Start Shoe Wholesale Business

Engage in one of the most stable businesses to start. Start a business supplying shoes wholesale to retailers. Learn what qualifications and equipment you need to start this business.

Shoe wholesale business is one that someone with connections inside the industry can operate at home.

shoe wholesale

As long as the human race lives, there will always be a demand for shoes. That is why this is one of the best businesses to start. If you have worked in a shoe business, as a purchasing agent, salesman, or manager, this is an ideal business for you to start. This experience would have brought you business relationships that you can use to obtain that sometimes hard-to-come-by account with shoe manufacturers. If you don’t have the business connections to start this business, you can opt to do the hard way by buying shoes wholesale in discount stores and closing outs.

If your experience in the shoe business is in sales and purchasing, you would have to learn more aspects of managing a business as the overall manager and owner of your own wholesale business. Enroll in a short business course to learn the basics of topics such as accounting, customer support, and client management.

Finding Wholesale Shoe Business Clients

Now to find entities to whom you will do business with. In the world of wholesaling, you would have to face retailers who already have established relationships with other vendors. And usually, these retailers are serviced by established distributors that you will find hard to compete with because of their scale and reach. A tactic in this kind of business is to serve the part of the market that was left out by these big distributors, probably because they are too small to have a profitable relationship with.

Just like in retail, in order to be successful, you must define your business well to stand out. Choose a line of shoes you want to distribute. Among the most popular and most basic are athletic shoes. You can also define your business as a wholesaler of women’s, men’s, or children’s shoes.

Wholesale Shoe Business Equipment Needs

Your needs in this kind of business will vary depending on what wholesaling business you will be operating. If you will be the buy-in-bulk kind, you’d need to have a large startup capital to buy inventory, rent a warehouse to store your goods, and delivery vehicles to transport the items. If you will be working directly with manufacturers, you can save on these costs by employing a dropship service wherein your orders will be directly delivered to the retailer. This way, you won’t really need a warehouse or delivery vehicle. You can just operate at home with a fax, telephone and computer with an Internet connection.
 

74 Comments

  • sylvester langa said on January 3, 2010
    i am already in fashion business, with a good clientele, an i will like to do business with you if given the opportunity, as i have a big branch in nigeria, which is the biggest market in africa.
  • Sanjiv said on February 8, 2010
    Dear I have a own Leather footwear buying house in India and mainly dealing with Europe in mid & high range, and I have team for 100,000 pairs in a month and we have setup with 5 factories each of them produce 1,000 to 10,000 pairs per day and we are specialized in all kinds of hand made Shoes. If any one interested to buy shoes And new factory setup pls contact. sparmar@airtelmail.in
  • amanda said on May 9, 2010
    i need to know ways and means of contacting manufactures
  • Figlio di Giorgio said on June 6, 2010
    We are wholesaler of men dress shoes located in Patras Greece. We are looking to sell wholesale to European countries only. Small min. order accepted. We sell also wholesale men/women leather jackets. Please email : fdg@otenet.gr www.figliodigiorgio.com
  • selina said on June 21, 2010
    i want to export women's shoes all over the world
  • selina said on June 21, 2010
    Selina trading here. It's specialized in manufacturing and exporting pvc sandals, slippers& pumps . And now some new items with good quality and low price. skype: selina000168
  • Thoraya said on October 13, 2010
    I am negotiating with a shoemaker to start my own design of leather shoes. I am looking for someone to supply me with cork, wooden, and rubber soles already designed.
  • Kelly said on May 24, 2011
    Hello sir/madam, We are professional shoes exporter from China, supplying good quality products with competitive price, including slipper, sandal, casual shoe, sport shoe and safety shoes. If you are interested in any kind, pls freely send email to ziwo@chinazhihe.com Thank you!
  • Puneet Garg said on June 14, 2011
    Hi, I am looking to set up a brand for low end customers in india for ladies footwear but i don't want to go into manufacturing. I want my label on the footwear as I want to give attention to brand building. Can anyone tell me where I can get cheap but good quality ladies footwear. Thanks, Puneet
  • Yann De Oliveira said on June 15, 2011
    Dear All, We are a wholesaler of womens, mens shoes from the Philippines, our good quality shoes will give you complete satisfaction, our prices are very competitive. We are looking to supply the African market. If you are interested, feel free to contact me.
  • Yann De Oliveira said on June 15, 2011
    To Puneet, In Philippines we have really good quality shoes and really good price, you can't compare our shoes with China, we do quality, this is the true. We can as well arrange to put your label on it. contact me: jet7yann@yahoo.fr
  • RnG CREATIONS said on July 5, 2011
    dear all,we are noida based wholesaler of ladies footwear + high fashion + bridal collection,synthetic and leather products,we are looking for buyers,if any one interested, pls contact us. rngcreations@gmail.com.thankyou
  • TraciesLadiesShoes said on October 31, 2011
    am looking to start wholesale and am looking for manufacturers that i can do drops-order with to help me build my inventory and looking to buy wholesale in USA in Virginia.
  • manoj aher said on December 20, 2011
    hello everybody..i have my own leather factory in mumbai,as i only make ladies shoe(export quality)as m doing job work.but now i want to export my own creative shoe,so just need to know that where can i find a buyer and what is the procedure for export business.thank u.
  • Chantelle said on February 14, 2012
    Hi, I am currently looking for a supplier of peep tow shoes with a high heel in white satin or leather, the purpose of these shoes would be for painting. i have previously ordered samples from china, although the quality was good the sizing was all wrong (found to be 1 or 2 diff from Europe) if anyone can recommend a good supplier that would be great. many thanks chantelle@cozykennelspain.com
  • Nana said on March 8, 2012
    Hi, i am in South Africa, i would like to be a distributor of any wholesale that makes quality leader shoes and bags, email me nananxumalo@yahoo.com
  • michael gyebi said on August 2, 2012
    Hello, I am michael. I am interested in both second hand shoes from any part of the world and would also like to be an agent for Indian and Chinese exporters as well. I am a Ghanaian and reside in Accra. Contact on 00233274318488, 00233273155044 or email gyebimichael1977@yahoo.com. Thanks.
  • Kaylei said on September 21, 2012
    10,000-12,000 units of all types of shoes heels, sandals, boots etc Also 2000 purses, About 700 formal dresses. Wanting to SELL EVERYTHING!! CALL AT 931-548-2444 Location: Nashville
  • aftab said on October 20, 2012
    Hi everybody, I have a buying house regarding shoes, and fashion items. I have my clients in europe , and north america. My company deals in leather articles also. interested persons may contact at aftabbahmedd@yahoo.com with confidence. Regards, Aftab Ahmed
  • Shore said on December 10, 2012
    hey all - i am in Dominica - I am looking to start a small shoe store - I am looking for a supplier with excellent wholesale and nice shoes mjnofinn@gmail.com
  • Osman said on January 7, 2013
    Dear all, especially manufacturing and exporting company worldwide.I live in the UK but have my own business in Sierra Leone west Africa. Upon this regards, I am hoping to meet any company that have joblot of used cloth, shoe. hand bags,underwear,belts.that we can start doing business,and see how we can build our business relationship that can be a profitable business between me and your company. please get in touch as see how we can start. Regards, Osman
  • Jether said on January 15, 2013
    hi too all, I want to have a store of shoes for kid's and adult so I look for a wholesaler that is lower price, her in the phillipines.
  • elle said on February 4, 2013
    Hi, my name is Elle and I am looking at starting an online shoe store and I am looking for wholesale shoes to have on my site. If you have any information for vendors to ship to the USA please email me at ranadatahir@gmail.com
  • Kelebogile Van Eck said on February 20, 2013
    Looking to start a business off green cross shoes store I am looking for the wholesale of green cross to supply me. For any supplier of green cross you have please email me to the above email address.
  • Lucy said on March 6, 2013
    Hello, I'm Lucy. I want to start a shoe shop. But the problem i keep facing is that most companies that sell at wholesale price don't ship directly to my country Nigeria. I need a wholesale company that ships directly to my country.Thanks. contact me through kamilolaelix@gmail.com.
  • Rakhim said on April 30, 2013
    We are looking for domestic driving shoe buyers from india, can supply at best price, interested buyers please mail us @ leatherland68@gmail.com thanks and regards. humair
  • anna said on June 13, 2013
    Hello all, I'm looking for a wholesaler for my shoe shop in. annaivoire@hotmail.fr
  • modupe said on June 18, 2013
    Hi, my name is modupe from Nigeria, i am starting my own shoes business, and i really need whole sellers, who can ship to Nigeria. Pls contact via email.
  • hussain said on July 5, 2013
    I am starting a footwear wholesale business and looking for cheap and good quality sport shoes' sendals for mens and womens. Thanks & Regards, M. Hussain
  • mohit agarwal said on July 15, 2013
    hello friends, I want to start shoe wholesale business in india..and want to find the those manufacturer from i could get the sample of shoe and their price to expand their product in indian market. thanks.. contact 09582709496 Mohit agarwal
  • ora said on October 23, 2013
    Halo all, it is shoes manufacture for all kinds of slippers, sandals and flip flops, we accept bulk order and wholesale. Any interested, pls contact me freely.Thanks a lot. Ora
  • daniel said on October 27, 2013
    hello friends , my name is daniel and i am from macedonia , i want to open a shoe store only for women shoes , do you know any warehouse of a great manufacturer from where to buy. thanks a lot
  • Thurman Patterson said on November 28, 2013
    I am from the united states i am starting a wholesale tennis shoe business i need manufacturers email me thurman_patterson@yahoo.com
  • jiten samanta said on February 20, 2014
    hello friends i want to start shoe distributorship in india local market. so i could get the sample of shoe and their price . thanks
  • Rochelle Jacobs said on March 20, 2014
    Hello everyone, I just open my own outdoor mens sandals, and I'm looking for a wholesaler of womens good quality shoes from sandals, flip-flops to high heels, with a really good price but i want my own label on it. can anyone inform me where can i get a cheap but really good quality ladies footwears. thanks. interested wholesaler/supplier pls email @ rjacobs0128@yahoo.com
  • Prem Solanki said on March 22, 2014
    I am running a wholesale work of ladies footwear in Karol Bagh, New Delh and i am interested in sale to ladies footwear Retail counter
  • rajat agarwal said on March 31, 2014
    hello friends, i have a manufacturing unit in agra. i am dealing in gents genuine leather shoes and slippers so any of u interested send me a mail. thank u
  • rajat agarwal said on March 31, 2014
    my email address is kadambaryshoes@yahoo.com & kadambaryshoes@gmail.com
  • Cyril venketsamy said on May 29, 2014
    Hi people ... I have a shoe manufacturing factory based in durban south africa. I make ladies fashion pumps, sandals, mocassins using suade, PU/synthetic including patent materials ... We also specialise in mens leather sandals. If you are a local wholesaler/vendor/trader or shop and you require the production of quality with a lot of comfort in your products then look no further,we are proud suppliers in the trade to many chain stores in south africa and we seek to venture abroad. For supply thats guaranteed/ terms and conditions apply and for a full description of Our products and company profile... Drop us an e mail to style step manufacturers on .... www.c.styla26@gmail.com... Pls feel free to contact us ... Kind regards
  • Ashraf Ali said on June 6, 2014
    Hi, Leather and Shoe importers, I arrange all types of leather for uppers and lining from Chennai and Kanpur, Indian tannery areas, and also leather shoes for men in volumes by fcl qtys. Mens classic dress casual leather shoes. Pls. inform me your inquiry details, specification, qty. requirement. I will get you best price to your nearest sea or airport. Reg. shoes if you send me some design photos, qty. requirements, i will match it from our collections and send back our photos for your review to place sample orders. B. regards, Ashraf Ali, Leather and Product buying agent, Chennai, India +91 9444413365 Skype athiyaexports - pls. add me to your skype for online chat support. E : ashrafeximagent@yahoo.com
  • Sameer Abdurahiman said on July 15, 2014
    Hi, We are a leading retail chain of footwear shops based in Kerala, India and planning to setup own branded product and wish to market both middle east and india. We are looking for a manufacturer specialized leather shoes and footwears.. Please contact +91 9847181987 or email me @ esporti.global@gmail.com
  • james said on July 25, 2014
    Looking for the distributor of the used clothing ,used shoes,used bag in all africa ,we are the factory from Shanghai in China ,any interesting pls contact me mark@yxstcb.com
  • Hilda said on December 4, 2014
    I am looking for distributors of wholesale genuine leather and genuine leather shoes in pretoria.
  • Hilda said on December 4, 2014
    I am looking for distributors of wholesale genuine leather bags and genuine leather shoes in pretoria. contact me at hildahneo@gmail.com
  • himanshu dhingra said on January 7, 2015
    hi, I am manufacturing formal shoes. I want to export them to other countries. what is the procedure to export my product?
  • rakesh patel said on February 27, 2015
    I want to open shop of shoe in viramgam, ahmedabad, gujrat, india so all seller will give me their quotation with full details
  • joe said on March 8, 2015
    Hi, my name is joe and I am looking at starting an online high quality exclusive tennis shoe store and I am looking for wholesale shoes to have on my site. If you have any information from wholesalers, manufacturer or vendors that will ship to the USA please email meĀ at jayl72@hotmail.com
  • Andy said on June 13, 2015
    I want to buy a lot of shoes of NIKE, Could you give me wholesale price? Let me know. Thank you
  • rana singh said on July 13, 2015
    hello andy i have all branded shoe 918879234805 you can contact me thesingh.rana@mail.com
  • DEE.PHILIPPINES said on September 6, 2015
    hello there. my name is dee from philippihnes, i would like to start a small business with slippers for women and maybe men also with 2 brand only JORDAN and NIKE.. but i cant afford to get authentics... thats why i am looking for a supplier that sell replica of these.,. PREFERABLY HERE IN PHILIPPINES... i am looking forward for reply!
  • rajiv jain said on October 23, 2015
    Hi, We are Whole seller of Leather footwear for Mens based in Agra u.p, India and own branded product and wish to market in india. We are looking for a wholesellers specialized leather shoes and footwears.. Please contact +91 8410821415 or email me umashoefactory@gmail.com
  • sulemanali said on April 14, 2016
    Hi,we are whole seller of branded shoes,sliper,loofers etc in cheapest price the brands are l,v nike,puma,adidas etc if any body want to buy then contact on this no 9718750651
  • sayed suleman ali said on April 14, 2016
    Hi,we are whole seller of branded shoes,sliper,loofers etc in cheapest price the brands are l,v nike,puma,adidas etc if any body want to buy then contact on this no +91 9718750651.
  • Greg lanuza said on May 26, 2016
    Hi sulemanali do you have an email and website so that i can yake a look in your nike branded shoes. Im planning to start up an online business here in the philippines. My target brand are nike and adidas but i like to have authentic products.
  • Anurag Shah Dhawan said on June 9, 2016
    Hello everyone, I want to start up a new business setup into shoe industry, please if anybody could help me then contact me on 8960510510 I am based in kanpur.
  • Akhil.pv said on July 7, 2016
    Hi, I am Akhil. i am from Kerala. i am working as BDO in a firm called APR AGENCIES. its a firm that dealing 3 premium footwear brands and more than 20 Kerala based pu footwear brands and we have our own manufacturing unit also. we are one of the finest wholesale footwear distributor in Kerala. now we are looking to export footwear into foreign Nations. if anyone interested please feel free to contact me on pvakhil11@gmail.com
  • mharge said on August 24, 2016
    Hi Good Day, I'm planning to run a small business but I'm still looking for supplier or wholesale w/ good price list, particular in shoes (doll shoes, flat shoes, sandals etc).. I'm from Philippines... Pls. contact me @ d_angel_mharge@yahoo.com. Thank you very much
  • sunil said on January 5, 2017
    I'm manufacture and wholesaler in leather handbags and jackets wallets and diamond jewellery we run a family business we do except small and large quality orders we make customize handbags of any design
  • amol gawade said on March 16, 2017
    my name is amol gawade. live in pune Maharashtra. cont 9860332877. email.ammollgawde@rediffmail.com. I am interested in business. please give me a chance.
  • Virginie said on May 11, 2017
    I live in Mauritius and would like to start an online shoe business and would be glad to work with you. I have the opportunity to travel and visit you in order to discuss business. Kindly revert back to me. Regards. Virginie
  • Phila said on March 24, 2018
    I live in UK and I am looking for second hand designer handbags to buy in bulks. Please email me @ pomotoso@aol.com
  • Phila said on March 24, 2018
    I am looking for shoe wholesalers who specialize in comfort shoes. The shoes of the following spec : Designed from the ground-up with comfort as a priority, light , therapeutic insoles, our shoes are a top choice for health professionals who know firsthand how hard, flat floors can be unkind to feet and joints.
  • Kaydawala Mufaddal said on January 20, 2019
    Interested in Starting a wholesale shoe business. I want details regarding shoe products and prices for both men and women of all ages. please email me your details kaydawalamufaddal@gmail.com
  • Kamran said on March 14, 2019
    I want to start a shoe wholesale business. what are the best steps to do for that business? Can plzz help me. and how much money I need for it to start?
  • johnmary jones said on April 9, 2019
    I need to start up a wholesale and retail shop of footwear of all types, I need suppliers who can provide me with goods on consignment. I also have plans of opening up branches in other major towns. I am in Uganda Kampala contact me on +256757613775 whats-app and jm Jones Facebook. thanks as I am looking forward to working with you. also find me at jmjams464@gmail.com
  • tetteh katrice said on April 16, 2019
    Interested in Starting a wholesale shoe business. I want details regarding shoe products and prices for both men and women of all ages. I would like to have suppliers as well. please email me your details on tettehkatrice7@gmail.com. I currently live in Ghana, Accra
  • Jagdishsingadia said on August 17, 2019
    Hi everyone's, I from India we are manufacturing woman sandals and shoes, sleeper, unite in Mumbai. You can low rate to higher rate of products price starting from 70 rupees to 600 rupees pair of shoes
  • Nobantu said on July 14, 2020
    I need a company that can design for me ladies' heel slippers. I already have sketches of what I want to design. Can u help? Thanks a lot.
  • Nobantu said on July 14, 2020
    Good day, I'm a young designer with a passion for designing women's heel slippers, I already have sketched designs on the shoes I'd like to design. All I need is a manufacturer that'll be able to design the shoes for me from my sketches. Can u help? Thank you
  • Ali Abdalla said on December 10, 2020
    Hello I'm Ali, I have a shoe factory in Sudan east africa we make genuine leather shoes for men with high quality and also sport shoes. we deliver to all african countries, if interested contact me on ( whatsapp 00249917742223) or ( Email ibnabdalla1999@gmail.com)
  • Blessing said on May 11, 2021
    Hello, I am interested in learning how to become a wholesaler for both men's and women's shoes, as well as women's bags. Please feel free to contact me at 07012170683 or via email at wunmi8747@gmail.com. I am based in Nigeria. Thank you.
  • reena said on May 13, 2022
    im Reena im manufacture leather products in Dharavi, Bombay, India, reenachauhann@gmail.com msg. Me, if you want Leather products at wholesale price and export worldwide
  • frank agyekum said on July 10, 2022
    Hello all, my name is Frank from Ghana, If you are interested in coming to Ghana for business, we can have a chat and discuss, Any business is welcome. From import to export, mining, rice, sugar, electronics goods, and electrical stuff. Phone business, any business is welcome. I am ready to send you a visitation letter to apply for a Visa to Ghana. If you are interested, kindly WhatsApp me on +233542534845
  • ANSARULLAH said on June 28, 2023
    Hi, This is Ansar. We sell all kinds of leather shoes and wallets at affordable prices. We are from Ambur, a hub for leather/shoes, etc. Kindly feel free to contact with the following:
    Mobile: 9566833697 / ansarullah9566@gmail.com

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