The Unspoken Rules of the Pet Supplies Wholesale Market

In China, the pet supplies market is divided into wholesale markets in small cities (Tier 3, 4, and 5) and wholesale markets in larger cities (Tier 1 and 2). In large cities, wholesalers usually source directly from pet product manufacturers. However, in less developed smaller cities, the wholesale market often consists of secondary distributors who still need to purchase from primary wholesalers. As a result, the overall price advantage for these distributors is not as significant.

Many people prefer to source from the primary pet supplies wholesale markets in large cities for several reasons. First, the price is relatively more competitive. More importantly, the key advantage is that you don’t need to purchase large quantities. By buying small amounts, you can still enjoy wholesale prices, which lowers the entry barrier and reduces the risk of overstocking. Compared to purchasing directly from manufacturers, the price is not much higher, making it a great option for small to medium-sized entrepreneurs. For buyers in medium and large cities, sourcing from large wholesalers is a great choice. However, in less developed smaller cities, the issue of cost and price becomes a headache. If sellers from small cities choose to source from big cities, they face higher transportation and logistics costs, not to mention the time involved. On the other hand, if they source locally, they are likely to deal with second-hand distributors who offer higher prices. In this scenario, many opt to source through online trade platforms, such as 1688, Taobao, and various B2B platforms. However, if you're in a very remote area, such as Xinjiang, you’ll still face high logistics costs. So, as someone in the pet industry, how do you currently source your products? Feel free to share your experience!