-of-line, and customer-return inventory — wholesale supply at materially below-RRP pricing for buyers willing to take mixed-condition or limited-life-cycle product. Verified liquidator accounts on WholesaleUp source from retail chains, brand owners, and distributors clearing dead stock across the EU, UK, and North America. Common categories include clothing/footwear, consumer electronics, beauty + personal care, homewares, and small kitchen appliances.

Question 56

What condition grades do liquidators use?

Accepted Answer

Common condition grades: **Sealed** (factory-sealed, never opened); **A-grade** (open-box but functionally perfect); **B-grade** (cosmetic blemishes, fully functional); **C-grade** (functional but visible wear); **Customer-returns** (mixed condition — often manifested per-SKU); **Salvage** (untested or known-defect, sold for parts/repair). Each liquidator profile lists the grades they ship at + whether loads are manifested (per-SKU detail) or unmanifested (mystery pallet).

Question 57

What's the difference between manifested and unmanifested loads?

Accepted Answer

**Manifested loads** carry a per-SKU detail sheet — quantities, descriptions, original RRPs, condition grades — so buyers can pre-calculate the resale value before purchase. They cost more per pallet but de-risk the buy. **Unmanifested loads** ship blind — you know the category + total piece count but not specific SKUs. Cheaper per piece but a gamble; experienced resellers price unmanifested loads at 10-25% of total RRP and rely on volume + diversification to beat the average.

Question 58

Where does liquidation inventory come from?

Accepted Answer

Three primary sources: (1) **Retailer-direct** — chain stores clearing seasonal end-of-line, returns, or store-closure inventory; (2) **Brand-owner-direct** — brands clearing manufacturer overstock, discontinued lines, or marketing samples; (3) **Distributor-cleanout** — appointed distributors clearing slow-moving territory inventory. Each source has different condition profiles + RRP-discount expectations. Profile pages list each liquidator's primary source mix.

Question 59

Where can I resell liquidation inventory?

Accepted Answer

Common resale channels: marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy — confirm condition disclosure rules per channel), auction sites (Whatnot, Hibid), discount retailers (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Big Lots), independent shops (clearance/discount fascias), and direct-to-consumer flash-sale sites. Most liquidators don't restrict resale channels but some require non-compete clauses (e.g. don't resell into the original retailer's territory). Confirm restrictions BEFORE purchase.

Question 60

How is liquidation inventory priced?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is typically expressed as a percentage of original RRP. Common bands: Sealed/A-grade at 25-40% of RRP; B-grade at 15-25%; customer-returns at 10-20% (mixed condition); unmanifested mystery pallets at 5-15%. The lower the condition grade + the more unmanifested the load, the lower the per-piece cost. Successful resellers target 3-5x markup at resale to cover the volume of unsellable units in any liquidation lot.

Question 61

What is a sourcing agent?

Accepted Answer

A sourcing agent is a commission-based procurement specialist who finds suppliers on your behalf — typically deployed when you have a specific product specification (or sample) and need a supplier that can manufacture or supply it at the right price, quality, and lead time. Verified sourcing-agent accounts on WholesaleUp operate across the EU, UK, and North America with field networks in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and South America.

Question 62

How do sourcing agents charge?

Accepted Answer

Three common fee models: (1) **Commission-only** — agent earns 3-8% of the product cost on every order they introduce, paid by the supplier. No upfront cost to you but the supplier may price-up to absorb the commission. (2) **Retainer plus commission** — fixed monthly retainer (£500-£2,000/mo) plus reduced commission. Suits ongoing programmes. (3) **Per-project flat fee** — for one-off sourcing engagements, a fixed fee (£1,500-£5,000) covers shortlisting + sample sourcing.

Question 63

Do sourcing agents handle factory inspection and quality control?

Accepted Answer

Many do — factory inspection (FAI, in-process, pre-shipment) and quality-control sampling are typical add-on services from sourcing agents who operate in-region field teams. Inspection reports include AQL (acceptable quality limit) sampling per ISO 2859, photographic documentation of defects, and packaging integrity checks. Confirm inspection-cost structure BEFORE engagement — typically £200-£500 per inspection day, on top of the sourcing-agent commission or retainer.

Question 64

Should I use a sourcing agent or an importer?

Accepted Answer

Use an [importer](/suppliers/importers) when you want a turnkey wholesale supply (DDP-pricing, in-region warehouse, ready-to-buy stock-list). Use a sourcing agent when you have a specific bespoke spec, want to negotiate factory-direct pricing, or are launching a private-label programme where the agent's factory network adds value beyond simple distribution. Many retailers operating production-scale programmes use BOTH — agent for sourcing + importer for one-off in-region pickups.

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WholesaleUp™ Directory›Supplier Types Explained

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Supplier Types Explained

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