so, does anybody have any ideas on how and from whom to order mtb parts and bikes wholesale? does one need only a business license and Federal Tax id #? what is the best way to approach a company for wholesale prices, and what criterium does a company use to sell their product at wholesale?

thanks,
Robert

As a dealer and shop owner, I can tell you what I have had to do. First, most places will require you to have a physical retail location....(no, your garage or basement does not count). Next you have to fill out applications and pass credit checks (as a business, not personal). If you aren't a retail store, don't even bother. Your applications and credit checks will dictate what level you will at and want kind of pricing you can get...the higher the level, the lower the pricing. Also the company will look at how many other stores they do business with in your area, they protect their territories, if they already have a dealer (or a few dealers) or store in your area...they will not approve you. Distributors are a bit different but for the most part the same rules apply.

Best bet it to go work for a bike shop....even if just for evenings or weekends, I have a few employees who just work to get wholesale prices on stuff, but have other "real" jobs.....lol

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