Become a Wholesale Distributor
From Your Southern California
Freight and Shipping Company
River Plate Fulfillment and Trucking

Become a Wholesale Distributor...

River Plate Fulfillment is bringing you this series of pages on wholesale distributors because many of our customers are distributors or are interested in becoming a distributor. The services we provide (Pick and Pack in Southern California, Nationwide Trucking, and fulfillment in California...to name a few) could not be without the loyalty and trust that our clients' relationship is built upon. Our goal is 100% satisfaction on the work and service we provide to all of our customers.

How to Become a Wholesale Distributor / What are Distributors

A wholesale distributor is an entrepreneur who organizes manufacturer-to-customer sales of wholesale goods and merchandise. Normally, a wholesale distributor operates out of a store or warehouse, although in the age of the Internet, many are opting to set up shop online.

For a more detailed explanation on the definition of 'distributors' jump to the What are Distributors page.

Eight Crucial Steps

Becoming a distributor requires many steps. These steps are relatively easy, but it is crucial to follow each one to the best of your ability in order to stay ahead of the competition. The good news is there is a ton of information out there to help you as you cross each step off your list. The Internet allows us to have access to valuable information. So, if you don't know an answer...just 'Google' your question, and you will find a myriad of resources.

Step 1 / Investment Capital

Enroll yourself in a marketing training course. You can can also self-study about the products you are starting to distribute. The more complete your understanding of the economical forces that drive the business world, the better your chances of success.

Step 2 / Choose a Product

Choose a type of product that you would like to distribute. For instance, if you know a lot about beauty products, gravitate towards the beauty/cosmetics/skin care supply industry. If you know a lot about computer hardware, become a wholesale electronics distributor.

Step 3 / Become a Wholesale Distributor / Contact the Manufacturer

Contact the makers or manufacturers whose products you prefer to carry. Then, ask about their wholesale prices, and their agreements or contracts. Compare these to retail rates, shipping and operating cost expenses, and decide which products have the greatest earnings potential.

Step 4 / Write a Business Plan

Compose a business plan detailing how you plan to establish your business. To complete this step, you'll need to acknowledge what products you plan to carry, how much merchandise you anticipate being able to move and who you think you'll be able to move it to. Be sure to detail costs, expenses, and the anticipated size of your staff and profit projections.

Step 5 / Become a Wholesale Distributor / Find Resources

Accomplish the start-up capital you'll need to get your wholesale distributor business up and running. If you have enough money avoid going to bank and apply for loans.

Step 6 / Find a Niche

It will take time for your distribution company to register on the map, and you'll need to differentiate yourself from your competition through lower prices or better service to attract and maintain your market share.

Step 7 / Become a Wholesale Distributor / Study Your Competitors

Analyze your competition. The most successful wholesale distributor knows what his competitors are doing and figures out a way to do it better.

Step 8 / Grow Your Business / Choose a Fulfillment House

Continue to build and grow your distribution business until it becomes profitable. Once it does, you can start to look at cost-cutting measures you can take to make it even more profitable.

Once you begin to move more and more products, you will need to hire a Fulfillment House. A Fulfillment House will store your inventory, pick and pack your items, and ship them to your customer. For more information on this service visit River Plate Fulfillment.

Thank you for visiting the Become a Wholesale Distributor page. For more pages on the topic of distributors, follow these links: