How to Shop on Faire Wholesale A Comprehensive Retailer's Guide

How to Shop on Faire Wholesale: A Comprehensive Retailer’s Guide

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For independent retailers, curating a unique and high-quality inventory is both an art and a necessity. In a retail landscape often dominated by large chains, discovering distinctive brands at accessible wholesale prices can feel overwhelming. Enter Faire—an innovative online wholesale marketplace that connects independent retailers—from charming local boutiques to thriving online shops—with a diverse global community of brands. If you’ve been curious about how to shop on Faire and maximize its potential, you’re in the right spot.

Founded in 2017, Faire is on a mission to empower small businesses and create a level playing field against retail giants. This platform simplifies wholesale buying and fosters invaluable connections, making it easier for retailers to buy Faire products and discover their next customer favorites.

This guide will walk you through the essentials, from account creation and marketplace navigation to the unique benefits Faire offers retailers.

Table of Contents

Why Source Inventory Through Faire?

When it comes to sourcing inventory, the choices you make can profoundly impact your business. Faire offers compelling reasons for independent retailers to include it in their buying strategy, creating that unique store magic. Faire provides access to an extensive selection of unique, high-quality products, making it a compelling choice for sourcing.

  • Access a World of Unique Products: Explore over 100,000 independent brands worldwide, offering millions of products across categories like Home Decor, Food & Drink, Women’s Apparel, Beauty & Wellness, Jewelry, and more. This vast selection grants you access to items you won’t typically find through traditional wholesale avenues.
  • Discover Your Next Bestsellers: Faire is designed for discovery, helping you unearth unique products that resonate with your customers.
  • Compete More Effectively: Faire empowers local retailers by providing access to a diverse array of brands and retailer-friendly terms, helping smaller businesses stand strong against larger competitors.
  • Forge Valuable Connections: Faire is not just a marketplace; it’s a thriving community. With over 7 million connections made between brands and retailers, the platform fosters relationships that can be invaluable for business growth.

Getting Started: Signing Up and Accessing Faire

Ready to dive in? Setting up your Faire account is a straightforward process tailored for retailers.

  • Who is Eligible? If you purchase inventory for a physical store, e-commerce site, or pop-up, you can apply for a Faire retailer account.
  • The Sign-Up Journey: Joining Faire is free for retailers. The application takes only a few minutes and requires basic business information for verification. Once approved, you’ll use your Faire retail account login to access the marketplace.
  • Unlock Benefits Instantly: By signing up, you gain immediate access to wholesale pricing from thousands of brands and exclusive shopping perks designed to support independent retail businesses.

How to Navigate and Shop on the Faire Marketplace

Once your account is set up, knowing how to use Faire wholesale tools effectively is crucial for a productive sourcing experience. The platform provides several features to streamline your search.

  • Browsing and Discovery Tools:
    • Explore Categories: Navigate through clearly defined product categories (Home Decor, Women, Beauty & Wellness, etc.) directly from the main navigation or check out curated sections like “Featured” and “New.”
    • Targeted Searching: Use the search bar to find specific products, brands, or relevant keywords.
    • Smart Filtering: Refine your searches using various filters. For instance, you can specifically filter by product badges such as Showroom, Insider, Top Shop, and New to effectively narrow down your options.
    • Helpful Product Badges: Look for badges on product listings that provide quick insights:
      • New: Identifies products added within the last 30 days.
      • Bestseller: Highlights items with high repeat purchase rates, indicating strong customer demand.
      • Brand Bestseller: Showcases items with high repeat sales for that particular brand.
      • Top Shop: Recognizes brands that meet specific performance criteria.
      • Showroom: Marks premium apparel and footwear brands curated by Faire.
      • Insider: Indicates brands eligible for free shipping benefits.
  • Understanding Product Listings: Clicking on a product reveals essential details for your purchasing decisions:
    • Case Sizes Explained: This term refers to the minimum quantity required for a single item order. For example, if a scented candle has a case size of 6, you must order in increments of 6. Note that if a product has variations (like colors or sizes), the case size minimum applies to each variation.
    • Ordering Testers: For items where customers may wish to sample (like fragrances or skincare), brands may offer testers at an additional cost. Look for a checkbox on the product page to add a tester (usually one per full-size product ordered). Testers are generally non-returnable.

Getting comfortable with these navigation features and listing details is key to mastering how to shop on Faire efficiently.

Key Faire Features & Benefits for Buyers

Faire stands out with several unique benefits designed to reduce financial risk and improve operational efficiency for independent retailers. These buyer-focused advantages make Faire stand out.

  • Boost Cash Flow with Net 60 Terms: Eligible retailers can access “buy now, pay later” net 60 payment terms, allowing you to order inventory and receive it, giving you up to 60 days to pay. This frees up essential capital for other business expenses.
  • Reduce Risk with Free Returns on Opening Orders: Faire significantly lowers the risk of testing new brands by offering free returns on all opening orders. If your first order with any brand isn’t suitable, Faire provides a prepaid shipping label for easy returns, empowering you to confidently explore new brands.
  • Streamline Operations with POS Integration: Faire offers integration capabilities with various POS systems, automating the addition of new products and order processing. Key advantages include:
    • Time Savings: Automatically sync Faire orders and detailed product information directly into your POS, saving hours of manual data entry.
    • Synced Inventory: Keep track of stock levels while browsing Faire, preventing stockouts of bestsellers.
    • Flexible Customization: Tailor the integration to your workflow, such as choosing automatic order imports or reviewing them first.
  • Access Exclusive Deals with Faire Markets: Skip the travel and expense of traditional trade shows. Faire hosts virtual trade shows called Faire Markets, offering:
    • Unbeatable Convenience: Join from your shop or home office.
    • Top Seasonal Deals: Access exclusive promotions and discounts.
    • Industry Insights & Networking: Stay updated on retail trends and connect with brands and fellow retailers globally.

These combined features make Faire an attractive and supportive platform for sourcing inventory.

Spotlight on Fashion: Shopping Apparel & Footwear

For retailers specializing in clothing and footwear, Faire offers a dedicated, curated experience through its Showroom collection. If you’re looking for insights relevant to a Faire clothing review, understanding Showroom is essential.

  • Introducing Showroom: Showroom is a curated selection of premium apparel and footwear brands, each vetted for quality by Faire’s editorial team. It serves as the prime destination for discovering elevated styles from leading fashion names.
  • The Curation Process: Brands featured in Showroom undergo a standardized review focusing on quality markers like fabric composition, fit, and craftsmanship.
  • Shopping the Showroom: Find these curated brands easily:
    • Go directly to the Showroom page: faire.com/showroom.
    • Use the main navigation menu to explore women’s or men’s sections.
    • Apply the “Showroom” filter while browsing apparel or footwear categories.

Showroom offers retailers a streamlined way to source high-quality fashion items directly through Faire.

Important Considerations for Retailers

While Faire provides many conveniences, retailers should be aware of certain responsibilities and guidelines for a smooth experience.

  • International Buying Procedures: Purchasing from brands in other countries comes with specific obligations:
    • You are the Importer of Record: As the buyer, you are responsible for ensuring your imported products comply with all applicable laws in your country.
    • Conduct Due Diligence: Research your country’s import regulations and consult with legal counsel or a customs broker if necessary.
    • Required Documentation: Be prepared to provide necessary documentation for customs clearance.
    • Using Customs Brokers: You have the option to hire a customs broker to manage the import process.
  • Prohibited Items Policy: Certain products are not permitted on the Faire platform. Familiarize yourself with Faire’s Prohibited Items list to ensure compliance with local laws.
  • Geographic Availability: Faire currently operates in specific countries, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and many European nations. Always refer to the Faire Help Center for the most current list of supported locations.

Understanding these operational aspects helps ensure a seamless buying process, especially when sourcing from international brands.

Trust and Reliability: Is Faire Wholesale Legit?

For retailers exploring Faire for the first time, it’s natural to ask, “Is Faire wholesale legit?” Several factors contribute to Faire’s credibility as a reliable marketplace partner.

  • Mission-Driven Foundation: Faire was established to support independent retailers, fostering a more equitable retail ecosystem.
  • Impressive Scale and Activity: The platform connects a vast network of retailers with over 100,000 brands across 50,000+ cities, facilitating over 7 million connections.
  • Industry Recognition: Faire has earned accolades from reputable business and retail publications, lending credibility to its operations.
  • Secure Operations: Faire securely handles payment processing, ensuring brands are paid reliably and on time.
  • Retailer-Focused Policies: Features designed to reduce retailer risk, like free returns on opening orders, demonstrate a commitment to building trust.

While individual experiences may vary, Faire’s established infrastructure and supportive features provide strong evidence of its legitimacy as a wholesale sourcing platform.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Retail Business with Faire

Faire presents a valuable opportunity for independent retailers to discover exceptional products, establish direct relationships with unique brands, and operate more efficiently. With its vast selection, retailer-friendly benefits like net 60 payment terms, and risk-free opening order returns, Faire offers tangible advantages. Add in efficiency tools like POS integration and curated experiences like Showroom, and it’s clear why Faire is a go-to resource for growing retail businesses, especially for unique boutiques and online shops aiming to stand out. Ready to buy Faire products and see the difference? Explore the marketplace today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Is there a cost for retailers to join Faire?
    No, joining Faire is completely free for retailers. Signing up grants access to wholesale pricing from thousands of brands and additional retailer benefits.
  • How do the payment terms work on Faire?
    Faire provides net 60 payment terms to eligible retailers, allowing you to order products and have up to 60 days to pay the invoice.
  • Can I return items I order through Faire?
    Faire offers a free return policy specifically for opening orders. If the items aren’t suitable, a prepaid shipping label is provided for easy returns. However, testers purchased are typically non-returnable.
  • What does “case size” mean on a Faire product listing?
    Case size indicates the minimum number of units required for a single order. If a scented candle has a case size of 6, you must order in multiples of this size.
  • Does Faire host online events similar to trade shows?
    Yes, Faire regularly hosts virtual trade shows known as “Faire Markets,” offering a convenient way to discover brands and access special promotions.
  • How does Faire select brands for its premium “Showroom” collection?
    Brands featured in Showroom are carefully vetted by Faire’s editorial team based on quality criteria, including fabric quality and overall craftsmanship.
  • Who is responsible for import duties when ordering from brands in different countries?
    The retailer is the “importer of record” and is responsible for complying with all import laws, regulations, duties, and required permits in their country.
  • Is Faire available for retailers in all countries?
    Faire serves retailers in specific countries, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and many European nations. Always check the Faire Help Center for the most accurate list of supported locations.