How to Become a Janitorial Wholesaler
A wholesaler (also commonly referred to as a wholesale distributor, supplier, distributor, or vendor) is a person or a company that buys goods straight from the manufacturer and then sells those goods to retailers or service providers. For instance, a janitorial wholesaler buys cleaning supplies such as mops, brooms, vacuums, etc., from various manufacturers and then sells them to a janitorial service.
To become a janitorial wholesaler, you'll need to determine which manufacturers you will buy from, attend trade shows, have ample storage space and get a distribution or wholesale agreement from those manufacturers.
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Instructions
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Attend trade events. The first step in becoming a wholesaler of any product is to understand which manufacturers produce the products you will be selling to retailers or service providers. Go to your local library or book and magazine store and look through publications that list trade industry entities. You will find not only the names of manufacturers, but what they manufacture, their contact information and general information about the company.
In addition, janitorial trade publications will also have information on upcoming trade shows and events. Attend these events and introduce yourself to the manufacturer's representative(s) and ask them about their wholesaler requirements.
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Acquire storage and office space. Most wholesalers choose large warehouses to store their products. Depending on the size of your janitorial wholesale business, you'll need enough space to accommodate not only the products you buy from the manufacturers but a delivery staging area and office space. Make sure the space is ample to accommodate all your particular needs.
If possible, choose a space that has been used by a previous wholesaler so you will save time and money not having to rearrange or build-out the space to suit your needs.
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Determine the manufacturers you will buy from. Once you have sufficient information about several manufacturers, make a list of pros and cons for each. For instance, what is the market share of their product? Is it in demand among janitorial cleaning services? Is it dependable? Is it affordable at a retail price to janitorial services? How much do you have to order? Does the manufacturer offer an EOQ (Economic Order Quantity - a bulk purchase of goods at a discounted price)? What is their method of delivery and can they replenish inventory quickly to wholesalers?
Rearrange your list to reflect the manufacturers with the most positive attributes and contact them first.
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Sign a wholesale or distribution agreement with the manufacturers. Contact the manufacturers and request a wholesaler's agreement or distribution agreement. You might have to provide a business license or occupational license and/or warehousing permit to the manufacturer and may also have to sign a non-compete agreement that limits the areas in which you are allowed to sell or distribute the manufacturer's products.
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Tips & Warnings
To run a janitorial wholesale business, you will likely need a business license and possibly a hazardous materials inspection before acquiring said license. Call your Secretary of State's office to inquire about what permits and/or licenses are required in your area.
References
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