Wholesale margins typically range from 15-35%, significantly lower than retail margins because wholesalers make up for thinner margins with higher volume. The exact margin depends on the industry, with food and commodity products on the lower end and specialty goods on the higher end.

A common rule of thumb is that wholesale price should be 50% of the suggested retail price, giving both you and the retailer viable margins. Work backward from the retail price to ensure your wholesale margin covers costs and profit while keeping the retail price competitive.

Larger orders reduce your per-unit costs for shipping, handling, and administration, which directly improves margins. Many wholesalers offer tiered pricing that shares these savings with customers, maintaining strong margins while incentivizing bigger orders.