For most small business owners in the beauty industry, switching from retail purchasing to wholesale is, without a doubt, a milestone in the life of the business. There are certain benefits to this, such as lower prices and time saved.

It can also be a little challenging to acquire products in bulk, especially if you have never used the brand before. For businesses in the beauty industry, products are massively crucial and most hairstylists or spa or salon owners prefer to stick with the supplies and products they already know are high-quality.

When looking to source supplies wholesale, you must endeavor to have everything necessary to purchase products from a wholesale vendor. Most vendors will ask for your business license and tax identification information. If you are just starting your salon business, you may not have these things yet.

You can choose more than one vendor as a backup in case your first choice vendor is out of something you need. Also remember that the more you buy, the deeper your discount. Acquiring products in volume is a huge commitment, but you can start small and work your way up.

Your vendor may have minimum order requirements. If you aren’t so certain about a purchase, you can always request a sample before you acquire them in bulk. Always remember to go through your records to realize how much product you need and use that as a yardstick to know your order size.

Common Places Beauty Supply Stores Get Products Wholesale

Beauty supply stores have numerous options when it comes to sourcing their products wholesale. They may get their products from:

1. Manufacturers

A good number of beauty supply stores work directly with manufacturers and this helps them get their inventory at the best possible prices by cutting out the middlemen (wholesalers and distributors). Note that without any middleman to go through, beauty supply stores can purchase affordable, high-quality products that are in demand.

Note that you can find beauty product manufacturers by joining industry associations and trade organizations. You can also locate domestic and overseas manufacturers by establishing the right network and being present at trade show events, however, beauty supply stores also have the option of contacting a manufacturer directly to discuss their options.

Top Beauty Product Manufacturers in the United States
  • Vigon International
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Libby Labs
  • Markwins
  • Procter & Gamble
  • RNA Corporation
  • Novopac Laboratories
  • CassCo Bio Labs
  • ABS Corporation
  • Healthy Solutions
  • Estée Lauder
  • GAR Labs
  • Denison Pharmaceuticals
  1. Company Distributors

Ideally, a good number of beauty product manufacturers will not want to work directly with storeowners or retailers at all, therefore another option would be to seek a distributor. However, it is always imperative to contact a manufacturer and request a list of their recommended distributors to enable you to get access to better bulk discounts and also ensure a higher level of quality control.

Note that when you align with a distributor, you also get the benefit of being treated like a big fish, even if you’re still a small business in the industry. Also note that some distributors have exclusive buying arrangements with manufacturers, therefore if you intend to sell a much-specialized product, you may be expected to go through a distributor.

Top Beauty Product Wholesale Vendors in the United States
  • Cosmetix Club
  • Stealth International / Janco Beauty
  • Beautix Inc.
  • Eldorado Global Trading Group Inc.
  • Bechan Enterpises LLC
  • MinMaxDeals LLC
  • BANSIUSA
  • Bonita Wholesale
  • Global Prime Direct
  • HBA & MFL
  • One Tree Brands
  • Mihenna, LLC.
  • Via Trading Co.
  • Perfume Center of America
  1. Wholesaler Suppliers

Most beauty supply stores sell wholesale products, either as it is, or with their custom brand applied to the product. Wholesalers’ suppliers more or less serve as middlemen between the retailer and the manufacturer of the product.

According to reports, wholesale suppliers from Asian nations, including China, may offer the lowest prices to new businesses in the industry. You can locate these suppliers by perusing platforms like Alibaba, AliExpress, Global Sources, Bambify, IndiaMart, and Made-in-China.com.

  1. Product Importers

Have it in mind that a good number of beauty supply stores source products wholesale from importers, especially products from abroad. Note that this option lets beauty supply stores source and buy direct from foreign businesses whose products may not be accessible through wholesalers and other distribution channels.

  1. Wholesale Warehouses

A good number of beauty supply stores acquire products wholesale from wholesale warehouses that stock huge supplies of beauty products. Have it in mind that some wholesalers will only let you buy from them if you have a wholesale license. There are still others who offer the option of shopping after purchasing a membership. To know more about your options, it is recommended you contact the store before going.

Top Beauty Product Wholesale Distributors in the United States
  • L & R Cosmetics
  • Leaders Cosmetics USA
  • KCP Wholesale Distributors
  • F Tropics
  • USA Wholesale Makeup
  • Closeup Wholesale
  • E&G Cosmetics
  • Bonita Wholesale
  • Cherry Cosmetics
  • Empire Distribution USA
  • Volcanic Earth
  • AllCosmetics
  1. Self Manufacture

A good number of beauty supply stores also manufacture and sell their products, sometimes leveraging a private labeling company. However, it is very rare for medium to large beauty supply businesses to make their products because it can be tasking to keep up with demand.

If you decide to make your products, note that you will first have to work out where to source your materials (craft stores and flea markets are great places to look), and you’ll also need to understand how long it takes to make each item.

Conclusion

Finding vendors, especially in the beauty supply business, isn’t always easy. However, always remember that to be successful in this line of business, you must never be complacent with your existing products or vendors. You must work hard to gain (or keep) a competitive edge by steadily searching for ideas and wholesale suppliers that can keep your merchandise fresh and inspired.