Sourcing Products from SaleHoo
The beauty of owning a small online boutique is that when you need new inventory, you can easily find great items at local yard sales and thrift shops. That was my life as a fledgling entrepreneur until I decided to step up my game and grow my business.
Local suppliers couldn't keep up with my retail needs anymore, so I started exploring other options. That's how I discovered wholesaling. This option not only expanded and diversified my inventory but also saved me a lot of money through better credit terms, exclusive deals, and free shipping offers.
SaleHoo was one of the first wholesale platforms I used, and I still rely on it. I continue to use it to connect with reliable suppliers, get fresh ideas for my ventures, and source unique products.
In this guide, I'll cover everything you need to know about SaleHoo, including its pros and cons, who it's for, and whether it's legitimate and safe. I'll also give you step-by-step instructions on how to source products in bulk and where to sell them for profit.
Let’s get started.
Introduction to SaleHoo
SaleHoo is an online wholesale directory and community for online retailers, particularly those flipping products on eBay, Amazon, and their own online stores.
It provides a database of verified suppliers, including wholesalers, dropshippers, and liquidators, to help users avoid scams.
To access SaleHoo’s wholesale directory, market research tools, educational resources, and community support, you must sign up for a membership. You have two options: Annual Membership, which costs $67, and Lifetime Membership, which costs $127.
SaleHoo currently has over 137,000 registered users and lists more than 1.6 million products on its website.
How does SaleHoo’s Wholesale Directory work?
Once you become a member, you can log in to your SaleHoo account and access the Wholesale Directory from your dashboard. Finding specific suppliers is as simple as entering keywords related to the products you are interested in.
You can even narrow down your search results using filters such as product category, location, minimum order requirements (MOQs), and shipping options.
Each supplier in the directory has a detailed profile that includes their company information, product range, MOQs, shipping details, and payment terms. SaleHoo also shows the most recent reviews and ratings suppliers have received from previous customers.
Once you identify a potential supplier, you can contact them via email or phone to inquire about pricing, product details, and any specific requirements you may have. You can also negotiate terms to get the best deal.
Who should source products from SaleHoo?
SaleHoo has quickly become popular because of its unique and invaluable features. While it mainly benefits wholesalers, many suppliers in its directory also cater to other types of businesses, including:
- New E-commerce Entrepreneurs
- Dropshippers
- Small Business Owners
- eBay and Amazon Sellers
- Online Store Owners
- Brick-and-Mortar Retailers
After many years in retail, one crucial lesson I've learned is that it's unwise to trust a supplier 100%. You have to maintain a degree of skepticism to safeguard your investment. SaleHoo can provide another layer of protection so you can push the trust bar a little higher.
How to Use SaleHoo
Sourcing products from SaleHoo involves several steps, from signing up for an account to finding and contacting suppliers. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Go to Salehoo.com.
- Choose a membership plan.
- Enter your details to create an account and complete the payment process.
- Log in to your SaleHoo account and familiarize yourself with the dashboard.
- Navigate to the supplier directory from the dashboard.
- Use the search bar to look for suppliers by product type, category, or location. You can also use filters to narrow down your search.
- Click on supplier profiles to view detailed information, including contact details, product range, minimum order requirements, and shipping options.
- From the dashboard, navigate to the Market Research Lab tool.
- Enter keywords related to the products you're interested in.
- Review the data provided, including product trends, competition levels, and potential profit margins. This will help you identify profitable products to sell.
- Compare multiple suppliers based on their profiles, product offerings, and terms.
- Look for reviews and ratings from other SaleHoo users to gauge the reliability and quality of the suppliers.
- Contact the supplier you prefer using the details provided in the supplier profiles.
- Discuss pricing and try to negotiate better rates, especially if you plan to place large orders.
- Ensure you have a clear understanding of the payment terms, shipping schedules, and any other important details.
- Confirm the details of your order, including quantities, prices, and delivery dates.
- Follow the supplier's payment instructions to complete the purchase.
- Keep track of your shipments to ensure timely delivery.
- Upon receiving the products, check them for quality and accuracy against your order.
From here, you can sell your products on Amazon, eBay, and other popular marketplaces for a profit. If you’re planning to sell them on Walmart Marketplace, make sure they’re products that are already sold at Walmart. Otherwise, they won’t get listed.
Is SaleHoo Legit?
SaleHoo is legitimate—I can attest to that. It has been around since 2005. In all the years I’ve used it, I’ve never encountered any safety concerns. Every supplier I’ve worked with through this platform has been authentic and has had an outstanding track record.
Another reason I believe SaleHoo is the real deal is that it offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with their service, you can request a refund within this period, which adds a layer of security for new users. This feature has worked well for many retailers I personally know.
Then there’s their 24/7 customer support, which is more responsive than any customer support I’ve experienced. They assist users with any issues they might encounter, whether it’s navigating the platform, finding suppliers, or understanding market data.
Problems You Might Encounter When Using SaleHoo
One question I get asked a lot is if SaleHoo users run into problems. Like other wholesale platforms, SaleHoo isn't perfect, and you might encounter some issues. The good news is that most of these problems are easy to fix.
For example, some suppliers have very high MOQs, which can be prohibitive for small businesses or those just starting out. Fortunately, many of these suppliers are willing to lower their requirements in exchange for a small markup.
Another problem you may encounter is long shipping times, which is expected if you need to import products from a distant country. One way to address this is to filter your supplier search by location and choose those near or within your country.
There might also be inconsistencies in product quality, especially when ordering from new suppliers. To avoid this problem, always request and evaluate samples before placing a large order. Maintain clear communication with suppliers regarding your quality expectations.
Miscommunication or language barriers can also be a significant hindrance to what could otherwise be a smooth transaction. They can lead to misunderstandings about product specifications, order details, and shipping instructions.
One solution is to use translation tools and communicate through email, where you can translate and edit your message before sending it.
Other common problems on the platform include unexpected costs (such as customs duties, taxes, and handling fees), difficulty in returning products or obtaining refunds, and non-compliance with local regulations, which can lead to legal issues or customs delays.
Knowing these potential problems can help you take proactive measures—conduct thorough research, choose a suitable means of communication, and come up with a contingency plan.
Is sourcing products from SaleHoo worth it?
Whether sourcing products from SaleHoo is worth it depends on your specific business needs, goals, and circumstances.
Given its massive database of high-quality products and suppliers, comprehensive educational resources, and advanced market research tools, SaleHoo is undeniably a valuable resource for many entrepreneurs.
However, it’s important to weigh the membership cost against the potential benefits and to consider your specific business needs.
If you are looking for a reliable platform to help you find quality suppliers and you value the additional tools and resources SaleHoo provides, it is likely worth the investment.
On the flip side, if you have very specific sourcing needs or are working with a very tight budget, you might need to carefully evaluate whether the membership fee is justified for your situation.
How I Find Great Deals on SaleHoo
Snagging the best wholesale deals can be challenging, even on SaleHoo. I usually combine thorough research, effective negotiation, and optimal use of the tools available on the platform to achieve it. Let me share my strategy.
First, I define my criteria. Before logging into my SaleHoo account, I ensure that I know what I’m looking for—its type, quality, and features. I also have a clear idea of my budget, including the maximum price I’m willing to pay.
When I start the search, I use all the available filters to find the listings that precisely match the product I have in mind. This product should be in high demand and have low competition.
I always expect the product to be provided by multiple suppliers. Therefore, I go over each supplier’s profile and pick the most tenured ones on the platform, those with the highest number of sales and outstanding ratings. I contact them to get quotes and then compare their prices, shipping costs, and terms.
I keep these quotes with me so I can refer to them when prices come up during negotiation. When negotiating terms, I take into account that suppliers often have room for negotiation, especially on larger orders.
Suppliers might try to hide this, but I always make sure to show them that I know. This way, they back off from their argument and are more likely to accept my offer.
Win New Customers with Products from SaleHoo
I’d pick SaleHoo over other wholesale platforms in a heartbeat. The platform’s extensive directory of verified suppliers has consistently provided me with reliable options, helping me grow my business without the fear of dealing with fraud or low-quality products.
Overall, if you're serious about expanding your inventory and want a trustworthy resource to connect with top-notch suppliers, SaleHoo is worth considering. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive support, and valuable tools make it a great asset for both new and experienced entrepreneurs.