As an aesthetic professional, you know better than anyone how quickly our industry moves. New products and treatments are popping up all the time. With all this growth, there’s also a growing need for trustworthy suppliers who can provide you with top-quality products. But here’s the catch – not every business that puts on a wholesaler hat is the real deal. Some are just looking to make a quick buck, leaving you with subpar products that won’t live up to your clients’ expectations, and could even put their safety at risk. So, how can you spot the fake wholesalers from the real ones? Here’s the lowdown.
Double-Check Their Business Info
Every legitimate wholesaler should have a bricks-and-mortar address that you can track down, not just a PO Box. And they should be easy to get hold of. If you can’t find their contact details on their website, that’s a big red flag. Also, make sure to check their VAT registration and company number on official government sites. If they’re the real deal, they’ll be registered and following all the rules.
Dig Into Their Online Activity
If a company’s keeping up appearances online, it’s a good sign. Look for a professional website, lively social media pages and regular interaction with customers. Be wary if their website looks like it’s stuck in the past, links are broken, or their social media pages look like ghost towns. Fake wholesalers often don’t bother keeping their digital presence up to scratch.
Take a Look at Their Product Range
Genuine wholesalers will usually offer a big range of products from various manufacturers. If you spot a wholesaler with only a few, very popular products, or ‘exclusive’ products you can’t find anywhere else, alarm bells should start ringing.
Check Their Paperwork
Any wholesaler worth their salt should be able to provide all the necessary product documentation, from proof of origin and authenticity certificates to safety and quality certifications. If they’re cagey about sharing these, or if something about the documents doesn’t quite add up, it’s time to get suspicious.
Keep an Eye on the Price Tag
Everyone loves a bargain, but if the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. Most aesthetic products have a minimum price that manufacturers set. If prices are much lower than this, it might mean the products are fake or out-of-date.
Ask Around
Real wholesalers should be more than happy to put you in touch with other practitioners they’ve worked with. If they’re reluctant to give you references, it could mean they have something to hide.
Test Their Customer Service
Solid wholesalers will have a professional customer service team, and clear policies for shipping, returns, and complaints. If they’re lacking in any of these areas, it might be a sign they’re not legit.
Listen to Your Gut
Last but not least, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right about a wholesaler, there’s probably a good reason for it. Your gut feeling, backed up by a bit of detective work, can help you steer clear of the bad eggs.
Remember, making sure your aesthetic products are top-notch is not just about protecting your clinic’s reputation – it’s about keeping your clients safe. Counterfeit products can lead to disappointing results or even cause harm. So when you’re choosing a wholesaler, take your time, do your homework, and make sure you’re picking a partner you can trust. After all, the success of your practice isn’t just about your skills and expertise, it’s also about the quality and safety of the products you use.