8 Ways to Find Products For Your Subscription Box | EP 167

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One of the most important aspects of our subscription box is the products we put inside it. Whether you’re brand new to business or an experienced subscription box owner, finding the right products at the right prices can be challenging. Where do you start?  What about when you begin to grow?  How do you buy in bulk?

Before you start shopping, you will need your sales tax permit and resellers certificate. File for your sales tax permit first and then you’ll be able to get your resellers certificate. 

Where you head next depends on where you are in your business. You’ll go through several stages as your subscription box grows and how and where you find products changes through those stages. I found in my own business that buying product for my growing subscription box was different from buying product for my brick-and-mortar shop or the early days of my subscription box. 

So how can you find the products you need? I broke the information down into three categories based on where you are in your subscription box journey. 

1. When you’re brand new to business: 

• Local Shops/Brands - Reach out to local businesses and tell them what you’re doing. Go to your favorite shops and local business owners. The ability to support local business owners is invaluable, especially when you’re starting small.
• Facebook Wholesale Groups - A lot of wholesale shops have Facebook Groups where they showcase items and communicate with buyers. There’s likely going to be a Facebook Wholesale group for whatever you’re looking for. Look around and see what you can find - it’s easy to join when you find a group that might work.

2. Once you’ve established yourself and have some orders behind you:

Many of these sources require a reference from someone you’ve purchased from and/or other proof of business operation and sales. 

• Online Marketplaces such as Faire -Faire is an online marketplace for wholesalers. You can shop thousands of vendors on one platform with low required minimum order quantities. 
• Direct vendor wholesale site - Go directly to the websites and look for a wholesale link. See if you can apply for a wholesale account with them.
• Markets or Trade shows -These are scheduled events that happen across the country where hundreds or thousands of vendors come to connect with buyers. You can walk through all their booths, see their products in person, meet with vendors, and place orders. Markets are a great place to network with other businesses and build relationships. Here are some resources for details on shows:
• NY Now
• Dallas Market Center
• Las Vegas Market
• America's Mart

Market can be overwhelming - I recommend going with a friend! 

I want you to go to a Market. They opened my mind to brands and vendors I never would have found or considered, opened my eyes to trends, and allowed me to make relationships. I’ve met vendors at Market who have grown along with me and my business. 

3. You’re growing and it’s time to start making bigger bulk purchases:

When you grow past a certain point, it’s time to buy bulk and consider working with overseas manufacturers. 

• Global Marketplace - Alibaba, AliExpress, and IndiaMart are a great way to lower costs for items. I was amazed by how much greater my profit margins could be. I purchased small items first to get comfortable with product quality and shipping time. However, since the items are coming from overseas, you’ll need to give them more lead time when ordering. Understand that shipping can be affected by global bottlenecks, but they are a great place for sourcing. 
• White Label from an Existing Vendor - Vendors allow you to custom-make products under their supply chain and manufacturing process and put your label on it. Once you’ve built a relationship with a vendor, ask about white labeling or private labeling. It’s an easy process!  
• Sourcing Services - You can work with a sourcing agent who works with manufacturers on your behalf, getting products for you at really great prices. This sourcing agent handles all the communication and organization. 

I’ve been in all three of these stages of business. I still work with local vendors, still go to Market and order from vendors, still produce white label products, and work with sourcing services. 

Through years of experience, I’ve learned lessons. My advice for you:

• Use several different vendors - don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
• Build relationships - get representatives and keep in touch with them. Relationships are so important in our business. 
• Prices are negotiable - don’t be afraid to ask. Always ask for bulk pricing or discounts or free shipping or products. The bigger your business gets, the more buying power you have.

If you are working on a T-Shirt subscription, I’ve got a great FREE resource for you.  Check out my favorite t-shirt brands and styles pdf.  There are SO many choices when it comes to t-shirts - this resource will help you find the best ones for you and your customers!  

Join me for this episode as I walk you through 8 ways to find products for your subscription box. Whether you’re just getting started or need more product options as you grow, get answers to your product sourcing questions! 

Sarah’s Favorite T-Shirt Brands and Styles