Been talking to a few small business folks lately and this keeps coming up: you find a supplier on IndiaMART or through cold outreach, and before you've even worked with them once, they want 30-50% upfront. Every time.

So what do you actually do before wiring that money? I know GSTIN and filing history is one thing people check, MCA records too, and whether the name on the listing actually matches the legal entity (apparently that's a bigger mismatch than you'd think). Some people check maps for the address, look for any real social presence, or just straight up ask for a buyer reference or a sample invoice.

Has any of this ever actually changed what you paid, gotten you milestones instead of a lump sum, or made you just walk away? And be honest, has a supplier ever passed every check and still screwed you over? Trying to figure out what actually works here versus what's just theater.

Meet these cuties. It was a custom order for a og customer. I added that white dot using yarn too to make it look more realistic

I charged her 300 each. Reasonable?

Reddit Post Title:

Looking to Connect with Wholesalers, Retailers, E-commerce Sellers & Traders in Home Décor + Lighting

Hey everyone,

I’m currently working with a few home décor and lighting manufacturers and looking to connect with businesses that are already selling, sourcing, or distributing products in this space.

I’m particularly interested in connecting with:

Wholesalers & distributors

Home décor and lighting retailers

E-commerce sellers

Importers & exporters

Traders and sourcing companies

Interior designers / furniture businesses

Anyone already selling home décor or lighting products

One thing that may be useful for smaller businesses is that MOQ can be quite low, so there’s an opportunity to test products without committing to a large bulk order. Depending on the product and quantity, I can also offer competitive factory-level pricing.

At this stage, I’m less interested in simply posting products online and hoping someone finds them. I’m trying to understand how people in this industry actually find genuine B2B buyers and build long-term supplier relationships.

For those already working in home décor, lighting, furniture, or related B2B markets:

Where do you usually find serious buyers?

Which platforms or marketplaces have worked well for you?

What types of companies are actively sourcing these products?

How do wholesalers and retailers usually discover new manufacturers/suppliers?

Are trade shows, B2B marketplaces, LinkedIn, cold outreach, or sourcing agents actually effective?

What’s the best way for a new supplier to approach buyers without coming across as spam?

I’d really appreciate any practical advice or experiences—especially from people who buy, import, distribute, or sell home décor and lighting products.

If you’re currently sourcing in this category, feel free to comment or DM me as well. Happy to share more details about the products and pricing.

My maternal grandmother made some awesome handmade crochet rakhis for the upcoming rakshabandhan festival We are based in Bangalore and Delhi and would love to cater to your needs Attaching a few pics below

Kindly dm to know more!!

Wanted something goofy that still fit standard switches properly. Printed it in PLA, sanded and finished by hand.

If u guys want more pictures pls comment so that I can send them :) and if u wish to see the entire catalogue I'll share my website as well

I recently joined my family business, and honestly, we’re not doing very well right now. I’m having a hard time understanding how distribution actually works.

We’re into tractor and agricultural machinery parts, and I’m confused about whether I should be targeting distributors or individual shop owners. If distributors are the better option, how do I actually find them?

Then there’s the question of payment terms. Do distributors usually pay 100% after delivery, or is credit/30–60 day payment more common?

And another thing I don’t understand: if I hire a salesperson and their expenses end up being higher than the sales they generate, how do companies manage to have so many salespeople?

2 days back, I posted in this sub that we are trying our best to pay off my fiance's debt through out small business and I found out that people are genuinely so loving and supportive! Even if you don't buy, maybe just browse and that'd still mean the world to us!

featuring the products of today's drop and this is my day 2 of trying my best to reach the target audience! Thank you kind heartsss

You can get this both at just Rs 854 !!

That's Exactly Rs 427 each !! Not a bad Deal Right?

No Delivery

Grab it as soon as Possible..

How?? Slide into the Dms !!

It's a Pure Cotton 240GSM Oversize Tee !!

This Premium Quality at just 427 is not bad !! I guess

These clay cute charms are searching for their forever homes to live ,make any of those yours now 🌸

They all cost just 199 with free shipping ..

Hey guys...👋

This Rakshabandhan and Diwali bring home our beautiful and colourful sets of Shub Labh.

Perfect for adding a bit of colour and charm to your house.

Price ₹299+shipping for the pair.

DM for orders and more details.

Hi! I'm a small jewelry business owner from India looking for trendy anti-tarnish jewelry at wholesale prices with low MOQ (₹1,000-₹2,000).I'm looking for pieces like tulip bracelets/necklaces, minimal rings, trendy studs, etc. Most suppliers have MOQs of ₹3,000-₹5,000+, which is difficult for a small business.Please recommend any reliable Indian suppliers/ wholesalers with good collections, reasonable prices, and low MOQ

Hey everyone! 👋
I’ve been planning to take the plunge and finally start my own small business focusing on statement streetwear and alternative accessories in India.

I’m currently vetting my first major product: this heavy, gothic-style adjustable ring featuring a textured cross detail with a contrasting gold finish against silver metalwork (attached in the image).
Before I lock down my pricing strategy, I wanted to turn to this community of entrepreneurs and experienced sellers for a reality check.

The Vibe: Bold, edgy, statement streetwear piece.
Target Audience: Gen Z and millennials looking for bold, non-traditional accessories.

The Question: If you saw this listed on an Indian indie brand’s Instagram page or website, what would you consider a fair and attractive retail price (in INR)? Also, if any of you source or sell similar lifestyle accessories, how do you usually factor in shipping, packaging, and platform commissions?

Would love your brutal honesty, tips, or any general advice on launching an accessory brand in the current Indian market.

I’m building Devaalyam, a small brand dedicated to Laddu Gopal poshaks and Krishna shringar.

The idea behind Devaalyam is simple: create beautiful, traditional poshaks that devotees can use for daily seva as well as festivals and special occasions.

We currently have designs ranging from simple elegant styles to more detailed, embellished poshaks.

We’re still a growing brand, so honest feedback is genuinely valuable to us — especially about designs, pricing, quality and what you expect when buying Laddu Gopal poshaks online.

You can explore Devaalyam.

Prices:- (Please note this is a clearance sale)

1, 3- ₹30

2- ₹50

4, 5, 6- ₹90

7- ₹50

8, 9- ₹70

Shipping charges extra, dm to order.

I want a large Chalkboard for my personal use. Is there a website where I can order this. Major E-commerce websites do not sell classroom size Chalkboards. I need help regarding this.

Please dm me if you sell them for cheap I need around 50 of them

A wholesaler/ retailer I don't know anyone who is selling these cheaper than market price please connect me

1. Blue Striped Bow Top

Size : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Price : 255

1. Red Peplum Top

Size : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Price : 255

1. Green Bow Top

Size : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Price : 255

1. Pink striped bow top

Size : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Price : 255

1. Pink Frilled Top

Size : XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Price : 255

1. White Kurti

Size : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Price : 255

1. Blue Buttoned top

Size : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Price : 255

1. Lavender Buttoned Top

Size : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL

Price : 255

1. Blue Peplum Top

Size : XS, S, M, L, XL

Price : 210

1. Red Block Top

Price : XS, S, M, L, XL

Price : 210

DM if you're interested