A gift shop owner wants to stock a range of candles from a wholesaler. Before she spends time on an account application, she wants to know the minimum order, whether she can mix scents, what the trade discount is and whether delivery is free over a certain amount. The wholesaler's site says "contact us for trade pricing." She messages, waits two days and orders from a competitor who published a tiered price guide.
Trade buyers need to know whether they can work with you before they apply. Minimum order and pricing questions come first.
What trade buyers ask
Trade buyers usually ask what the minimum order value or quantity is, whether they can mix products to reach the minimum, how trade pricing compares with retail, whether there are volume discounts, what delivery costs and whether there is free delivery over a threshold, what payment terms are available and how to access the full price list.
Example conversations
These scripts use information a wholesaler might publish. Your answers should come from your own pages.
Buyer: What's your minimum order? Assistant: The trade page explains that the minimum first order is the amount shown, and you can mix any products to reach it. Repeat orders have a lower minimum.
Buyer: Is delivery free? Assistant: The page explains that delivery is free on orders above the threshold listed, with a flat charge below it.
Buyer: Can I see your prices before I apply? Assistant: The page shows sample trade prices for popular lines. The full price list is available once your trade account is approved. Would you like to start an application?
Tiers and volume discounts
Many wholesalers offer better prices at higher volumes. Publishing the tiers helps buyers plan orders and encourages larger ones.
Small buyers are growing buyers
Many small shops start with small orders and grow. Being clear about minimums, and welcoming smaller first orders where possible, wins customers who become valuable later. Applications themselves are covered in trade account applications that stall.
Enquiries in the wrong place
Some trade buyers first contact the retail store, as described in wholesale enquiries hiding in your retail store inbox. A clear trade section catches them.
Samples and trial orders
Many buyers want to see and feel a product before committing to a full minimum order. Explaining whether samples are available, whether they are charged and whether a smaller trial order is possible for new accounts removes a real barrier. A buyer who has handled the product and seen it sell in their shop is far more likely to place larger repeat orders.
Seasonal ordering
Shops plan seasonal stock months ahead. Publishing when seasonal ranges are available to order, and any early order discounts, helps buyers plan and brings orders in earlier.
Hidden costs
Buyers dislike surprises such as unexpected delivery charges or handling fees. Being upfront avoids disputes. The same principle applies when businesses choose software, as described in hidden costs of AI chatbot pricing.
Order questions after purchase
Once ordering, buyers ask about stock, delivery times and returns. Many of these questions can be handled automatically, as covered in the ecommerce support questions AI should handle for you.
Answering at any hour
SpideyChat for wholesalers and distributors answers minimum order and pricing questions from your own pages at any hour and captures account enquiries.
A trade terms page
Publish minimums, sample prices, tiers, delivery thresholds and payment terms. Try SpideyChat on your own site, or read about capture on the features page.