Sometimes, consumers are willing to spend top dollar to get branded, unique, or exceptionally high-quality products. Other times, they want to save, finding affordable items that meet basic needs.
And if you’re a retailer, offering accessible items in your catalog can encourage shoppers to make a purchase without breaking the bank.
Stock your shop with high-quality, desirable, and cheap wholesale products, and give your target audience another reason to buy.
What are cheap wholesale products?
Cheap wholesale products are inexpensive resale items that retailers can purchase in bulk. These products generally include basic electronic accessories, disposable goods, closeouts, seasonal items, and entry-level personal care articles.
Cheap items provide accessibility and ease for customers and can boost retailers’ profits, thanks to the high margins on these low-cost goods.
Top cheap wholesale product categories
Ready to start selling low-cost goods? Stock up on the following categories of wholesale items to buy.
Apparel and accessories
- Apparel basics like t-shirts and sweatshirts
- Hats
- Scarves
- Sunglasses
- Wallets
- Tote bags
- Handbags and luggage
Beauty and skincare
- Body wash
- Lotion and moisturizers
- Makeup tools
- Deodorant
- Basic hair care
- Hair accessories
- Lip balm
- Perfume
- Beauty and wellness supplements
Electronics and gadgets
- Phone cases
- Screen protectors
- Computer and tablet sleeves
- Charging cables
- Automotive charging accessories
- Basic headphones
- Alarm and desk clocks
- Night lights
Home and kitchen items
- Utensils
- Towels
- Sheets
- Food-storage items
- Thermoses
- Storage boxes
- School supplies
- Office supplies
- First-aid kits
- Home decor
Pet supplies
- Collars
- Leashes
- Toys
- Bowls
- Pet clothing
- Waste baggies
Seasonal or trending products
- Party supplies
- Halloween costumes
- Holiday decor
- Gift bags
Where to purchase wholesale items
You want products that are cheap in cost, not quality, which means you must partner with only the best wholesale suppliers. And you can find all of them on WholesaleCentral, a B2B platform that vets all of its providers and gives you direct access to distributors with excellent pricing and all the trending bestsellers.
WholesaleCentral connects businesses with both U.S. and international suppliers—each with its own benefits. Goods from other countries can be less expensive, but shipping can be slow and costly. And local providers may offer slightly more expensive items, but shipping is efficient and cheap.
How to choose the right cheap products to resell
Deciding what to sell is a fine balance: You need to offer goods your consumers want but lock in a solid profit, as well. Here are a few key considerations when selecting resale products.
Shipping & MOQ (minimum order quantity)
Before buying trending low-cost items in bulk, take into account how shipping costs will affect your bottom line. Many wholesalers have minimum order quantities, and you’ll need to place bigger orders to save. And on hefty orders, shipping costs can be significant—but worth it in the long run if you offer fast-selling goods at a competitive price to your customer (and a fair markup for you).
Consumer perception
Consider how selling cheap items will reflect on your brand. For example, if you’re traditionally a luxury retailer, you might only be able to get away with selling a few cheap items, like lip glosses or sheet masks, that fit your brand’s aesthetic. However, if you regularly stock your store with cost-effective seasonal or trending goods, you could become a reliable go-to retailer for consumers when they need these types of products.
Quality
Anytime you sell inexpensive goods, check the quality first by asking the supplier for a sample. This way, you won’t end up with a pallet of non-functioning or low-quality goods that you can’t sell without damaging your reputation. No, consumers don’t expect cheap goods to have luxury quality, but they should meet basic expectations and fulfil their intended uses.
Common mistakes when buying cheap wholesale goods
First time ordering cheap wholesale products? Prevent frustration and setbacks by avoiding the following common errors.
- Over-ordering inventory: Don’t fall into the trap of taking advantage of super low wholesale prices by ordering huge amounts of stock you can’t reasonably store or sell out. You’ll lose money in the long run.
- Failing to check supplier credibility: The smart way to order from a wholesaler is by doing your due diligence first. WholesaleCentral only connects retailers with vetted, reliable suppliers, making it an excellent platform for finding contacts. Even so, you should read reviews and contact suppliers with questions before ordering to familiarize yourself with their level of service.
- Not seeing a sample: Remember that cheap shouldn’t have to mean low quality. Ask suppliers for a sample so that you can ensure the product meets basic expectations before offering it to consumers.
Final tips for maximizing profit from cheap wholesale products
Perhaps the best perk of offering cheap wholesale goods is the markup. You stand to make some serious profits. Earn even more by:
- Bundling products: Sell bundles of similar items (like a package of kitchen towels and utensils) that provide convenience to your consumer and encourage them to spend more for a better deal on multiple products.
- Use trending data to predict winners: Learn which new products are resonating with audiences by researching sales data and influencer trends on social media.
- Invest in product presentation: Make cheap products look great by amping up the aesthetics. For example, stage and photograph items in attractive environments or leverage AI tools to create marketing or product images that match your store’s vibe.
- Negotiate with suppliers: Good supplier relationships are for the long haul. Start off strong by connecting directly with the provider and negotiating prices that are mutually beneficial to both moving forward.
Find high-quality, cheap wholesale products on WholesaleCentral
WholesaleCentral connects businesses with distributors offering the best prices on wholesale items—from high-end goods to cheap products. All WholesaleCentral providers are vetted, meaning that you only work with the most reliable suppliers.
Cheap wholesale products for resale FAQs
Do I need an LLC to buy wholesale items?
You don’t need to be established as an LLC to buy wholesale, but having the legal protections that this business designation provides will ultimately benefit you.
Can I buy in bulk and resell?
Yes. Purchase cheap wholesale products in bulk from the trusted suppliers on WholesaleCentral, mark up items, and resell them for profit.
Where can I purchase wholesale items?
WholesaleCentral is the top B2B website for retailers, connecting you with vetted distributors, manufacturers, dropshippers, and Amazon FBA suppliers offering high-quality items—from electronics to apparel to sporting goods and beyond.