The Handbook
All guides
Practical, plain-English answers about finding suppliers, pricing products, and buying and selling wholesale. Pick a topic or scroll the full library.
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How to Read a Bill of Lading
A plain-English walkthrough of every section of a bill of lading, the main BOL types, and what to check before you sign for freight.
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How to Pitch a Retail Buyer by Email (With Examples)
How to pitch a retail buyer by email: research the store, write a short pitch that gets opened, follow up the right way, and…
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How to Get a Resale Certificate So You Can Buy Wholesale
Here’s how to get a resale certificate: register for a state sales tax permit, complete the resale form, and give it to your wholesale…
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Domestic vs. Overseas Suppliers: How to Choose
Domestic vs overseas suppliers: compare unit price, minimums, lead times, landed cost, and import rules to pick the right source for your products.
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How to Calculate Landed Cost Per Unit (Step-by-Step)
Landed cost is what a product really costs once it reaches your door. Here’s the formula, the fees to include, and a full worked…
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How to Buy Cosmetics and Skincare Wholesale Safely
How to buy cosmetics and skincare wholesale safely: where to buy, what the FDA requires, label checks, and how to avoid fake or expired…
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Supplier Agreement Checklist: 12 Terms to Get in Writing
A plain-English supplier agreement checklist: the 12 terms every small retailer or brand should get in writing before placing a wholesale order.
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What Does a Freight Forwarder Do? (And Do You Need One?)
A freight forwarder books and manages your international shipments. Here’s what they do, what they charge, and whether you need one.
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Consignment vs. Wholesale: Which Is Better for Your Products?
Consignment vs wholesale: how each model works, who carries the risk, a side-by-side profit example, and what to put in a consignment agreement.
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Do You Need a Business License to Buy Wholesale?
Most wholesalers want proof you’re a real business, usually a resale certificate and a tax ID. Here’s what you actually need and how to…
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How to Find a Manufacturer for Your Product Idea
A step-by-step guide to finding a manufacturer for your product idea: write a spec, build a shortlist, compare quotes, test samples, and start small.
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What Is a Good Profit Margin for Retail Products?
What counts as a good profit margin for retail products, how gross and net margin differ, and how to set prices that actually leave…
Wholesale Handbook 