How to source suppliers for non-book items

To find suppliers for items like cards, gifts, and stationery, start by searching online, visiting trade shows, and exploring social media. Your goal is to find partners whose products fit your shop's unique style and quality standards. Before committing, always check their wholesale prices, minimum order quantities, and delivery terms to ensure they are a good fit for your new business.

Where to find potential suppliers

Finding the right products to complement your main offering is a creative process. You're looking for items that will catch a customer's eye and add value to their visit. Here are the best places to start your search:

• Trade Fairs: Events like the Spring Fair and Autumn Fair at the NEC in Birmingham, or Top Drawer in London, are fantastic for discovering thousands of brands under one roof. You can see and feel the products in person and speak directly to the people behind them.
• Online Marketplaces: Websites like Faire and Ankorstore are specifically designed to connect independent retailers with wholesale brands. They often have low minimum order values, making them ideal for new businesses.
• Social Media: Instagram and Pinterest are visual goldmines. Search for hashtags like #UKmakers, #stationeryaddict, or #greetingcarddesigner to find small, independent creators whose work you admire. Many will have a 'wholesale' or 'trade' link in their bio.
• Local Artisans: Don't underestimate the appeal of locally made products. Visit local craft markets or search online for makers in your area. Stocking local goods can create a strong community connection.
• Competitor Research: Take a look at what similar, non-competing shops in other towns are stocking. If you see a brand you like, look them up online.

What to look for in a supplier

Once you have a list of potential suppliers, you need to assess if they are the right fit for your business. Create a simple checklist to compare them:

• Product Quality & Style: Does the quality reflect your brand? Does the style fit with your other products? If possible, ask for a sample before placing a large order.
• Wholesale Pricing: Check the wholesale price per item and the Recommended Retail Price (RRP). This will determine your potential profit margin. A typical retail markup is between 2 and 2.5 times the wholesale cost.
• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): This is the smallest order a supplier will accept. Some have a low MOQ (e.g., £100), while others are much higher. Make sure it's an amount you are comfortable investing.
• Carriage Paid Amount: This is the order value at which the supplier will offer free delivery. If your order is below this, you'll have to pay for shipping, which eats into your profit.
• Lead Times: How long does it take from placing an order to it being delivered? Reliable and quick turnaround times are crucial, especially for seasonal stock.
• Exclusivity: Some suppliers may offer 'territorial exclusivity', meaning they won't supply to another shop within a certain radius of yours. This can be a great advantage.

Setting up your first trade account

The process is usually straightforward. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Make Contact: Send a professional email introducing your business. Explain your shop's concept, where you are located, and why you think their products would be a great fit.
2. Request Information: Ask for a trade catalogue, a price list, and details of their ordering terms (like MOQ and carriage paid).
3. Complete an Application: Most suppliers will ask you to fill out a simple trade account application form with your business details. You don't always need to be a limited company; many suppliers are happy to work with sole traders.
4. Place Your First Order: Once your account is approved, you can place your first order. Many suppliers have online trade portals, while others will take orders via email using a simple spreadsheet.

Top Tip: Start with a small, diverse group of suppliers. Ordering a little from several sources is less risky than placing one huge order with a single new partner. This lets you test what sells best without tying up too much of your cash in stock.