What Questions to Ask Suppliers before Placing First Order?

Look at how big the wholesale space has become. In the US, wholesale trade generated roughly $18.5 trillion in sales in 2025, with steady growth over the last few years.

At the same time, dollar and variety stores are expected to reach nearly $120 billion in market value by 2026. It makes the competition bigger.

That’s why, when you’re dealing with dollar store suppliers or the vendors of wholesale dollar store items, clarity matters.

You should not place the first order after only basic level verification of the supplier. This will be a huge risk  If deliveries are late, stock runs out, or terms aren’t clear with the damaged goods, it directly affects your shelves and your customers.

Knowing the vital questions to ask your supplier before placing that first order can protect your margins. And guess what, it’s better for your peace of mind.

This blog will address those key questions you should always ask before placing your first order or making any contract with your supplier.

So, whether you’re opening a new store or onboarding a new supplier, asking the right questions early helps you avoid costly mistakes in the long run.

How long have you been supplying wholesale products?

Asking this question is one of the best ways to verify your supplier for wholesale dollar store items.

Based on the years of experience, you can actually judge whether the supplier understands the realities of wholesale.

And, yes, it’s not just selling products. It involves handling pricing shifts, demand swings, and logistics challenges.

 The supplier is still figuring out their own processes.

Here, we must say one thing: New suppliers aren’t always a red flag, but buyers often assume low prices equal reliability.

How well your wholesale business understands the expectations of the customers is all that matters.

How often do you restock or update available inventory?

This question helps you understand how reliable reordering will be.

 If your dollar store suppliers update stock weekly or in real time, you can plan lean and reorder with confidence instead of overstocking just in case.

Let’s take an example here.

Imagine a cleaning product that sells out every 10 days. You place a strong first order, it sells fast, and customers start asking for it again.

When you go back to reorder, the item is suddenly out of stock for the next six weeks because inventory wasn’t updated regularly.

This is a common mistake buyers make, assuming availability will stay the same after the first order.

You can also check out how consistent the suppliers can be for your year-round needs.

What makes your wholesale products different from others?

When your supplier can clearly say their unique selling point, it will be a good sign. They can be someone whom you can rely on for long-term supplies.

In fact, it's definitely one of useful wholesale buying tips to start with.

Most buyers see this as it’s only the price that sets apart suppliers.

But differentiation can happen in many ways. You can understand this better by asking the right questions, like- what does your company do differently? How does that benefit your store?

Buyers often skip this and later realize their mistakes.

Can we communicate with your customers?

A trustworthy supplier, wholesale dollar store items, won’t hesitate to connect you with clients who can share honest feedback.

When you approach your distributor by asking this question, you actually get the complete picture.

Ask about their references. If possible, talk to their previous clients to understand how they handled challenges.

 Inquire about how they manage the working relations with their previous clients. Check out the reviews, feedback, and proven track records.

Can you walk us through your order and delivery process?

This question reveals how organized the supplier really is.

You learn whether orders are handled manually or through systems, how items are packed, and where errors can occur.

When you trust only verbal delivery promises without understanding how fulfillment works, it actually increases the risk.

How do the items get packed? What is your average lead time? Can you track delivery in real time? What is your fulfilment capacity during peak seasons? Do you support drop shipping?

When you have an answer to these questions, you get clarity.

What is your return policy, and how do you handle damaged products?

Returns are not about ‘if’ but ‘when.’ This question protects you financially.

Buyers often assume damage will be easy, only to find strict timelines or conditions later. Knowing the process upfront saves time, money, and disputes.

How do you manage supply chain issues or unexpected delays?

Delays happen due to various reasons. This can be weather, customs, transport issues, or any emergencies.

When you source from dollar store suppliers, any such uncontrollable situation can happen.

You can‘t just assume everything will be okay. This will definitely help you choose a wholesale distributor near you or in your preferred proximity.

What backup plans do you have in case of a supply chain disruption? How do you communicate the delay? How quickly will we be informed?

By asking this question, you will have to prepare for any kind of such uncertainties.

Buyers often learn this too late, that a supplier has no backup vendors or alternative routes, leading to empty shelves.

Can you have the capacity to handle our order volume?

 A supplier might handle small orders well but struggle with volume spikes.

Yes, that happens. And guess what? Buyers often forget to also consider this area.

If you communicate the expectation about your order value in advance, you can definitely get an idea whether they can be the right fit.

Buyers often make the mistake of switching suppliers right when sales grow because the original supplier can’t keep up.

What is your usual lead time for orders?

Lead time affects everything from stock planning to cash flow. This question helps you set realistic reorder points.

Many buyers rely on ‘average’ delivery times instead of confirmed lead times.

It’s quite a valid point.

But, you can find the almost exact estimation on lead by tweaking the question.

Ask them what your lead time is during pick times? How do you handle order spikes during the holiday season?

Do you offer service level agreements (SLAs)?

SLAs show whether a supplier stands behind their promises.

But promises often fall short. That’s where contractual obligations work.

Make sure their contract with your wholesale dollar store item suppliers clearly defines:

• Delivery timelines
• Lead time accuracy
• Responsibilities of both parties are distinct
• Payment terms
• NDA terms
• Dispute resolutions
• Termination of contract

Buyers often skip this step and have no leverage when service quality drops.

What legal protections are included in your contract?

The legal contracts for wholesale dollar store items suppliers protect both sides when things don’t go as planned.

Asking this question helps you understand liability, dispute handling, and termination terms.

A common mistake is signing standard terms without knowing where responsibility ends.

Do your products meet industry rules and compliance standards?

Compliance protects your business and your customers. This question helps you avoid recalls, fines, or reputational damage.

Many buyers rely on assumptions instead of documentation, which can become costly later.

Final Thought

Choosing the right supplier isn’t just about pricing or product range—it’s about clarity, trust, and long-term reliability.

Asking the right questions upfront helps you avoid confusion later, protects your margins, and sets the foundation for a smoother working relationship.

The more open the conversation at the start, the stronger the partnership will be over time.

What’s Next?

As a premier wholesale supplier, our Dollar Stores Supplier is always ready to answer every question you have.

Before starting a long-term partnership, we encourage our customers to ask as much as they need until they feel fully confident in our reliability, processes, and commitment to supporting their business.

So, start the journey on our B2B platform now by sharing your query with us today!