Shopify wholesale and everything to know about!

Shopify, a prominent e-commerce platform, has garnered support from millions of merchants across approximately 175 countries. Since its inception in 2006, the platform has successfully processed sales exceeding $812 billion, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

It is a perfect e-commerce platform for a B2C business model and a B2B business model. If you are preparing to sell wholesale on Shopify, this article will give you information about Shopify wholesale and everything to know about it. 

Let’s discover now!

What is Shopify wholesale?

Shopify wholesale refers to the sale of goods in bulk at a discounted price to businesses, such as retailers, restaurants, or other manufacturers, who then resell those goods at a higher price to the end consumer in the Shopify platform.

It’s like buying things in large quantities at a cheaper price per unit. Imagine it like buying a big bag of candy instead of individual pieces – you get more for your money but have to sell or consume it all yourself.

Here’s a breakdown of the wholesale process:

• Manufacturers or producers create the goods.
• Wholesalers buy the goods in bulk from the manufacturers at a discounted price.
• Wholesalers store the goods in their warehouses.
• Retailers or other businesses purchase the goods from the wholesalers at a slightly higher price than the wholesale price.
• Retailers or other businesses sell the goods to the end consumer at an even higher price.

Wholesaling plays a crucial role in the supply chain by:

• Providing retailers with access to a wide variety of products at competitive prices.
• Reducing the costs of manufacturers by allowing them to produce goods in bulk.
• Helping to distribute goods throughout the country or even the world.

There are two main types of wholesalers:

• Merchant wholesalers: These wholesalers buy and own the goods they sell. They typically have large warehouses and a sales force.
• Agent wholesalers or brokers: These wholesalers do not own the goods they sell. They act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers and earn a commission on each sale.

Can store owners sell wholesale on Shopify?

Yes, Shopify provides features and functionality that allow store owners to sell wholesale. 

With Shopify’s Wholesale channel or through third-party applications accessible in the Shopify App Store, businesses have the opportunity to set up wholesale pricing, create exclusive catalogs for wholesale customers, and manage bulk orders. 

These tools enable businesses to effectively cater to both retail and wholesale customers on the same platform, providing flexibility for a variety of selling models. Store owners can set specific pricing structures, minimum order quantities, and other parameters to tailor their wholesale operations to meet their business needs.

Benefits of selling wholesale on Shopify

• Increased revenue: Wholesale orders are typically much larger than individual retail purchases, leading to a significant boost in overall revenue. 
• Scalability and efficiency: Fulfilling fewer, larger orders is often more efficient than dealing with numerous smaller transactions. Plus, dealing with a smaller pool of wholesale accounts simplifies customer service and support needs.
• Market reach and brand awareness: Wholesale partners often have established customer bases, giving your brand access to new markets and demographics. Being chosen by wholesale partners can add a layer of credibility and confidence to your brand.
• Inventory management: Wholesale orders can help stabilize inventory levels and predict future demand more accurately.
• Product feedback: Insights from wholesale partners can be valuable for product development and improvement.
• Diversification: Adding a wholesale channel can diversify your income streams and mitigate risk.

5 Ways to set up Shopify wholesale

1. Sell on the wholesale marketplace

One of the best ways to sell Shopify wholesale is to partner with existing marketplaces. Many wholesale marketplaces can grant you access to established buyer bases and potentially larger order volumes

Here’s a breakdown of some top contenders across different categories to help you narrow down your options:

For wider reach and simplified logistics:

• Faire: Focuses on home, lifestyle, and outdoor products, connects with high-quality retailers, handles shipping and duties for a 15% commission, and provides marketing and support resources.
• Tundra: Connects brands with independent retailers across the US and Canada, focuses on food and beverage, offers personalized account management and marketing assistance, and allows flexible pricing.

For curated and exclusive partnerships:

• Handshake: Developed by Shopify, only open to Shopify stores, no commissions currently, smaller but growing buyer pool, ideal for building close relationships with key partners.
• JOOR: Caters to high-end fashion and accessories brands, offers virtual showrooms and targeted buyer connections, and requires a monthly subscription and brand application.

For global reach and diverse products:

• Doba: Vast directory of wholesale suppliers in various categories, connects brands with manufacturers worldwide, no commission fees, requires a monthly subscription.
• Alibaba: Global platform with a wide product range, suitable for sourcing in large quantities, lower minimum order requirements compared to other platforms, language barriers, and quality control considerations.

Bonus options:

• Amazon Business: Massive reach, established platform, FBA simplifies logistics, high competition, and fees.
• RangeMe: Focuses on food and beverage, connects brands with large retailers and distributors, and requires application and membership fees.

2. Use a third-party wholesale app

The alternative approach involves providing wholesale options on your online store exclusively to customers who have logged in with wholesale credentials. Installing a third-party wholesale app for selling wholesale on Shopify can be a fantastic way to streamline your operations and open up new opportunities.

Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Increased efficiency: Wholesale apps automate many tasks like custom pricing, order management, and customer accounts, saving you time and effort.
• Enhanced flexibility: Many apps offer features like tiered pricing, minimum order requirements, and role-based access control, allowing you to customize your wholesale program to fit your needs.
• Improved insights: Gain valuable data on your wholesale customers and orders, enabling you to make informed decisions about pricing, marketing, and inventory management.
• Wider reach: Some apps connect you with a larger pool of potential wholesale buyers through their platforms or integrations.
• Scalability: As your wholesale business grows, most apps can scale with you, providing features and support for larger order volumes and a higher number of customers.

Cons:

• Costs: Third-party apps usually have monthly fees or transaction fees, which can add to your operating expenses.
• Integration complexity: Setting up and integrating a wholesale app with your Shopify store can require some technical expertise.
• Reduced control: While you customize your program within the app’s framework, you might have less control over the overall look and feel of your wholesale experience compared to building your own solution.
• Potential dependence: Your wholesale operations become reliant on the functionality and stability of the third-party app.

Overall, using a third-party wholesale app can be a valuable tool for Shopify businesses looking to expand their reach, streamline operations, and gain valuable insights into their wholesale channel. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and select an application that aligns with your particular requirements and objectives.

3. Utilize B2B features on Shopify

Implementing the blended store method on Shopify Plus involves seamlessly integrating B2B ordering into your existing direct-to-consumer (DTC) store. This approach is well-suited for businesses with a robust online presence, serving as a strategic entry point into the wholesale market. 

Ideal for those not yet ready to implement distinct pricing or navigation features for various buyer types, the blended store allows for a gradual transition into wholesale without significant alterations. 

However, it’s essential to note that shopper data is largely intertwined in this model. To leverage this approach, businesses should be prepared to invest in the Shopify Plus plan, which comes with a monthly cost of $2,000.

This method caters to brands seeking a balanced and integrated solution as they navigate the complexities of both retail and wholesale operations.

To transition to Shopify Plus, you can reach out to their team, follow the upgrade process, or access it through your Shopify store admin account under Settings. This upgrade grants you access to Shopify’s B2B features, with a key focus on robust company profiles. 

Through Shopify Plus, companies can manage multiple locations, customer groups, custom pricing lists, payment terms, and various wholesale discounts—features particularly advantageous for selling to wholesale shoppers. 

The blended store concept seamlessly integrates both direct-to-consumer (DTC) and wholesale orders. Essentially, it enhances your existing store with a new portal dedicated to wholesale buyers. Here, they can access exclusive wholesale price lists, payment terms, discounts, and any other configurations tailored to their needs.

4. Install wholesale channel by Shopify Plus

Installing a wholesale channel by Shopify Plus means opting for the dedicated store. This involves constructing a specialized storefront with segmentation tailored for an expanding wholesale channel. 

This approach is most suitable for sellers experiencing active growth in their wholesale channel, requiring more in-depth reports and customizations for these customers. However, managing a new storefront demands additional time and resources, so it’s crucial to ensure that you have the necessary resources in place. 

Similar to the blended store, committing to the monthly cost of $2,000 for Shopify Plus is essential to unlock the full suite of Shopify’s B2B features. This method is designed for businesses ready to invest in a dedicated wholesale space with enhanced capabilities and tailored management tools.

In the realm of Shopify, a dedicated store is essentially an extension of your existing direct-to-consumer (DTC) store, designed exclusively for your wholesale buyers. Accessible through a login, this separate storefront allows sellers to leverage the full suite of B2B features. 

To unlock these capabilities, sellers must have a Shopify Plus membership. Notably, as the dedicated store is exclusively for wholesale customers, any modifications or messaging implemented here will solely affect this specific customer segment. 

This tailored approach ensures that changes made within the dedicated store are precisely directed towards and resonate with wholesale buyers.

5. Separate online store

You can easily establish a separate store for wholesalers by adding a sub-domain or utilizing a distinct domain. This involves duplicating your existing online store, implementing password protection, and customizing it to provide a precise shopping experience tailored for your wholesale customers. 

Whether through a sub-domain or separate domain, this method allows for the creation of an independent storefront dedicated exclusively to the needs and preferences of your wholesale audience. 

For example, if your retail store, for example, is at www.flowerstore.com, your wholesale store could simply be at wholesale.flowerstore.com (or anything else you’d like to call the subdomain). There are some pros and cons when applying this method:

Pros:

• Password protection: The ability to password-protect the store ensures exclusive access for wholesalers only.
• Precise pricing control: Full control over pricing allows for meticulous customization according to business requirements.
• Tailored business terms: Payment terms like NET-30, tax exemption, and shipping options can be specifically tailored to meet the needs of wholesalers.
• Product-specific pricing: Individualized wholesale pricing per product enables flexible and strategic pricing strategies.
• Customized wholesale experience: The opportunity to craft a unique wholesale experience, such as a simplified single-page order form for efficient product additions to the cart.

Cons:

• Management overhead: Having two separate stores introduces the challenge of managing both, potentially increasing the administrative workload.

10 Tips for selling wholesale on Shopify

Selling wholesale on Shopify can be a profitable venture, entering this business requires meticulous planning and skillful execution. Here are 10 tips to help you successfully maintain and grow your Shopify wholesale business:

1. Strategic pricing structure

A strategic pricing structure is crucial for maintaining Shopify wholesale it allows businesses to align their prices with market conditions, competition, and their own cost structures. 

By carefully setting wholesale prices based on factors such as production costs, competitor pricing, and perceived product value, businesses can ensure profitability while remaining competitive in the market. 

Additionally, a tiered pricing structure or volume discounts for larger wholesale orders can incentivize customers to increase their order quantities, fostering long-term relationships and loyalty.

2. Efficient order processing

Efficient order processing directly impacts customer satisfaction, operational effectiveness, and overall business sustainability. Streamlined order processing ensures that wholesale transactions are handled swiftly and accurately, reducing the likelihood of errors and delays. 

This efficiency contributes to a positive customer experience, fostering trust and loyalty. With an organized system in place, businesses can handle larger order volumes more effectively, scale their operations, and adapt to changing demands. 

Moreover, an efficient order processing system allows businesses to focus on building relationships with wholesale clients, addressing concerns promptly, and ultimately maintaining a competitive edge in the wholesale market on the Shopify platform.

3. Clear product information

Clear product information is instrumental in maintaining wholesale selling on Shopify. It enhances transparency, reduces uncertainty, and facilitates informed decision-making for wholesale buyers. 

Wholesale customers often require comprehensive details about products, including specifications, materials, dimensions, and pricing structures. By providing clear and detailed product information, businesses not only build trust with their wholesale clients but also streamline the purchasing process. 

Clarity in product information helps wholesale buyers make accurate choices, reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or disputes, and ultimately contributes to a more efficient and professional wholesale experience on the Shopify platform. 

Additionally, well-documented product information reflects positively on the brand’s credibility and can serve as a valuable tool in attracting and retaining wholesale customers.

4. Customized wholesale storefront

If you want to maintain successful wholesale selling on Shopify, a customized wholesale storefront is essential. By creating a dedicated wholesale section or storefront, businesses can showcase bulk pricing, minimum order quantities, and other wholesale-specific information in a clear and organized manner. 

This customization not only enhances the professionalism of the wholesale buying process but also ensures that wholesale clients can easily navigate, understand, and access the information relevant to their purchasing decisions. 

A personalized and user-friendly wholesale storefront on Shopify shows a dedication to fulfilling the requirements of wholesale buyers, fostering a positive impression, and enhancing the probability of recurring transactions and establishing enduring partnerships.

5. Customer segmentation

Customer segmentation enables businesses to tailor their strategies and offerings to the specific needs and behaviors of different customer groups. 

By categorizing wholesale customers based on factors such as order volume, location, or purchasing frequency, businesses can implement targeted marketing, pricing, and communication strategies. 

This ensures that each segment receives personalized attention and relevant information, leading to a more satisfying and efficient wholesale experience. 

6. Responsive customer support

Effective customer support is crucial in building and sustaining positive relationships with wholesale clients. 

Wholesale transactions often involve larger order volumes and more complex logistics, making prompt and effective communication essential. A responsive customer support system ensures that inquiries, concerns, and issues from wholesale customers are addressed promptly, fostering trust and confidence. 

This level of attentiveness not only contributes to a positive customer experience but also helps mitigate potential problems before they escalate. 

By providing excellent customer support, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to the success of their wholesale clients, encouraging loyalty and repeat business in the competitive landscape of wholesale selling on Shopify.

7. Regular catalog review and update 

To guarantee the ongoing relevance and competitiveness of products, and align with market trends, you need to conduct regular catalog reviews and updates. 

The wholesale landscape is dynamic, and customer preferences can change over time. By routinely reviewing and updating the product catalog, businesses can introduce new products, retire outdated ones, and adjust pricing strategies to stay competitive. 

This process keeps the wholesale storefront fresh and engaging. Moreover, it allows businesses to respond to emerging market demands and maintain the interest of wholesale buyers. 

Regular catalog updates on Shopify demonstrate a commitment to offering a diverse and up-to-date selection, contributing to sustained customer engagement and loyalty in the wholesale market.

8. Promotional campaigns

A Promotional campaign is one of the best tools for maintaining wholesale selling on Shopify. It can drive customer engagement, attract new clients, and encourage repeat business. 

Well-executed promotional campaigns, whether offering discounts, bundled deals, or exclusive offers, generate a sense of urgency and excitement around wholesale purchases. This stimulates immediate sales and helps businesses showcase the value and quality of their products to a broader audience.

By leveraging Shopify’s promotional features, businesses can effectively communicate these campaigns to their wholesale clients, fostering a dynamic and competitive presence in the market. 

9. Analytics for informed decisions

Analytics for informed decisions provides valuable insights into customer behavior, product performance, and overall business trends. 

By leveraging analytics tools available on the Shopify platform, enterprises can monitor essential metrics like sales trends, customer preferences, and inventory turnover. This data-driven approach allows for informed decision-making, enabling businesses to optimize pricing strategies, identify popular products, and refine marketing efforts. 

With a clear understanding of what works and what needs improvement, businesses can adapt their wholesale approaches to address the changing requirements of the market, ensuring competitiveness and long-term success. 

Regularly analyzing data on Shopify empowers wholesale sellers to make strategic decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and remain adaptable in reaction to shifting market dynamics.

10. Stay informed about industry trends

Lastly, staying informed about industry trends is significantly important. When businesses stay informed about industry trends, they can adapt proactively to changes in customer preferences, market dynamics, and emerging opportunities. 

The wholesale landscape is dynamic, influenced by shifts in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and economic factors. By staying abreast of industry trends, businesses on Shopify can identify new product categories, adjust pricing strategies, and implement innovative marketing approaches to stay ahead of the competition. 

This knowledge helps in meeting current market demand. Plus, it positions a wholesale business to anticipate and respond effectively to future trends, fostering resilience and sustained growth in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.

6 Best apps for Shopify wholesale

1. B2B Wholesale Club

This app allows you to create a wholesale-specific area of your Shopify store, set up tiered pricing, and control access to different customer groups. It’s known for its flexibility in managing wholesale pricing structures.

Pricing: 39$/ month for basic plan, 69$/ month for professional plan, 99$/ month for premium plan

Rating: 4.6 stars based on 686 reviews

2. Bold Custom Pricing: Wholesale

Bold Wholesale is designed to streamline the wholesale order process. It offers features like tiered pricing, minimum order quantities, and the ability to hide prices from retail customers. It’s highly customizable to suit various wholesale business models.

Pricing: 20$/ month for quantity breaks level, 39.99$/ month for basic level, 59.99$/ month for premium level.

Rating: 4.5 stars based on 1055 reviews.

3. Wholesale Pricing Discount B2B

This app lets you set up different price levels for different customer groups. It’s useful for providing specific discounts or pricing structures based on customer loyalty, order volume, or other criteria.

Pricing: 19.99$/ month for a basic plan, 34.99$/ month for the professional plan, 44.99$/ month for enterprise plan.

Rating: 4.8 stars based on 456 reviews 

4. Locksmith 

While not exclusively a wholesale app, Locksmith helps you control access to different parts of your Shopify store. This can be useful for creating a private wholesale section accessible only to approved customers.

Pricing: 12$/ month for basic Shopify level, 29$/ month for Shopify level, 99$/ month for advanced Shopify level, 199$/ month for Shopify plus level

Rating: 4.6 stars based on 472 reviews.

5. OrderLogic 

OrderLogic is designed to simplify the ordering process for wholesale customers. It includes features like minimum and maximum order quantities, tiered pricing, and easy order form creation.

Pricing: 4.99$/ month for standard level, 9.99$/ month for premium level

Rating: 4.2 stars based on 109 reviews

6. Wholesale All In One

This app offers a comprehensive solution for wholesale management, including features like tiered pricing, minimum order quantity, and a wholesale registration form. It effortlessly integrates with your current Shopify store.

Pricing: 24$/ month for basic plan, 29$/ month for professional plan, 39$/ month for business plan.

Rating: 4.7 stars based on 144 reviews

Related post: Top 10 Shopify Wholesale Apps to Consider in 2023

Start your Shopify wholesale with Mageplaza.

In case you want to find an expert team to help you start your Shopify wholesale, you can contact Mageplaza. They have a team of skilled developers who have years of experience working with the Shopify platform. 

Some important reasons why you should trust Mageplaza Shopify developers: 

• Shopify expertise: Having accumulated almost a decade of expertise, Mageplaza’s Shopify developers possess comprehensive knowledge across all facets of the platform.
• Code: Mageplaza creates inventive solutions using JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Liquid. Rigorous testing is done across major browsers and devices. Every line of code is double-checked by a seasoned Shopify expert, guaranteeing high-quality and reliable results.
• Transparency: Mageplaza’s project managers maintain regular communication via emails, phone calls, and video calls, providing flexible update frequencies ranging from weekly to daily based on your preference.
• Timeliness: Mageplaza collaborates closely with you to establish a realistic timeline, considering the project’s scope, required resources, and potential challenges.
• Security: To ensure privacy and security, Mageplaza signs NDAs and contracts before commencing any project. Additionally, they uphold data integrity by implementing robust security measures for your Shopify store. 
• Support: Contacting Mageplaza’s Shopify experts for hire eliminates concerns about time zone differences. Their customer support team is ready to assist with any questions or concerns you may have, offering ongoing support to ensure everything runs smoothly.
• Pricing: Ease your concerns about Shopify expert costs! Mageplaza provides flexible and affordable pricing options tailored to your specific needs. They provide discounts for larger projects and ongoing work.
• Scalability: Partnering with Mageplaza’s Shopify programmers allows flexible business expansion without compromising. With their expertise, stay ahead of the competition and focus on essential aspects while ensuring business growth.
• Innovation: Mageplaza constantly innovates and enhances its services, staying ahead of the curve. By keeping abreast of the most recent technologies and trends, they ensure that your business remains competitive and successful 

START YOUR SHOPIFY WHOLESALE NOW

Conclusion

In conclusion, delving into the world of Shopify wholesale brings forth a myriad of opportunities for businesses seeking scalability, efficiency, and market reach. As the landscape evolves, staying informed about industry trends and continuously optimizing operations are keys to sustained success.