What is bulk purchasing?

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Bulk purchasing, or bulk buying, is the act of buying large quantities of a product at once, often to take advantage of lower pricing per unit. Many suppliers and online retailers offer discounts for high-volume orders, making this strategy popular for ecommerce brands, resellers, and even individuals looking to save money. For print-on-demand sellers, bulk purchasing can be a game changer, especially when preparing for high-volume seasons or promotions. Learn more about cutting costs in your business through low-cost business ideas and strategic sourcing.

What does bulk purchasing mean in print-on-demand?

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In the print-on-demand world, bulk purchasing involves ordering a large number of items-like phone cases, apparel, or custom accessories-in advance. This approach allows creators to reduce their cost per product, increase profit margins, and prepare inventory for events or online campaigns. For instance, a creator may bulk order best-selling designs after validating them through one-off POD sales. Curious how this fits into a broader strategy? Check out how to start a print-on-demand business to scale your store.

Bulk purchasing vs wholesale: What’s the difference?

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While both involve buying in larger quantities, wholesale typically refers to business-to-business transactions directly from a manufacturer or distributor. Buyers purchase inventory at a significantly reduced rate to resell it at a markup. Bulk purchasing can apply to both businesses and individual consumers who want to save money by buying more at once.

Whether you're buying inventory upfront or selling through a hybrid POD model, understanding bulk purchasing is essential for maximizing efficiency and profitability. Pairing this strategy with print-on-demand niches and strong product-market fit can accelerate growth for your store.

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