3 Things to Know About Selling on Wholesale Marketplaces

3 Things to Know About Selling on Wholesale Marketplaces: A Handmade Seller's Guide

Ready to take your handmade business to the next level by diving into wholesale? Wholesale marketplaces like Faire, Bulletin, and Abound are fantastic platforms to get your products in front of thousands of retailers who are looking for unique, artisanal goods. But before you jump in, there are some key things to know to maximize your success. Wholesale marketplaces are a game-changer, but they come with their own set of rules, opportunities, and challenges. Here are three things you need to know to thrive on these platforms.

1. Understand the Fees and Terms

Wholesale marketplaces are great for connecting you with retailers, but it’s important to understand the costs involved. Most platforms charge a commission on sales—typically ranging from 15% to 25% for new customers. There might also be fees for things like shipping or payment processing. Be sure to read the fine print and understand how these fees will impact your pricing and profit margins. Some marketplaces also offer perks like net 60 payment terms or free returns, which can be attractive to retailers but might affect your cash flow.

Example from My Experience: When I first joined Faire, I was excited by the influx of orders. But I quickly realized that the 25% commission for new customers was eating into my margins. I adjusted my pricing to account for this and started using Faire Direct, which allows me to send existing customers to my Faire page at a 0% commission rate. This helped me balance customer acquisition costs with profitability.

2. Optimize Your Listings for Maximum Visibility

Your product listings are your storefront on wholesale marketplaces, so make them count! High-quality photos, engaging descriptions, and clear pricing are essential to attract retailers. Use keywords that buyers are likely to search for, and keep your descriptions concise yet compelling. Consider adding a story element to your product descriptions to differentiate your brand—buyers love knowing the backstory behind your creations.

Example from My Experience: I noticed a significant increase in my visibility and sales after I updated my product descriptions with keywords like “handmade pottery,” “eco-friendly home decor,” and “small-batch candles.” I also added lifestyle photos to show my products in real settings, which helped retailers visualize how they could display them in their stores. This small tweak led to more views and orders.

Your product listings are your first impression—make them shine with beautiful photos, compelling stories, and SEO-friendly descriptions.

3. Build Relationships Beyond the Platform

Wholesale marketplaces are great for getting discovered, but building a loyal retailer base requires some relationship-building effort. Don’t just rely on the platform to do all the work—reach out to retailers who’ve placed orders to thank them, ask for feedback, and keep them updated on new releases or special promotions. You can also use these platforms as a way to funnel retailers to your own website or direct ordering process, where you might offer better terms or incentives.

Example from My Experience: After receiving my first order from a boutique through Bulletin, I sent a personalized thank-you email along with a small sample of a new product line. The retailer loved it and placed a second, larger order directly through my website, where I offered them a small discount for bypassing the marketplace. This not only saved me on commission fees but also built a stronger, direct relationship with a key retailer.

Question for You:

What’s been your biggest challenge when selling on wholesale marketplaces? Have any tips or tricks that worked for you? Share your experiences in the comments below—let’s help each other succeed in wholesale.

Wholesale marketplaces can open doors to new opportunities, but success requires a bit of strategy and finesse. By understanding the fees, optimizing your listings, and fostering relationships beyond the platform, you can turn these marketplaces into powerful allies for your handmade business. Happy selling, and may your products find homes in wonderful stores everywhere! ✨