Best Wholesale Marketplace Platforms

What are Wholesale Marketplace Platforms?

Wholesale Marketplace Platforms, sometimes called B2B marketplaces, are eCommerce Platforms that allow retailers to connect with reputable wholesalers and manufacturers. They allow businesses to source merchandise and products from trusted sellers. They also allow brands and creators an option to list and sell their own products. Each platform offers a variety of wholesale products, with some specializing in certain markets such as luxury fashion or food. Some also sell supplies and accessories for brick and mortar stores, such as point-of-sale display racks.

Wholesale Marketplace Platforms can help expand footprints for both brands and sellers. By providing a dedicated space for storefronts and manufacturers to connect, these platforms can help sell, ship, and market products within a single channel. Wholesale Marketplace Platforms also offer networking, financing, and community-building services, which can be especially helpful for new brands or small businesses. These platforms also provide ways to efficiently manage inventory, process payments, and forecast sales.

Wholesale Marketplace Platforms Features

The most common Wholesale Marketplace Platforms features are:

• Inventory management
• Payment processing
• Order fulfillment
• Product shipping
• Shipment tracking
• Results filtering
• Help centers and knowledge bases
• Buyer protection
• Financing options
• Unsold stock returns
• Commision and net payment support
• Trending item and featured seller options
• SEO management tools
• Pricing support
• Third party integration
• Sales forecasting
• Customizable dashboards
• Mobile app support

Wholesale Marketplace Platforms Comparison

When choosing the best Wholesale Marketplace Platforms for you, consider the following:

Locations served. Choosing the best Wholesale Marketplace Platform for you may depend on the location of your target consumers. Most platforms connect buyers and sellers domestically in the North American and European markets, but some also serve Australia, India, China, and other parts of the world. This not only affects where your products can be shipped and sold, but may also determine return policies and payment processing of international currency.

Commission percentage. Each Wholesale Marketplace Platform takes some percentage of sales made on each platform. Percentages vary across multiple sites, with the average being between 15% and 20% per sale. Percentages may further vary based on the total number of sales, types of items sold, or others. Each site lists their commission rates, and buyers should consider these costs when choosing a Wholesale Marketplace Platform.

Inventory specialization. Some Wholesale Marketplace Platforms specialize in certain kinds of inventories. Some marketplaces focus on luxury goods, fashion, food, home decor, and more. Although most Wholesale Marketplace Platforms are not limited in their product focus, businesses or sellers in more specific markets may benefit from a specialized platform.

Returns management. Each Wholesale Marketplace Platform has a different returns policy, with variations typically occurring among returns charges and returned product handling. If this is a concern for you, make sure that you pay close attention to the Wholesale Marketplace Platform’s return policy.

Marketplace vs. Dropshipping. Wholesale Marketplace Platforms and Dropshipping Software are often discussed in similar terms, but they fulfill different needs for a business. Wholesale Marketplace Software allows retailers to purchase various items in bulk directly from suppliers. Dropshipping Software helps retailers sell directly to consumers (B2C), with suppliers or manufacturers fulfilling the orders.. The best choice for your business will depend on many factors. If you are looking to sell a variety of products or offer more in-depth or niche items on your own terms, a Wholesale Marketplace Platform may be a better option. Dropshipping can lower your costs since you won’t have to take on inventory. It also provides buyers with more flexibility in terms of purchase quantity. Some Wholesale Marketplace Software such as Sunrise Wholesale may include dropshipping, but product units may have to be purchased by customers in larger quantities.

Pricing Information

Creating an account with a Wholesale Marketplace Platform is generally free, but requires potential users to be verified by the platform. Commission percentages are usually included as part of the Wholesale Marketplace Platform pricing, and commissions vary. Vendors typically offer free trials and demonstrations, with some offering free product listings and no charge until items are sold. Service pricing may vary depending on whether the user is a storefront or a brand.