Product Importing & Wholesale Distribution
Import products from international suppliers and distribute to domestic retailers
Overview
Import wholesalers generate $500,000-$10,000,000+ annually with 20-50% margins.
In 2025, global sourcing provides competitive advantages.
Initial investment $50,000-$500,000 includes product inventory and deposits, shipping and logistics, customs duties and fees, warehousing, and working capital.
Revenue from wholesale markups (typically 30-100% over landed cost), volume discounts and terms, private label and exclusive products, drop shipping services, and value-added services (kitting, packaging).
Successful importers source quality products at competitive prices, build reliable supplier relationships, navigate customs and compliance, manage inventory and cash flow effectively, and distribute through multiple channels.
Retailers, e-commerce sellers, and distributors as customers.
Marketing through trade shows and product sourcing events, wholesale marketplaces, direct sales to retailers, industry publications, and product catalogs.
Required Skills
- International Sourcing
- Supplier Negotiations
- Customs & Compliance
- Inventory Management
- Logistics Coordination
- B2B Sales
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Access global products and competitive pricing
- High margins on unique imported products
- Scale by adding products and customers
- Build valuable supplier relationships
- Multiple distribution channels available
Cons
- Significant capital required for inventory
- Customs, duties, and regulatory compliance complex
- Long lead times and shipping delays
- Currency fluctuations affect costs
- Quality control challenges with overseas suppliers
How to Get Started
- Select product category and target market
- Source suppliers through Alibaba, trade shows, agents
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and product samples
- Arrange shipping, customs broker, and logistics
- Import products and clear customs
- Warehouse inventory and manage fulfillment
- Sell wholesale to retailers and distributors
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