5 Dollar Store Merchandise Suppliers Tips when Opening a Dollar Store

If you are opening a dollar store you are probably very concerned about where you will find the right dollar store merchandise for your store.  You are probably concerned about where to find dollar store suppliers you can depend on.  You need a supplier that cares about you and your business success.  They need to provide quality products, but the price can’t be too high.  They need to do exactly what they commit to do every time.  That’s a tall order of expectations, and you don’t know even one supplier.  Then let’s get started.  In this article I present 5 dollar store merchandise supplier tips to help you get started screening down to the perfect suppliers for your business.

Tip #1) Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to dollar store suppliers.  When opening a dollar store it is important to deal with a primary set of suppliers, but to also have a set of back-up suppliers waiting in the wings should they be needed.  Circumstances change in the industry quite frequently.  You never know when you will need to begin using a pre-screened back-up supplier.

Tip #2) Never commit to any dollar store supplier without investigating first.  Make sure a supplier meets your expectations before ever beginning with them.  Who wants to deal with a company that is high-priced, ships only about half of the order, doesn’t ever answer your telephone calls, and then delivers poor quality merchandise after weeks of waiting?

Tip #3) Meet dollar store suppliers face-to-face whenever possible.  This won’t be practical in many situations.  Yet if you can speak with a representative and see the merchandise it is much easier to make your decision.  Trade shows, and trips to major distribution locations are a great way to make this happen.  Some companies also have representatives who can come to you.

Tip #4) When opening a dollar store it is best to start with a smaller, test order.  This allows you to verify the entire process with a prospective supplier without tying up too much money.

Tip #5) When you are about to start a dollar store it is important that you never be afraid to reject a dollar store merchandise supplier from consideration.  Don’t tolerate poor customer service, low quality merchandise or high prices.  Move on to the next supplier carrying similar merchandise.  While some companies don’t seem to care about you and your business, others genuinely want a partnership with you.

To your dollar store success!