Buyer Resources
If you're buying wholesale for the first time — or switching distributors — these are the seven things that decide whether the order actually makes you money.
Wholesale distributors sell for resale, which means you generally need a state seller's permit and a resale certificate on file before tax-exempt purchasing. In Nevada, that's a Sales/Use Tax Permit issued by the Department of Taxation. Have the permit number ready when you request an account — it removes a round-trip and speeds up your first quote.
Wholesale pricing is quoted per case, not per unit. A case pack tells you how many sellable units are inside; an inner pack is the smaller bundle within it. Minimum order quantities (MOQs) may apply per SKU or per order. Before comparing suppliers, normalize everything to a per-unit landed cost so you're comparing the same thing.
Landed unit cost = (case price + freight allocated to that case) ÷ units per case. Then check your margin: (retail price − landed unit cost) ÷ retail price. Many first-time buyers forget freight and end up with a thinner margin than planned. Ask for freight estimates as part of the quote, not after.
New accounts typically start on prepayment (card, ACH, or wire) and can move toward terms once a purchase history exists. If terms matter to your cash flow, say so up front — it's a normal conversation in wholesale and it's better handled before your first PO than during it.
Availability changes faster than price. Confirm current stock, expected ship date, and whether the quote is held for a set number of days. Shipping from Las Vegas keeps transit short across Nevada, California, Arizona, and Utah, which lets you hold less safety stock for fast-moving items.
Rather than buying one case of forty SKUs, buy depth on the handful of items you already know sell. You'll learn the supplier's accuracy, packaging quality, and transit reliability with far less capital at risk — then expand the assortment on the second order.
Product sourced outside authorized channels can arrive with short-dated stock, damaged packaging, or no recourse if something is wrong. Ask any distributor how they source, how they handle damages and shortages, and what the claim window is. A clear answer is a good sign.
Typical response: one business day.
This guide is general information for business buyers, not tax or legal advice. Confirm permit and tax requirements with the Nevada Department of Taxation or your accountant.
