Buy Wholesale In Latin America And The Caribbean

Basically there are four ways to find wholesale merchandise in the region:

*Purchase directly from foreign manufacturers located outside the region

*Purchase from local distributors representing different foreign companies

*Purchase from manufacturers in Latin America and the Caribbean

*Search for wholesalers online thanks to B2B Trade portals and marketplaces.

1- Buy directly from international companies located outside the region

The product supply from international companies is extremely diverse. You can find items from world famous brands to inexpensive low quality products. In this case, buyers are forced to buy large quantities and have good knowledge of international trade to have a smooth shipment of the order to the destination. This option is especially difficult for small and medium companies as it requires a large initial investment.

2- Order from local distributors or agents representing international companies

Most companies in Latin America and the Caribbean will buy from local distributors, wholesalers and agents who represent several foreign brands and manufacturers. This allows them to decrease their initial investment as well as not worry about international procedures such as shipping and customs procedures. You can find very often wholesale distributors located in tax free zones such as the "Zona Libre de Colon" in Panama or the "Zona Franca de Iquique (ZOFRI)" in Chile. It is important to state that almost every country in Latin America and the Caribbean has its own tax free zone in order to boost trade and these geographic location have become strong trading platforms in the region.

3-Order from Latin American and Caribbean manufacturers.

Another option to decrease logistic costs is to buy from manufacturers and suppliers located in the region. There are a lot of benefits to this option such as better communication as the same language is used, shorter distance to travel to meet potential suppliers, cost effective prices as no middleman is adding his share and easier control of product quality. This also reduces cost related to custom duties.

4- Browse wholesalers on B2B marketplaces and business portals

Thanks to the internet, there has been an increase in online trade portals and marketplaces. The leaders are big names such as Alibaba, Tradekey, EC21 etc. These marketplaces are very strong on an international level but lack presence of Latin American and Caribbean companies. Why? This region is developing and is learning about the tools available to them and is starting to understand the importance of having an online presence for their company. The increase in entrepreneurship in the internet business within the region is also booming. Latin America and the Caribbean just created its first trade portal and marketplace www.mercatrade.com that is holding up to the international standards of design and programming and has adapted itself to the needs of the region.