First - do the work and investigate what you want to sell and who supplies it. Second - have a lot of money available to invest in inventory. Third - be extremely wary of selling high theft, high counterfeit items like electronics. Fourth - plan on much of that inventory to take some time to sell. Fifth - plan on some inventory being a money loser. There is a reason why merchandise is on clearance. Sixth - know your competition. You can get a super deal on merchandise only to find the market is flooded with it and nobody wants it any longer.
Small Business Incubator - usually affiliated with your city's economic development department, university or college. They have information available on suppliers.
SCORE - Service Corp Of Retired Executives - volunteer organization that assists with small business start ups.
Wholesale Shows and Trade Shows - Must have a valid business license for access. Google and check your local chamber of commerce calendar of events for any near you.
Import Shows and Specialized Shows - use the search resources mentioned above. Some shows are open to the public such as the International Gem & Jewelry shows.
Rock, Gem and Mineral Shows - sponsored by local clubs. Wide variety of merchandise including finished jewelry, jewelry making supplies, jewelry tools, decorative rocks, loose gem stones, mineral specimens, metaphysical & chakra rocks and crystals, jewelry display supplies, cutting saws, polishers and grinders. Lots more. Some of the local vendors bring all kinds of merchandise to these shows.
Franklin, NC hosts 4 or 5 rock shows plus a Gem & Lapidary Wholesale Show all going on at the same time 3 times per year. (Beautiful mountain scenery is a plus).
Large cities near you - check their chamber of commerce events calendars for any events that might appeal to you.
Wholesale vendors - brick and mortar operations that have everything from restaurant supplies, dried flowers, specialty foods, etc.
Do the work - there is a whole world of opportunities for obtaining merchandise.
And there is always the run around to every Walmart, Target, Kohl's, Macy's etc to hunt for mark downs and clearance items. Thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, art fairs and festivals. Some cities sponsor a huge garage sale at country fair grounds.
Don't forget to search eBay for big, large, and huge lot listings. Many sellers find some of their merchandise right here.
