Social Media and Wholesale -- A Winning Strategy

Wholesalers are beginning to embrace social media as part of their business. They see a value in reaching out to customers via social networks. This outreach is paying off in a big way. This trend is only expected to grow. Here are some reasons why this is happening. 1. Numbers say it all. In 2013, just about half the U.S. population confirmed that they have an account on some social media platform. Many of them probably have more than one account. One in four people use social media to share ideas around the world. This includes ideas for clothing they want to buy. They will take pictures and send to their friends via social media and ask for advice. Then, they make a purchase. They prefer to buy direct from a wholesaler, E-commerce sales represents about one quarter of all wholesalers sales, reaching trillions in dollars. 2. Customers want discounts. They are using their social media to find the best price. They search for deals or ask their network on Facebook what is a good deal. Friends share coupon sites and the recommendation for the best price. 3. Best way to find out what they want. Many wholesalers test products through Facebook. They engage their customers and ask them what they like or don’t like. Fans will tell you exactly what they think. You don’t have to pay a focus group huge amounts to find out what is the trend. When they find something they like, they share it with others, which begins a buzz. So, when it is released, you have a steady stream of customers. 4. You can link through Facebook. Because of the way it is set up, wholesalers can use Facebook to get their customers to see their Pinterest site or other social media. On Pinterest, you can show your products in pictures, offer descriptions and listed in a catalogue. From there, you can take them to your website where they will see even more options for purchasing. 5. Free advertising is available. If you use the different sites correctly, you will get free advertising for your wholesale business. However, if you don’t use them the right way, you will lose your customers to others who are more savvy with them. 6. Break down local barriers. You don’t have to worry about attracting customers to your warehouse or store. By offering your products online, you can attract people outside your state and maybe in other countries. This trend has helped wholesale businesses have tremendous growth. Social media adds another dimension to this trend. People are friends with others around the world, and they share your link to them. 7. Target customers are online. If your wholesale business is meant for middle-aged people, then you want to be on Facebook. Most users on Facebook are in their 50s and 60s. They have the time to search, the inclination to post something and the desire to buy. They also have funds available. 8. Social media are likely to make or break your business. Wholesalers need to stay up on the trends or they will find that their competitors are grabbing all the business. Social media are powerful ways to talk about your products and how you are different from others. Use it wisely to see the success you dream. As a wholesaler, you are after the retailers that upcharge your goods and services. Your goal is to sell in volume to these retailers, but social media will tell you what retailers want and what to stock. You’ll also find many retailers using social media for all the reasons stated here. Therefore, you want to stay on top of social media retail clothing trends. Social media can indicate what middle-age women are buying in shoes. As a wholesaler, you can stock those and see profits mount.