Get Your Pet Business Off The Ground: Where To Source Pet Products For Your E-Commerce Business
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet ownership in the U.S. has reached an all-time high, with 70% of households owning a pet and U.S. consumers spending a whopping $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022.
One of the key factors in running a thriving pet e-commerce store is sourcing reliable suppliers and manufacturers for your products.
By partnering with trustworthy suppliers, you can ensure the quality and availability of your inventory, leading to customer satisfaction and business growth.
In this Substack, I will explore various avenues to source reliable suppliers and manufacturers for your pet e-commerce products.
1. Attend Pet Industry Trade Shows and Exhibitions
Pet industry trade shows and exhibitions are excellent platforms to connect with reputable suppliers and manufacturers.
These events bring together industry professionals and showcase the latest products and innovations.
Attendees can network, explore different suppliers, and build valuable business relationships.
Some popular pet industry trade shows and exhibitions include:
Global Pet Expo: One of the world's largest pet industry trade shows, featuring thousands of exhibitors and educational sessions.
SuperZoo: A pet retail trade show that offers opportunities for retailers to discover new products, attend educational sessions, and connect with suppliers.
2. Research Online Supplier Directories
Online supplier directories are comprehensive platforms that connect businesses with suppliers across various industries.
These directories often have dedicated sections for pet products and provide detailed information about each supplier.
Here are some popular online supplier directories:
Alibaba: A global online marketplace that connects businesses with suppliers. It offers a wide range of pet products and allows you to search for reliable suppliers based on ratings, reviews, and certifications.
Thomasnet: A leading B2B platform that helps businesses find reliable suppliers across different industries, including the pet sector. It provides detailed company profiles and contact information for suppliers.
3. Explore Pet Product Associations and Organizations
Pet product associations and organizations play a vital role in the industry, and many of them offer resources to help businesses source reliable suppliers.
They often have directories or member databases that can connect you with trusted manufacturers and suppliers.
Some notable associations include:
American Pet Products Association (APPA): A leading trade association representing the pet industry. Its website provides resources and member directories that can help connect businesses with reliable suppliers.
Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA): A trade association representing pet product distributors. While primarily focused on distributors, PIDA can provide valuable insights and connections to manufacturers and suppliers.
4. Utilize Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces allow businesses to source products directly from manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors.
These platforms offer various pet products and often have robust supplier vetting processes.
Some popular online marketplaces for pet products include:
Amazon: One of the largest e-commerce marketplaces globally, offering a vast selection of pet products. It allows businesses to source products directly from manufacturers or authorized distributors. Source: Amazon Services
Chewy: A popular online retailer specializing in pet products. Chewy also offers a wholesale program for businesses looking to source products from trusted suppliers.
In conclusion
Sourcing reliable suppliers and manufacturers for your pet e-commerce store is essential to provide quality products and ensure customer satisfaction.
By exploring trade shows, online directories, industry associations, and online marketplaces, you can find trustworthy partners to fuel the success of your online pet store.