Finding Quality Beauty and Personal Care Suppliers

A large part of a retail establishment’s business is represented by its beauty & personal care suppliers. These suppliers are responsible for providing a wide range of products from hair care, skincare, make up, and cosmetics to massage and tanning products. A retailer cannot sell all the products it needs to fill its shelves; therefore, it must contract with a reliable supplier to provide the products that are in demand at a price the retailer can afford. For this reason, purchasing beauty items through a supplier can be a smart business move for retailers who want to increase their sales while spending less on overhead costs. Suppliers can also provide a larger supply of a product than a retailer could buy on its own, increasing the likelihood of a sale being made and increasing the profitability of that sale. This makes suppliers an excellent choice when a retailer is looking for a supplier that can expand its product line.

Beauty products that are sold through suppliers include soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body wash, lotions, cosmetics, towels, bath & beauty products, and nail care. Depending on the retailer’s product line, the supplier may sell one or a combination of these items. Some beauty products are sold by volume and some by weight. Wholesale products are usually sold in bulk quantities and may be sold in retail outlet stores or to specialty shops and spas. In addition, some beauty products are sold online and are purchased directly from the manufacturer who likely supplies them to a network of retailers across the country or globe.

When purchasing items from suppliers, retailers need to make sure they are dealing with a reputable company that has been in business for a significant period of time and is capable of supplying high quality goods that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications. Suppliers need to guarantee the quality of their products and abide by federal and state laws regarding the sale of cosmetics and other personal care products. It is the responsibility of the retailer to check suppliers for certification and licensing before purchasing from them. Companies that offer guarantees or warranties are more likely to provide quality merchandise than companies that do not offer such protections.

As an individual seller, finding a reliable supplier requires time and effort. A good way to narrow down the possible suppliers is to ask your friends and family for references. You may also consult the Better Business Bureau or visit online sites that help you locate suppliers. Your local phone book may also list a few suppliers but most local retailers have no record of complaints about suppliers. You may be able to find a supplier or two within a short distance away from where you live. Internet searches can help you locate suppliers who may not be available in your area.

Once you have identified potential suppliers, it is important to check each company’s product offerings and ensure they have a solid history of providing quality merchandise. You should also ask for references and conduct business with those companies that offer a money back guarantee. You can either send merchandise in for testing or samples, which many retailers encourage, to determine the quality of their products. For high-end or specialty items, you may prefer to test them at home before making a purchase. Your choice of retailer should also have an influence on which suppliers to use.

When buying personal care and beauty products, make sure to consider how you will ship products to your customers. Many retailers offer a nationwide overnight express service and some have same-day shipping as well. The cost of the shipping will depend on the amount of inventory you are carrying and whether the company ships by UPS or FedEx. Finally, consider purchasing your items from a company with a solid reputation in the personal care products industry.