How to: Source new suppliers

I only have a couple of suppliers at the moment, I need to try more. Where do retailers source new suppliers?

Dipesh Modha, Edgware Road Post Office, London

Vrajesh Patel, Londis Dagenham, East London

“We get about 95% of our stock from Londis, and we use a cash and carry every couple of months. We use smaller suppliers when we need to, especially for US candy. We’re also getting into Japanese food and products from other countries.

“We found a supplier that offers freeze-dried sweets, so we got those in and they were almost gone within a week, which meant we had to make another order. The company is called Freeze Dried Sweets. There is another freeze-dried-sweet supplier, but it didn’t respond to any of our questions.

“While it’s important to ask other retailers, Google can be your best friend when it comes to finding new suppliers. You type in what you want alongside the word ‘wholesaler’, and something tends to come up. Then, you’ve got to assess what the costs are. Some want you to buy more than you’d like, but remember it could be a one-week wonder.”

Vidur Pandya, Kislingbury Mini Market, Northamptonshire

“We’ve got a wide supplier base. We get deliveries from Parfetts and Blakemore, but we also use lots of independent suppliers. Blakemore is one of the leaders for product launches.

“You could consider importing products directly if you have a large turnover. You have to be on social media to find out what’s new and who’s selling it. Get your staff involved and let them identify the trends. Younger staff members may be more on it than you.

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“I try to attend all the trade shows I can and speak to other retailers. Sometimes, it’s good to look on Amazon to see what other online retailers are doing – some sell quite niche things. We check with existing suppliers. If one can provide the product, we tend to stick with it because we’ll have done our research on that company. We also have a local bakery that delivers fresh in the morning to us every day.”

Atul Sodha, Londis Harefield, Uxbridge, Middlesex

“As retailers, it’s our job to source products for customers. We have to do it a lot more these days, but I’ll find products for anyone if it means I’m getting more sales and margins. I get 95% of my stock delivered by Londis, but it’s not disloyal to look elsewhere. You can find a lot of local and unique products if you gauge it right.

“The big wholesalers are miles behind us on trends. When a big symbol starts to stock a product, it usually means it’s time for you to get out as an independent, because otherwise you’ll be losing your USP. Retailers share things on social media, so make sure you use it. The more you use it, the more algorithms will start showing you what you want to see.

“You need to make sure you’re sticking with reputable suppliers. With viral products, I turn to Amrit Singh Pahal. He’s got a wholesale business and you know you’re safe buying from him.”

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