Finding the Source for Nearly any Product

Have you ever been to a specialty store and seen something you thought might sell well in your business? But maybe you wondered how to find the wholesale product source for it? Here's a way to find out the wholesale product source for just about any product.

Look at the UPC Label. Nearly every product on the market is labeled with this code. If you're not sure what a UPC Code looks like, About.com has a write-up on UPCs here.

Write down the first 6 numbers of the UPC Code (or enter them in your PDA). When you get back to the home office, get on the web. The Uniform Code Council maintains a free reverse lookup website, where you can type in those numbers and VOILA! It will show you the primary supplier (with address) for that item.

You might not be able to buy from every primary supplier you find there (sometimes this will point you to the manufacturer). But if you don't mind doing a little footwork, this can open new doors to products you can sell in your business.