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How to Buy Gifts Below Retail Prices

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By DaughterNature
User-Submitted Article
(8 Ratings)
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Shopper
vistaprint, DaughterNature.com, Better Business Bureau

In this slow economy consumers and retailers alike are feeling the tough times. However we can still find great prices on quality gifts when looking for "wholesale Gifts" and if you are a reseller, of course this is a must. Here are some tips on what to watch for. According to the United Nations Statistics Division, "wholesale" is the resale (sale without transformation) of new and used goods to retailers, to industrial, commercial, institutional or professional users, or to other wholesalers, or involves acting as an agent or broker in buying merchandise for, or selling merchandise to, such persons or companies.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Internet Access
  • Paper and Pen
  • Your Shopping List
  1. Step 1
    Search!
     
    Search!

    Don't assume all "wholesalers" sell solely to resellers or require a "bulk" purchase. We all know we can pretty much find anything we want on the Internet. Not all "wholesalers" fit into official definition, however may still offer great deals. Be sure to check out as many search results as you can for the best wholesale prices on a product you are looking for.

  2. Step 2
    Shipping&Handling
     
    Shipping&Handling

    Many stores will lure you in by offering low prices, but charge high shipping costs, so be sure to check shipping and handling costs.

  3. Step 3
    Refund Fees & deadlines
     
    Refund Fees & deadlines

    Read store policies when making a purchase. Make sure you check their return/refund policy. Find out how long you have to return an item. Don't assume you have 30 days. Many companies will refund, however will charge the usual 20% restocking fee.

  4. Step 4
    Special Promotions
     
    Special Promotions

    Sometimes customers buy something at a great price to later realize they could have saved an additional 5% - 15% on store's already low prices! Watch out for "mail in rebate" rules/deadlines and be sure to print guidelines for your records.

  5. Step 5
    DaughterNature.com - Over 50% off Retail
     
    DaughterNature.com - Over 50% off Retail

    Check out for special promotions offered on discontinued items or clearance items. You may miss special deals/promotions unless you check out offers prior to placing your order. This Zebra Lamp for example is over 50% off retail at DaughterNature.com, however as of this post, there is an offer for an additional 10% off by using a coupon at check out!

  6. Step 6
    Check For All Available Discounts
     
    Check For All Available Discounts

    If you own a business, and you will resell what you buy, check if wholesaler will give you additional discounts depending on how much you purchase. Some wholesalers indeed will only sell to retailers/resellers.

  7. Step 7
    BBB
     
    BBB

    Be sure to check how long a company has been in business and if they have any negative claims listed in the local BBB (Better Business Bureau). Not a prerequisite but it helps, should you later have a dispute.

Tips & Warnings
  • Don't assume "wholesalers" only sell to stores or require a minimum purchase
  • Don't just pick a company from top search results. Prices and service are not necessarily better
  • Check their store policy such as return/refund policy
  • Check if there are any promotions before placing an order
  • Don't be afraid to call company and ask for an additional discount
  • Before buying something, compare shipping costs with other wholesalers. Sometimes the merchandise is priced low but shipping and handling cost is very high.
  • Be sure you will be sent a tracking number so you can follow your package's progress
  • This is a personal tip: I always make sure a company is not going to sell my information to other companies...

Comments  

| View All 8 Comments

Sounique said

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on 12/20/2008 Great tips! Keep em coming... :)

MotherDove said

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on 12/15/2008 Very informed article. These are tips that I don't want to shop without. Thanks!

TheHabe said

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on 12/14/2008 Thanks for another super article!

staysik said

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on 12/13/2008 Good 5-star article, thank you for the ideas.

shawnee50 said

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on 12/12/2008 Thanks for your great advice I sure can use some of it.

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