For an online retailer, one bad supplier can do lasting damage: a counterfeit, a run of late shipments, or stock that was never really available. Vetting luxury wholesalers and distributors properly is one of the most valuable things a buying team can do.
1. Verify the supply chain
- Ask where the stock comes from: the brand, an official distributor or authorised retail.
- Request invoices or authorisation letters for a sample of products.
- Be cautious of prices far below the market with no clear explanation.
2. Check the business
- Company registration, address and years trading.
- References from other retailers.
- Clear terms for payment, shipping and returns.
3. Test the data
Ask for a sample feed. Serious suppliers have consistent style numbers, size runs, materials and good images. Messy data often signals messy operations.
4. Run a small pilot
- Start with one category and a limited number of SKUs.
- Track ship time, cancellation rate and returns.
- Check authenticity on a sample of delivered items.
5. Monitor continuously
Vetting is not a one-time task. Keep scoring suppliers on fulfilment, data accuracy and customer issues.
The alternative: one verified network
Vetting dozens of suppliers takes time most buying teams do not have. Stork verifies every supplier and sources every item from official channels, then delivers one matched feed from 100+ brands through a single integration and a single contract.
FAQ
What is the biggest red flag?
A supplier that cannot or will not explain where its stock comes from.
How long should a pilot run?
Long enough to see a meaningful number of orders, typically a few weeks to a couple of months.
Apply as an online retailer to start a curated pilot.
