Sourcing Products from Faire
If you’re considering buying products from Faire but don’t know where to start or what to expect, this guide will teach you everything you need to know, from evaluating suppliers and placing orders to protecting your payments and avoiding common pitfalls.
Whether you’re a total rookie or simply looking for new products to test, Faire is an excellent source, especially if you’re a wholesaler. But like other platforms, it takes a certain level of expertise to navigate Faire and ensure every transaction is smooth.
I’ll answer some of the questions I get asked a lot about Faire, like where the products sold on it come from, whether or not it is legit, and what payment methods are safe.
Let’s dive in!
What is Faire?
Faire is an online marketplace where independent retailers can buy unique, often handcrafted products from independent brands.
Independent retailers are resellers selling various brands and products in their stores, while independent brands are businesses that design, produce, and sell their own products. Faire’s ultimate goal is to connect these two.
Where do the products on Faire come from?
Like other established online marketplaces, Faire offers a wide selection of product categories, from jewelry, apparel, and home decor to beauty products, gourmet foods, and pet supplies.
These products are sold at wholesale prices by independent brands from around the world, including artisans, specialty manufacturers, and designers.
How is Faire different from other platforms?
Faire operates similarly to other wholesale marketplaces but has some distinct features that are worth noting. Understanding these features will help you determine if it’s the right platform for you.
For instance, unlike Alibaba, DHGate, or Global Sources, which focus on bulk manufacturing and wholesale products from large-scale manufacturers, Faire emphasizes quality and uniqueness suitable for boutique shops.
This focus supports small businesses both as suppliers and buyers, offering terms like Net 60 payment and free returns on initial orders to reduce the risk for retailers trying out new products.
Unlike Etsy, which is consumer-focused, allowing individual customers to buy directly from creators, Faire operates as a B2B marketplace. This means it caters exclusively to retail businesses wanting to stock up on unique products that aren't widely available in major chains.
Platforms like Tundra and Handshake also support wholesale transactions, but Faire's curated approach and support for small brands help it to nurture a community of independent businesses, fostering a more personalized buying experience.
Is Faire safe?
YES, I can confirm that Faire is safe for both buyers and sellers. Not only does it carefully vet its sellers to ensure they meet quality and reliability standards, but it also provides secure payment methods.
This platform accepts major credit cards and supports bank transfers, making it convenient for buyers to make purchases. However, what really makes Faire safe for users are its two other payment methods:
- Net 60: This payment method allows retailers to pay for their products 60 days after the invoice date. This can help manage cash flow, particularly for small businesses that need to sell inventory before incurring the cost.
- Faire Direct: This allows suppliers to accept payments directly from retailers. It helps streamline and secure the payment process for both sellers and buyers.
In addition to that, Faire addresses any issues that arise during transactions as quickly as possible and even resolves disputes when necessary.
If you receive a wrong or damaged product and decide to return it, Faire’s return policy can give you flexibility. You can take advantage of the free returns on initial orders to avoid the risk of trying new products and brands.
Who should use Faire?
Faire is particularly well-suited for several types of users, including:
- Independent Retailers: Small to medium-sized brick-and-mortar and online stores looking for unique items to sell so they can stand out from mainstream retail chains.
- Boutique Owners: Those who run boutique shops and are in search of fashion, jewelry, home decor, or beauty products not widely available elsewhere.
- Gift Shops and Specialty Stores: Retailers specializing in gifts, artisanal foods, or other specialty items.
- E-commerce Businesses: Online retailers who need to diversify their product lines with unique items that can be drop-shipped directly to customers.
- Event Planners and Corporate Gifting Services: Professionals who need to source bulk gifts or decor items for events, weddings, or corporate functions.
If your business fits into any of these categories, sourcing your products from Faire is a smart choice. Just be sure to follow best practices when dealing with suppliers to ensure hassle-free transactions (more on this later).
How to Use Faire
The account setup and order placement are quite straightforward, but they can be confusing for beginners who are new to wholesale. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Go to Faire's official website.
- Click on the sign-up link and fill out the registration form. You’ll need to provide your business information, including your store name, type, and tax ID.
- Complete any necessary verification steps required by Faire to activate your account.
- Navigate through different categories or use the search function to find specific items or brands you're interested in.
- Apply filters such as price, category, bestsellers, and eco-friendly products to narrow down your search.
- Click on products you like to view detailed information, including pricing, minimum order quantities, and shipping details.
- Once you decide on products, place your orders directly through the platform.
- Check if the vendors handle shipping or if you need to make arrangements. Many vendors on Faire offer direct shipping.
- Monitor your order status and delivery to manage your inventory effectively.
- Keep in touch with the vendors for updates on new products, restocking, and potential collaborations.
- As you establish a relationship and order volume grows, negotiate terms that might be more favorable for your business needs.
- Monitor how the sourced products perform in your store.
- Increase orders for well-performing products and phase out those that don’t meet expectations.
- Offer feedback to vendors to help them understand your market needs, potentially influencing future products.
Best Practices When Sourcing Products from Faire
Like other online marketplaces, sourcing products from Faire carries some risks. You can avoid these risks by following several best practices when selecting products and transacting with suppliers.
- The first step is to understand your market. Research your target audience’s preferences, buying behaviors, and trends to ensure the products you choose meet their expectations and sell well. Also, look for products that fill gaps in your store’s current offerings.
- Choose the right suppliers. It can be tough to distinguish the good from the bad without a closer look. Check reviews and ratings on Faire to evaluate a vendor’s reliability and product quality. Choose vendors whose values and style match your brand.
- Before making large orders, order samples to test the quality and see how they fit with your current inventory. Start with small orders to test products in your market. Monitor how new products perform and adjust your inventory based on sales data and customer feedback.
- Use features like Net 60 payment terms to manage cash flow and free returns on initial orders to reduce risk. Also, look for vendor discounts on first-time purchases or large orders.
- Keep in regular contact with your suppliers to discuss product performance, potential customizations, or upcoming product lines. As your relationship strengthens, consider negotiating for better prices, exclusive products, or extended payment terms.
- Faire frequently updates its offerings, so make sure to regularly check for new arrivals that could appeal to your customers. Stay informed on industry trends through trade shows, publications, and online research to keep your inventory fresh and relevant.
- Gather feedback from customers on the products you get from Faire to help decide on future purchases and how to make improvements. Use any analytics tools you have to check how well the Faire products are doing, looking at things like sales, customer returns, and overall profit.
- Don't depend too much on one vendor for your inventory. Using multiple suppliers can help reduce risks from supply chain problems. Also, think about the logistics of delivering products to your store, such as timing, shipping costs, and possible delays, especially with international shipments.
Additional Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed on Faire
Scammers are getting smarter. Even with the high level of security on Faire, they still pose a threat. It's always wise to practice due diligence to avoid potential pitfalls. Here’s what I usually do when placing an order or evaluating a supplier.
- Before placing large orders, I take my time reading reviews and ratings. I don’t want to miss any red flags. I usually focus on feedback about product quality, reliability, and customer service. I also check how long the supplier has been active on the platform and their overall transaction history.
- I don’t place an order without first reviewing the return policies of both Faire and the supplier. I don’t want to experience a flutter of panic later when I realize I don’t know what I’ve agreed to. Faire generally offers favorable terms for returns, especially on initial orders. However, it’s the supplier’s return terms that can sometimes be problematic.
- This one is very important—I always conduct transactions through Faire’s platform. This not only ensures Faire’s protection in case of complications but also allows me to take advantage of their secure payment systems. I don’t do business with vendors who suggest moving payments off the platform.
- I keep all communication with vendors within Faire’s messaging system to ensure there’s a record of every conversation, which is useful if disputes arise. I also use Faire's tracking tools to monitor my shipments, helping me ensure my orders are on track and no issues slip through the cracks.
- I'm always wary of deals that seem too good to be true, like extremely low prices or very high discounts. These can indicate lower quality or even deceptive practices. I only purchase authentic products. Since Faire focuses on independent and unique brands, authenticity usually means originality and quality craftsmanship.
- If ordering from international vendors, be aware of any applicable customs duties and import taxes that could affect your total cost and the delivery process. Utilize Faire’s customer support for any queries or issues with vendors or products. They can assist in resolving disputes and ensuring compliance with trade practices on the platform.
Start Sourcing Products from Faire Today!
If you’re considering sourcing your products from Faire, this guide can help you get started. There’s a growing market for handcrafted products, and you’re fortunate to have found this niche while it’s not yet saturated. Adding Faire to your list of product sources is an excellent first step.
Be cautious but don’t be afraid to take risks because opportunities don’t come often. I firmly believe that, as business owners, we shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket. So, give Faire a shot while maintaining a presence on other platforms. Follow the best practices above and make the most of the platform’s features.