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Do you sell crafts on Etsy or at a flea market? Need supplies for your retail store? I sell my handmade jewelry both online and offline, and it was a learning curve trying to figure out where to source my supplies in bulk the cheapest while not compromising on quality and aesthetic.
If you are searching for a reliable way to order the retail store supplies that you need online, there are some tips that can be offered. One can find just about anything they can think of online these days. But the wise are diligent and patient in their search. Use this breakdown to know how to find the right match for your business needs.
#1 Start With Research
The first place that you are going to want to start with is by researching online providers of retail store supplies. There are quite a few to choose from. To help narrow your search, look for customer reviews, peer reviews, selection, pricing and shipping and returns options to find a good fit for your business needs. Take your time during the selection process and you will be able to find a reputable vendor.
#2 Look For Special Offers
Don’t automatically presume that you are being offered the best price. Rather, search around for special offers. Many retailers will issue press releases announcing site wide sales, which is a great place to start. Deal websites and social media can often net you other options with uncovering special offers and deals that can save you a lot of money, too.
#3 Search For Coupon Codes
Even after you have found a good merchant that offers retail store supplies online, you should take your search one more step further. Most retailers have shopping cart discount codes that you can enter to save even more money at the time of checkout. You can find these by conducting searches on Google and other engines. There are also plenty of online coupon code and deal websites that furnish these codes. But you will need to test codes out to find ones that are still active.
#4 Find Price Match Pledges
With a variety of merchants all competing for your business online, you can bet that they are all hungry for the next sale. What this means is that most will offer to match a competitor’s pricing. This also gives you some wiggle room on who you will choose to shop with. For example, say you really like one vendor for a variety of reasons, but they have shoddier prices than a competitor. You can simply submit the price match information required and still get the same deal. The benefit is that most often you have the choice of whom you shop with, and most vendors will be happy to meet or beat a price to earn your business.
#5 Review Returns Policy
Bear this factoid in mind when shopping for retail store supplies online: about 30% of all online orders end up being returned by consumers. In over 60% of the cases of returns, the return is not their fault. According to Entrepreneur Magazine, shoppers should look for four things with a returns policy. These include: generous return period, automated process, hassle-free policy and no restocking or return shipping fees.
Hopefully these tips help you secure a great vendor with excellent selection and pricing. In parting, one last tip can be offered: take your time. Be patient while searching for the supplies that you need, and you can find a reputable vendor that offers the best deals and selection.
QUESTION: Do you own a store where you constantly source for quality but cheap materials online? Any more tips you’d like to add?
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Disclaimer: Although this post may contain sponsored links, all information has been approved by me.