In the dynamic world of wholesale, Faire has emerged as a powerhouse marketplace connecting brands and retailers across the globe. Whether you’re an artisan brand looking to scale or a seasoned manufacturer entering new markets, selling on Faire offers a golden opportunity to expand your reach. But with opportunity comes competition. Understanding how to successfully sell on Faire requires a strategic approach.
This pro guide breaks down everything sellers need to know — from setting up your shop to optimizing performance — and how to stand out in front of independent retailers worldwide.
What Is Faire?
Faire is an online wholesale marketplace designed to help small brands and independent retailers find and collaborate with each other. The platform streamlines the ordering process, allowing retailers to purchase inventory without the traditional headaches of minimum orders, upfront payments, or complex logistics.
For sellers, Faire provides exposure to hundreds of thousands of potential retail partners, built-in marketing tools, and order management features that reduce overhead and increase efficiency.
Why Sell on Faire?
- Massive Marketplace Access: With over 100,000 retailers globally, your products get visibility you might never achieve solo.
- No Upfront Costs: It’s free to join and list products. Faire only takes a commission when you make a sale.
- Risk-Free Returns: Retailers can return unsold items, reducing their risk and encouraging more orders.
- Logistics Support: Faire supports U.S., Canadian, U.K., and European shipping and even handles free returns in some regions.
Now that we understand the benefits, let’s dig into how to set up and succeed on the platform.
Step 1: Setting Up Your Seller Account
Everything begins with a strong foundation. You must apply to sell on Faire, as they review every brand to ensure quality and uniqueness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- High-quality product photos
- A detailed product catalog with pricing
- Your brand story or mission
- Shipping and fulfillment policies
After submission, your application will typically be reviewed within a few days. Once approved, you’ll get access to Faire’s Brand Portal where you manage your storefront and inventory.
Step 2: Building a Standout Storefront
Your Faire storefront serves as your virtual trade show booth. Make it irresistible. Key storefront elements to optimize include:
- Brand Bio: Tell your story. Retailers love to know the who and why behind your brand. Be authentic.
- Product Photography: Use professional images with clean backgrounds. Include lifestyle shots where applicable.
- Descriptions: Each product listing must include materials, uses, scent or flavor profiles (if applicable), and care instructions.
- Tags and Categories: Choose tags that best describe your products to help retailers find you more easily.
Using SEO-optimized product titles and descriptions will also increase search visibility within Faire’s internal search engine.
Step 3: Pricing and Minimums
Wholesale pricing should typically be 50% of your retail price. You can set your own minimum order value (MOV) or minimum quantity for each product. Additionally, Faire offers:
- First Order Discounts: Encourage new retailer relationships with a small discount (e.g., 10%) on their first purchase.
- Incentives: Offer incentives like free shipping at certain order values.
It’s important not to inflate wholesale prices to include costs like Faire’s commission; retailers will compare your pricing with your DTC store. Transparency builds trust.
Step 4: Fulfillment, Shipping, and Customer Service
Retailers value consistent, reliable shipping. Clearly communicate shipping times for each item and always update tracking numbers through the portal once an order ships.
Packaging also matters. Retailers will be reselling your items — they need to arrive in resellable condition. Consider branding your packaging for better unboxing experiences.
Maintain a high level of service and quick response times to messages and support tickets. Reviews on Faire can affect your ranking and visibility.
Step 5: Using Faire’s Tools to Grow
Faire isn’t just a storefront — it’s a fully integrated sales platform. Take advantage of these built-in tools:
- Faire Direct: Share your branded Faire Direct link to invite retailers and avoid commission fees on their orders.
- Insights Dashboard: Review metrics like order volume, bestsellers, and customer retention.
- Custom Campaigns: Run seasonal discounts or promotions during Faire Market or holidays.
- Email Features: Use Faire’s templates to email past buyers and launch new products.
Step 6: Scaling Your Wholesale Business
Success on Faire can scale fast. Many sellers evolve from side hustles to full-fledged brands. Here’s how to maintain momentum:
- Monitor Inventory: Keep stock updated. Stockouts can hurt your rankings.
- Regular Launches: Add fresh SKUs regularly to appear in “New Arrivals” searches.
- Solicit Reviews: Encourage reviews to enhance trust and boost visibility in search.
- Optimize Shipping: Experiment with delivery vendors and fulfillment partners for speed and cost efficiency.
Once you’ve established a solid foundation, consider expanding product lines and enhancing your branding to elevate your buyer experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned sellers can hit bumps on Faire. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Overpricing wholesale items
- Inconsistent fulfillment timelines
- Neglecting to follow up with previous buyers
- Underutilizing promotional tools
Success on Faire isn’t just about listing the right products — it’s about maintaining a professional, proactive business presence that engages retailers and meets their ongoing inventory needs.
Final Thoughts
Selling on Faire opens the doors to an expansive network of retailers ready to discover new brands. By showing up prepared — with compelling content, great customer service, and strategic pricing — brands can enhance visibility and build long-lasting wholesale relationships.
With the proper tactics and a long-term mindset, Faire can become more than just a platform — it can be the cornerstone of your wholesale growth strategy.
FAQ
- Q: What are Faire’s commission rates?
A: Faire charges a 25% commission on orders from new customers they bring you, and 0% on orders from your own customers using your Faire Direct link. - Q: Is there a monthly fee to sell on Faire?
A: No, there are no monthly fees. You only pay commission on orders. - Q: How fast do I need to ship orders?
A: Faire asks that orders ship within 2-3 business days unless otherwise noted in your policies. - Q: Can I sell handmade products on Faire?
A: Absolutely. Faire actively supports artisanal and handmade brands, provided items meet quality and scalability standards. - Q: How do I get paid?
A: Payments are issued via bank transfer. U.S.-based vendors typically receive funds within 1-2 business days after shipping confirmation.
I’m Sophia, a front-end developer with a passion for JavaScript frameworks. I enjoy sharing tips and tricks for modern web development.