1. Direct Sourcing from Product Distributors
Currently, sourcing directly from product distributors is prioritized due to its affordability, quality assurance, and minimal risk of counterfeit products. Choosing suppliers from direct product distribution networks can provide peace of mind regarding origin, offer price advantages, and include promotional policies for wholesale customers.
Major brands often offer incentives for their large-scale customers, including delivery services and superior after-sales support. If you're new to business and unsure where to source products, consider registering as a retail distributor for major brands to access better pricing and assistance in acquiring necessary production equipment.
Many renowned brands are seeking opportunities to collaborate with convenience stores and mini supermarkets for product distribution. These include popular cosmetics brands like The Face Shop and Unilever, beverage brands such as Coca-Cola with products like Sprite, Nutri, Fanta, Pepsi, 7Up, Sting, Mirinda, Ô Long, and Revive, as well as dairy brands like Vinamilk, TH True Milk, and Dutch Lady. Additionally, there are reputable brands distributing clean food products such as Vietgap and Biggreen.
You can find company information online or through the company's product marketing representatives. Simply contact the company via email or phone to register as a retail distributor and secure reliable, cost-effective product sourcing.


2. Grocery Sourcing from Major Wholesale Distributors
In addition to wholesale markets, you can also source products from distributors and wholesale supermarkets. Wholesale distributors typically offer a wide range of products with clear origins, reasonable prices, and ensure competitiveness for customers. Moreover, these wholesale outlets provide delivery services to your doorstep, helping you save on transportation costs.
When it comes to large-scale wholesale grocery sourcing in Ho Chi Minh City, prominent supermarkets like BigC, Vincom Mega Mall, and Lotte cannot be overlooked. These establishments rigorously inspect their products to ensure user safety, then retain customer information for future contact and order pickups.
Furthermore, you can also procure goods from popular e-commerce platforms such as Tiki, Lazada, and Shopee. If there are any large grocery stores in your area willing to supply wholesale goods, you can directly purchase from them, saving time and transportation expenses.


3. Sourcing from Wholesale Markets in HCMC
If you're in HCMC, you've undoubtedly heard about the wholesale markets here. Besides direct distributors, wholesale markets are also where you can find bulk goods if you're planning to open a grocery store. Wholesale markets offer the advantage of a wide variety of goods, large quantities, and extremely affordable prices.
However, many sources here lack transparency regarding origin and quality. Therefore, shop owners need to be vigilant in selecting high-quality products, avoiding counterfeit goods that could affect their business. You can seek advice from those who have experience to avoid unnecessary risks.
You can visit large wholesale markets in Ho Chi Minh City such as An Dong Market, Binh Dien Market, Tan Binh Market, Kim Bien Market, Ben Thanh Market, Thu Duc Market, etc., to find cheap wholesale goods for your business.


4. Online Sources and Forums
You can explore websites of major brands and sign up to become a distributor. Major brands often seek to expand their retail distribution network to consumers, making this another option for sourcing products for your business.
Another method to find information on where to open a grocery store is to post ads on classified websites and forums to find suppliers for the products you intend to sell. When sourcing from these channels, exercise caution to distinguish between distributors and business entities. Using intermediaries will increase the cost of your inputs.
In addition, you may consider sourcing from Facebook groups, Zalo, or forums like nhattao.com, chotot.vn, rongbay.com... The variety of products available in these groups is diverse, and if chosen wisely, you can still find good deals. However, it's essential to thoroughly research the products and partners, perhaps by visiting the seller or factory in person, initially purchasing a small quantity for testing, and opting for cash on delivery (COD) payment method.

5. Wholesale Grocery Sourcing from Overseas
Imported goods are highly favored by many customers nowadays, including items like snacks, accessories, and various types of food products. Therefore, seeking exporters from overseas is a wise choice for grocery wholesalers. Imported goods typically have better quality than domestic ones, attracting more customers to your business. This ensures a large customer base while maintaining a steady supply of goods.
However, the prices of some imported items may be high due to the need for importing from abroad. Hence, before making purchases, it's essential to thoroughly research suppliers, select suitable and popular products in Vietnam to avoid stockpiling and unsold inventory. Recently, hand-carried goods have become popular and in-demand, so don't overlook these business opportunities.
You can order hand-carried goods from relatives, friends abroad, or purchase through internationally renowned e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Ebay, Alibaba, etc.


6. Importing Grocery Items from Market Sales Representatives
If you intend to wholesale groceries, where can you get them cheaply? Through product marketing representatives, consumer goods manufacturing companies, direct access to convenience stores. You should actively contact market sales representatives, social media platforms, or chat with experienced grocery store owners to learn more about additional sources of affordable merchandise, ensuring product quality and avoiding the risk of counterfeit or fake goods. Each salesperson can only provide different items, not all product lines.
Sales representatives often have extensive networks, making it easy for you to reach them. Then, save their contact information and visit sales representatives directly to procure goods.


7. Sourcing from Retail Stores for Wholesale Prices
If you're looking for cheap, reliable, quality, and diverse wholesale grocery sources, retail stores offering wholesale prices are the best option for you. Not far from where you are, you can also procure wholesale groceries directly from nearby retail stores. These stores serve as both retail and wholesale suppliers, providing you with a wide range of products for your convenience.
When sourcing from retail stores at wholesale prices, the price difference compared to distributors won't be significant. You should check the price list and find reputable retail stores before deciding on your purchases. If you only need a small quantity of goods, this is the place to find the most suitable supply source. You can also easily negotiate prices and establish your own wholesale sourcing relationships.


8. Importing Goods from E-commerce Platforms
E-commerce platforms witness fierce competition among sellers as prices are publicly listed, making it easy for buyers to choose and compare, hence prices are often lowered significantly. You can import a wide range of items at incredibly low prices, often receiving perks such as free shipping and support for complaints and returns. However, purchasing from e-commerce platforms also entails risks regarding product quality.
To choose the best supplier, you should check buyer reviews and product purchase counts. It's advisable to select stores labeled as 'Mall' (official distributor's genuine products) or 'Favorite' (stores trusted and highly rated by buyers). Famous e-commerce platforms include Shopee, Lazada, Sendo, Tiki, Taobao, 1688, etc.
To ensure a good source of imports, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Product quality commensurate with the price, as 'you get what you pay for,' the wholesale price should always come with product quality.
- Clear origin
- No counterfeit or imitation brand goods.
- Specific business documentation


9. Importing Goods from Major Supermarkets
These large supermarkets mainly focus on retail, but you can still find wholesale sources here. Look for supplier information on product packaging, then contact them to negotiate. Finally, make decisions on whether to choose the source of goods or not. You can choose large supermarkets to have a diverse range of products such as BigC, MM Mega Market...
In addition, at supermarket chains, there are always a huge quantity and variety of products available. So, during each supermarket promotion period such as buy one get one free or discounts, take advantage of buying these goods.
Sourcing from large supermarkets always ensures product quality, avoiding counterfeit or fake goods. But pay attention to the expiry date, it might be very short, so consider carefully to choose suitable products. Supermarket products often have promotions such as: various types of milk, detergents, household items, groceries.
Some notes when importing from supermarkets:
- Priority to import from reputable sources
- Check the goods carefully
- Import supermarket goods from reputable partners
- Check and keep invoices

