Finding the best beauty wholesalers and suppliers for your business

Fast-paced, competitive and ever-growing – it can be hard for businesses to keep up in the beauty industry. That's why finding a reliable beauty supplier is key to your brand's success. Whether you're searching for the right tools and formulas to do your job, or expanding your offering by selling products, your suppliers can make or break your business.

There are so many options, though, so how do you find the best ones for your business? In our detailed guide, we'll walk you through the process—from researching to negotiating—and we've got you covered.

 

 

Why is it important to find the best beauty suppliers?

Finding beauty suppliers that align with your business goals and vision and your target audience will positively impact your business's success. Here are a few reasons why:

Brand awareness

Stocking renowned, high-quality products will enhance your brand image, as customers know they can rely on you to provide the formulas they need. Also, finding a reliable supplier with good stock availability is a great way to ensure you're always the go-to for your customers' beauty needs.

Keeping up with trends

It's no secret that the beauty industry is fast-paced, but a good supplier can offer you the latest innovations and trending ingredients so you can always stay ahead of the curve. This keeps your brand relevant and at the forefront of customers' minds.

Customer satisfaction

Ultimately, your products' quality, price and availability will make or break customer satisfaction. Happy customers are more likely to return, as well as spread the word about your brand to their friends and family.

 

How to find the right beauty supplier for your business

Finding the perfect match requires you to be crystal clear on your brand's goals, vision, target market, and budget. That way, it'll be easier to filter out wholesalers that don't align with your niche.

Some questions you might want to consider are:

• Does your brand sell a specific type of product? (E.g. skincare, makeup, haircare)
• What do your customers value more: high product quality or low price point?
• What’s your brand personality: high-end luxury or drugstore?
• Do you want to specialise in natural ingredients/formulas?
• Is sustainability important to your business?
• Are cruelty-free and vegan products important for your business?

 

 

How to research the best beauty suppliers

Once you’re clear on those all-important questions, it’s time to do some research. There are a few ways to do this:

Online

Granting you the quickest access to beauty suppliers, search engines are an easy way to uncover a whole world of wholesalers. You could use a search engine to find wholesalers near you or those that align with your niche/vision. You can easily keep track of the ones you’ve found by creating a spreadsheet and populating it with information that will become important for your decision-making process.

Trade shows

Trade shows are the perfect way to build a rapport with wholesalers face-to-face. They're also great for seeing the products they offer in real life, allowing you to test and sample tools and formulas for yourself before making any commitments. This way, you can get a better feel for the suppliers than just viewing their website or stock online. Professional Beauty, Salon Beauty, and Beauty UK are some of the best trade shows.

Industry forums

Industry forums allow you to connect with other salon owners and get their recommendations. Ask them questions and listen to their first-hand experiences with beauty wholesalers, which will help you further narrow down your list. Some industry forums you could join are Salon Geek, Specktra, and Salonology.

 

Comparing the best beauty suppliers

Once you’ve got your list of suppliers, you’ll need to compare them for factors such as product quality, cost, and credentials. We give you a full rundown below so you can find the beauty suppliers that are the best match for your business.

Product quality

Whether you're looking for the best hair dryers or the latest skincare innovations, the best way to evaluate product quality is to request samples. That way, you can test them yourself for results, performance and durability. Assess the technology, ingredients, and packaging and always keep your brand goals and target market in mind.

Stock availability

As your business grows, you’ll need to keep up with customer demand. Keeping products in stock is good for customer retention, so feel free to ask your list of suppliers questions on how often they can produce and ship stock.

Price

Remember that cheaper doesn't always mean better. Lower prices could compromise quality. Think about what's most important for your brand image and what your customers value the most. If you're a luxury brand, for example, a cheap product with a shorter life probably won't be the best option.

Supplier credibility

It's important to check if your potential beauty wholesalers hold a licence and are certified to distribute the product portfolio they have. That's because you want to ensure the products you receive are legitimate. Fakes or dupes pose a serious risk to your customers' health and your brand reputation.

Reviews

One of the easiest ways to compare suppliers is to check for any reviews and testimonials they've received from other salon owners. This is a great way to understand the relationships they have with other businesses, and you can steer clear of any with negative reviews.

 

 

How to negotiate with beauty suppliers

By now, you should have a list of top suppliers you want to work with. The next step is to negotiate terms for your working relationship. You'll want to agree on pricing, minimum order quantities, payment terms and shipping. Remember, this process is about finding what works best for both parties, and a good negotiation is the key to a successful long-term relationship.

Building a long-term relationship with your suppliers has many positive benefits. You might receive discounts on certain order amounts, be offered exclusive deals, and even collaborate on co-marketing campaigns.

 

It’s time to level up your business with the best beauty wholesalers

Finding the best beauty wholesalers for your business is essential in ensuring long-term success in a wildly competitive industry. A reliable supplier not only provides your business with the products you need to perform your services or sell as add-ons but also plays a significant role in shaping your brand's image and meeting customer demands. As mentioned throughout this guide, it's so important to get clarity on your brand's goals, visions, customer base, and budget to inform your decision-making process.

Remember to use multiple avenues to research potential suppliers, ask questions, and always test the products yourself by requesting samples. Compare factors such as product quality, stock, price, and availability to ensure the products and suppliers you choose fit your brand image and target audience.

Brushing up on your negotiation skills is key to a successful deal and long-term relationship. Remember that you should also agree on something that works for both parties.

Although it can seem a long process, investing time into finding the right beauty suppliers will greatly benefit your brand: enhanced customer satisfaction, positive brand reputation, and higher profits. Take the time to go through each stage of the process carefully, and you're sure to take your business to the next level.

 

 

Specialist hair and beauty insurance through Ripe

As a salon owner, insuring your beauty salon through Ripe can help provide financial protection and peace of mind should the worst happen.

Ripe specialist hair and beauty insurance includes Public and Products Liability cover and treatment risk cover, with the opportunity to build your own policy so you're never paying for more than you need.

Find out more about specialist hair and beauty insurance through Ripe or get a quick online quote today.