As you already know, whatever wholesaler you choose for your business will impact your success. So, this is hands-down going to be a relationship that you don’t want to take for granted in the slightest. But beyond just this relationship that you have with them, you have to make sure that the products you’re getting from them are top-notch. After all, whatever you’re getting from your suppliers will reflect your brand and affect your reputation, too. Since you want to do the best you can to protect your business and your reputation, here's how you can ensure that the wholesaler you partner with is 100% ethical and compliant.
By Team Savant
Image: pmv chamara
Request Documentation
Sometimes, it can be as simple as this. Any good wholesaler, whether an electrical wholesaler, supply wholesaler (like candle wax) or textiles wholesaler — literally any legitimate wholesaler — will have proper documentation to back up their claims. So, when considering a partnership with a wholesaler, ask for documentation regarding their compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
What documentation might this be? Well this could include certifications, licenses, and compliance reports related to product safety, labeling, and environmental regulations. You don’t have to worry about a reputable wholesaler because they will be transparent and willing to provide this information. One that’s not legitimate will not be able to provide it, make up an excuse, or could probably even create a fake one (but with research, you can spot a fake).
Ask About Ethical Sourcing Practices
You’re going to be their customer, so you have every right to ask any question you want about their supply. However, you can’t state that the products in your store are ethically sourced when, in reality, they’re not. That can get you into legal trouble, and it’s really going to hurt your brand, too (such as coming off as untrustworthy).
Besides, ethical sourcing is increasingly important to consumers, so as a business owner, you have a responsibility to ensure that the products they sell are ethically sourced. So don’t be afraid to ask any questions. You can ask about their sourcing practices, including labor conditions, environmental impact, and social responsibility initiatives.
You really need to look for wholesalers who prioritise fair labor practices, sustainability, and transparency in their supply chain. Again, they need documentation to prove this; it’s not just what they say; they need to show proof!
Keep Yourself Informed
Sometimes laws change, and not knowing isn’t a good excuse either. You’re still responsible for what your business sells, so you really need to stay informed about changes in laws, regulations, and industry standards that may impact your business or the products you sell.
You’ll also need to regularly review industry publications, attend seminars or webinars, and participate in industry associations to stay up-to-date on compliance requirements and best practices. If you’re in an industry-oriented community, you’ll usually hear about these laws and regulations changes fairly quickly.