Websites · 5 min read
Trade buyers check three things before they ring you.
Stock, delivery and minimum order — publish them or lose the enquiry.
The short answer
A wholesaler website in Huddersfield should help a new trade buyer decide whether you can supply them before they ring. Show your product categories, minimum order, delivery area, cut-off times and a trade account form. You usually do not need a full online shop with public trade prices.
By Raja Wahab, Co-founder, Fixby Studios · Published · Updated · 5 min read
What trade buyers check first
A shop owner comparing suppliers wants to know three things quickly: do you stock what they need, will you deliver to them, and what is the minimum order. If they cannot find those answers, they move on to a supplier that publishes them.
What a wholesaler website needs
- A page per product category, written as text so search engines can read it.
- Minimum order value and delivery areas, including towns you serve beyond Huddersfield.
- Counter opening hours and the order cut-off for next-day delivery.
- A short trade account application that goes straight to your inbox.
- Evidence you can back up: years trading, sectors you supply, accreditations.
PDF price list
- — Goes out of date fast
- — Search engines can't read it well
- — Download only, no category pages
Category pages
- — Easy to keep current
- — Readable by search engines
- — Shows minimum order and delivery area
Do you need ecommerce?
Often not at first. Trade pricing is usually negotiated per account, so the site's job is to start the relationship. A catalogue with an account form is simpler to build and maintain. Online ordering for approved accounts can come later if your existing customers ask for it.
“Give each product category its own page instead of one PDF price list.”
Use your location
Easy access to the M62 and A62 matters to buyers in Leeds, Bradford and Halifax. If your depot is well placed, say so and list the areas you deliver to on a regular route.
Common mistakes
- Price lists only as downloads that go out of date.
- No mention of minimum order, so the wrong buyers call.
- Stock photos instead of your real warehouse, vans or counter.
Your questions
- Should a wholesaler publish trade prices online?
- Not necessarily. Many show prices only to approved accounts. Publishing minimum orders and delivery terms is more useful to new buyers than public price lists.
- Is a PDF price list enough?
- It is a useful download for existing customers, but category pages written as text are easier to find in search and easier to read on a phone.
- Can customers order online later?
- Yes. Start with a catalogue and account form, then add ordering for approved accounts once you know what your buyers want.
Raja Wahab is co-founder of Fixby Studios, a Huddersfield studio building websites, SEO, social media and business software for small, owner-managed businesses across West Yorkshire.
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Prefer to talk it through? Contact Fixby Studios, email info@fixbystudios.co.uk or call 07737 067552.
