A wholesaler is a company that acts as a go between between businesses and customers. In recent years, some companies have chosen to act as a wholesaler in a traditional retail setting. In other words, companies like BJ's and Sam's Club combine a wholesale warehouse within a conventional retail space. The process might seem straightforward, but it still has its quirks.
1: The Gallon Size Apparently Is Too Small
Unless you happen to be Undercover Brother, you probably won't be eating enough mayo to justify buying it in tub size. People assume that just because you are getting a cheaper price per unit that you are getting the best value. However, if you don't use the product, you are not getting a deal at all. Keep the wholesale purchases to tube socks and hope the grocery store hasn't run out of mayo.
2: Some People Don't Understand That A Wholesaler Is A Warehouse
Yes, and this means that there is nothing in the back room. If you go to a wholesale store and ask an employee if they have more ketchup in the back, you are doing something wrong. As Bill Engvall would say, "Here's your sign." There is a reason why the product goes straight from a truck to the sales floor. It is for your convenience and to make the employee's life as easy as possible.
3: Novelty Items Are Overrated
Sure, nothing is cooler than having that light up pen, or the gun that unrolls a sheet of paper with the word BANG on it. The funny thing about novelty wholesaling is that there is actually a market for it. Google "Funny Novelty Items" and you will end up with thousands of hits. On second thought, have you ever used a Bongo Flasher? Those things are fun.
4. Marketing Can Sell Anything
Why is there such a novelty market? Good PR and advertising. A Silly Band wasn't just a piece of rubber, it was a dinosaur shaped piece of rubber! A pet rock wasn't just any rock, it was a rock that kept you company and was almost as good as a dog. Ten dollars for a rock may seem like a lot, but at least it doesn't need trips to the vet.
5. You Need To Bring Friends To Buy From A Wholesaler
You can't buy from a wholesaler if it is just you. It is the law in all 50 United States. To buy goods from a wholesaler you have to have 39 kids, or be attempting to set a Guiness World Record for most rolls of paper towels bought in one package. Hopefully you have given up trying to find a normal size jar of mayo by now.