Where to buy things in bulk to resell: 2026 guide

For over 10 years, I've bought my resale inventory from sources like wholesale marketplaces and liquidation sites. I’ve compiled my notes to reveal the best places to source bulk products for resale, including Costco Business Center, Liquidation.com, and more. 

Where to buy things in bulk to resell online: At a glance

Where to buy things in bulk to resell online

Many online platforms and marketplaces offer products at 50–70% below retail prices, letting you maintain competitive pricing while maximizing returns. Here are some popular choices:

1. Online wholesale marketplaces

Online wholesale marketplaces connect resellers with manufacturers and distributors offering bulk pricing on millions of products. The following platforms simplify sourcing by providing supplier ratings, minimum order quantities, and shipping options:

Costco Business Center for Wholesale

Costco offers a B2B platform that provides bulk quantities of products, ranging from office supplies to food items, with membership-based pricing. The warehouse model provides immediate inventory access without waiting for shipping, letting you inspect products before purchase. Pricing remains competitive for resellers needing quick restocking without international shipping delays.

Alibaba 

Alibaba primarily connects buyers with overseas manufacturers in Asia and is often used to secure low per-unit costs for bulk orders. Minimum order quantities commonly range from dozens to several hundred units. The platform is best suited for resellers who can manage larger inventory commitments and longer international shipping lead times.

DollarDays

DollarDays focuses on closeout, overstock, and everyday bulk products. The platform usually sells items in bulk, by the case, rather than as individual units. Orders ship from U.S. facilities within 1 to 2 business days. Many customers in the United States receive deliveries within a few days.

Wholesale Central

Wholesale Central functions as a business-to-business (B2B) directory listing thousands of screened wholesalers and dropshipping suppliers across many product categories. It doesn’t process transactions itself; instead, it provides contact details and product information so resellers can reach out to niche or specialized suppliers directly.

Faire

Faire connects independent retailers with a large network of brands. It typically promotes net-60 payment terms and free returns on qualifying opening orders, though specific eligibility and policies can vary by region and account status. 

The platform generally has low or no strict overall order minimums at the marketplace level. However, individual brands may set their own minimums. Curated categories typically include home goods, fashion accessories, beauty products, and other artisanal products from vetted suppliers.

Contar Market

Contar Market is a U.S.-focused B2B wholesale marketplace that lets resellers buy products in categories such as home goods, health and beauty, candy, and pet supplies. ​The platform’s Premier Reseller tier provides reseller-only pricing, bulk discounts, and priority FedEx fulfillment from U.S. warehouses.

The platform promotes flexible ordering with “bulk buying options” rather than strict high MOQs. However, some products and programs are geared toward higher-volume buyers, so it may not suit smaller resellers.

Walmart Business

Walmart Business provides bulk purchasing for registered business customers primarily through its online platform. The service emphasizes bulk and case quantities across categories such as groceries, office supplies, electronics, and industrial supplies. Customers can order many eligible items for same‑day or next‑day pickup or delivery, depending on location and inventory.​

Brand direct wholesale portals

Brand-direct wholesale portals let authorized retailers purchase inventory directly from manufacturers via dedicated B2B websites. These businesses vet all retailers to guarantee compliance with each brand’s standards before selling.

​These portals typically offer preferential wholesale pricing and priority or early access to select product launches. While they often provide direct support from the brand’s sales or account teams, the best pricing and earliest access to new products can vary by region, account tier, and channel strategy.

​Examples are Nike’s authorized retailer program, Adidas’s B2B ordering portal, and Levi’s authorized retailer program. Gaining access to the programs usually requires having a valid business license and appropriate storefront, and submitting a formal application and credit review.

2. Liquidation and closeout marketplaces

Liquidation and closeout marketplaces sell overstock, customer returns, and discontinued inventory at discounts, often well below typical retail or wholesale pricing. Here are some popular marketplaces:

• ​Liquidation.com: This auction-style marketplace lets buyers bid on pallets and truckloads of excess inventory from large retailers. Condition ranges from new/overstock to customer returns. The platform provides overviews of each bulk lot to guide bidding decisions.
• ​Direct Liquidation: This platform offers overstock and returns from major retailers such as Walmart and Target, with both auction and fixed-price options. It provides condition grades for new, shelf-pulled, customer-return, and salvage inventory.
• 888 Lots: This wholesale liquidation platform sells pallets and truckloads of merchandise from major online and brick‑and‑mortar retailers. You can negotiate or purchase at fixed prices. The company provides fully detailed manifests for its pallets, including item descriptions, condition, and pricing data.

3. Manufacturer direct sourcing platforms

Manufacturer-direct sourcing connects resellers straight to factories. Here are some examples:

• Factory-direct suppliers: Factory-direct suppliers produce goods in-house and sell in bulk directly to resellers, rather than working only through distributors. These arrangements usually involve higher minimum order quantities than standard wholesale, but they can support more substantial margins.
• Overseas manufacturers: Overseas manufacturers in countries such as Vietnam and India often offer lower production costs. Platforms that list overseas factories, like Global Sources and Go 4 World Business, give resellers access to many categories. Buyers must plan for communication differences, variable quality standards, and shipping timelines.

• Private label suppliers: Private label suppliers manufacture unbranded or generically branded goods that resellers can customize with their own logos, packaging, and brand identity. Minimum order quantities for private label typically depend on the product type and customization level, with simpler items generally supporting lower starting quantities.

Peer-to-peer wholesale sourcing

Peer-to-peer wholesale sourcing communities can be powerful, but they’re informal and riskier than structured marketplaces. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

Facebook wholesale groups

Facebook wholesale groups bring together resellers who swap supplier leads, sourcing tips, and sometimes arrange group buys or sell excess inventory to one another. Vetting standards, moderation quality, and trust levels vary widely. Checking member feedback and cross‑referencing any supplier or seller is essential before sending money.

Examples of Facebook communities used by resellers include the Wholesale Market Group for buying and selling, and the Reseller Network.

​​Discord reseller communities

Discord reseller communities typically organize channels by marketplace, product type, and experience level. Some servers are free and open. However, others are paid or application‑only, aiming to keep the discussion focused and reduce spam. Be vigilant, as none can completely eliminate bad actors. 

​Examples include large public or semi‑public reselling servers listed on directories such as Motion Academy, and curated “best reselling Discord” lists that feature communities like Reseller Circle and SellerAider’s own reselling Discord.

R​eddit

Reddit communities offer crowdsourced advice on sourcing, flipping, and working with suppliers, with voting and comment history helping surface more trusted voices. Anonymity allows candid reviews (positive and negative) of wholesalers. However, you’ll need to verify claims independently and treat unverified “plug” posts cautiously.

​Examples of sourcing‑relevant subreddits include r/Flipping for general flipping and sourcing. r/reselling suits business‑focused resellers, and more specialized seller subs like r/AmazonSeller address wholesale and supplier questions.

​Subscription-based supplier directories

Subscription-based supplier directories charge monthly or annual fees for access to curated databases of verified wholesalers, manufacturers, and distributors. These services vet suppliers and filter out scams: 

• Paid wholesale directories: Paid wholesale directories, such as SaleHoo and Worldwide Brands, charge for access to pre‑vetted wholesale suppliers. These platforms emphasize screening to reduce middlemen and scams, and market themselves as directories of genuine wholesalers and factory‑authorized distributors.
  
  

• Supplier databases: Supplier databases aggregate manufacturer, distributor, and wholesaler contact details across many industries and often provide filters for product type, location, and sometimes MOQ or order value. Examples include Supplier.io and GEP Smart.
• ​​Industry-specific supplier lists: Industry‑specific supplier lists and directories concentrate on niches like beauty, automotive, pet, or industrial components, trading breadth for depth within a given vertical. These resources can be standalone paid lists, modules inside larger platforms, or value-added bundles.

4. Physical places to buy inventory in bulk

Physical sourcing locations let you inspect product quality before purchasing, negotiate prices face-to-face, and take inventory home immediately without shipping delays or costs. Here are the top examples:

Local wholesalers and distributors

Local wholesalers and distributors operate physical warehouses in your area, offering immediate inventory access without shipping costs or delivery delays. These businesses typically require resale certificates or business licenses, but provide hands-on product inspection.

Regional distribution centers

Regional distribution centers supply retailers within specific geographic areas with products from multiple manufacturers. These facilities offer same-day pickup or next-day delivery on orders placed before cutoff times.

Cash and carry wholesalers

These wholesalers operate warehouse-style retail locations where you can browse aisles, select products, and pay immediately without credit accounts or ordering minimums. Popular chains like Restaurant Depot and Costco Business Center provide bulk quantities at wholesale pricing with membership requirements.

Industrial supply warehouses

These warehouses supply contractors, manufacturers, and maintenance with stock tools, equipment, safety gear, and commercial products. They maintain extensive catalogs of specialized items that general wholesalers don't carry. Creating an account typically requires business verification but provides access to trade-only pricing.

Trade shows and wholesale expos

Trade shows and wholesale expos gather hundreds of suppliers under one roof, allowing resellers to compare products, negotiate terms, and establish direct manufacturer relationships. These events require admission fees or business credentials but provide concentrated sourcing opportunities.

• Industry-specific trade shows: Shows like the National Hardware Show, Poshfest, and Natural Products Expo focus on particular product categories and attract specialized manufacturers, brands, and wholesalers.
• Apparel and gift expos: Events like ASD Market Week showcase fashion accessories, home décor, gifts, and seasonal merchandise from hundreds to thousands of vendors. 
• Electronics sourcing fairs: Large events like CES and regional tech expos give buyers the chance to test new consumer electronics, review technical specifications with product teams, and explore potential distribution or sourcing relationships. 

Outlet and closeout retail stores

These locations sell overstock, discontinued, and seasonal merchandise at significant discounts. Here are some common locations:

• Overstock retailers: TJ Maxx, Ross, and Burlington resell excess brand and department-store inventory at reduced prices. They offer frequent new shipments and clearance markdowns.
• Clearance warehouses: Dirtcheap and Bargain Hunt consolidate discontinued items, returns, and seasonal overstock from multiple store locations like Target and Walmart.
• Big box liquidation stores: Chains such as Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Big Lots buy large closeout lots and overproduced goods, creating potential retail arbitrage opportunities.

Auctions and bulk lot sales

Auctions and bulk lot sales offer competitive bidding environments where resellers can acquire inventory at unpredictable but potentially lucrative prices. Here are a few examples:

• Government surplus auctions: These auctions sell excess government vehicles, equipment, and supplies on platforms like GovDeals and GSA Auctions, with bids often well below market value, with payment and pickup rules set per agency.
• Retail liquidation auctions: Platforms such as B‑Stock and Liquidation.com offer retailer returns and overstock in manifested pallets and truckloads. Buyers typically pay a fraction of the original MSRP depending on demand and condition.
• Storage unit auctions: Contents of delinquent self‑storage units are auctioned off after a brief visual inspection.
• Estate and business closeouts: These auctions sell inventory, fixtures, and equipment from closing or reorganizing operations via local auctioneers. They usually have preview periods that let buyers identify lots ahead of bidding.

Where beginners should start sourcing inventory

Beginners should start sourcing inventory from low-risk options that require minimal upfront investment and provide straightforward purchasing processes. Here are some places to get started:

• Low minimum-order bulk suppliers: These wholesalers allow for small opening orders so you can test products before committing to large quantities. Both Faire and Wholesale Central have low-volume sourcing options.
• Bulk suppliers with simple shipping: Sellers using flat-rate shipping, small-parcel carriers, or domestic fulfillment help avoid high freight quotes and surprise delivery fees that crush margins.
• Trusted bulk marketplaces for beginners: Platforms with verified sellers, buyer protection, and public reviews reduce risk when sourcing in bulk for the first time. Many bulk marketplaces offer these services.

Use Nifty to help you resell more bulk items online

Now that you know where to buy things in bulk to resell, it’s time to start thinking about where to sell them. Don’t just settle for one resale platform. Sell items across Poshmark, eBay, Depop, and others with Nifty, a crosslisting and automation tool that reduces manual tasks and provides insight into your sales. 

Here's why Nifty's so helpful:

• AI listing: Snap a pic and let Nifty's AI build a high-quality listing, with SEO-optimized titles and descriptions, and trending hashtags filled out for you. Plus, it's cloud-based, mobile-friendly, and easy to use.
• Crosslist now: With a couple of clicks, post your items across Poshmark, Etsy, Mercari, Depop, and eBay. No copy-paste, no multi-tab, it's all in the background. (More marketplaces coming soon!)
• Automatic delisting? Handled: When you make a sale, Nifty's sales detection auto-delists that item from every marketplace. Say goodbye to double-selling disasters and “sorry, it's already gone” apology messages.
• Bulk tools = no busywork: Share and relist daily with just a few clicks. Update or discount dozens of items at once. You can even schedule drafts to go live while you sleep.
• Analytics and profits are real: Track sales, fees, top performers, and slow movers in one clean dashboard, so you can actually see what's working and what's just dead space.

Nifty pays for itself in just a few weeks. So … What are you waiting for? Start with a 7-day free trial and see why over 10,000 resellers trust Nifty. 

FAQs

1. Where can beginners buy things in bulk to resell online?

Beginners can buy things in bulk to resell online through platforms like Faire and Contar Market. These platforms offer low minimum order quantities and straightforward purchasing processes. You can also choose buyer protection, browse verified suppliers, and use domestic shipping to reduce risk.

2. What is the cheapest place to buy inventory in bulk for resale?

The cheapest place to buy inventory in bulk for resale depends on product type and order volume. However, liquidation marketplaces like Liquidation.com, Direct Liquidation, and 888 Lots typically offer the lowest prices at 10–30% of retail value. 

3. Do you need a business license to buy from wholesale suppliers?

Yes, you need a business license to buy from wholesale suppliers in most cases. Legitimate wholesalers verify business credentials to comply with tax regulations and protect authorized retail channels. Requirements commonly include a resale certificate or sales tax permit, an EIN/tax ID, and proof of business registration.