Best Practices for Selling on Faire.com

Summary Table

Selling on Faire – a leading online wholesale marketplace – can help brands reach thousands of independent retailers. To succeed, sellers must optimize their product listings, leverage Faire’s programs, and implement savvy marketing and operational strategies. Below is an in-depth guide covering seven key aspects of selling on Faire, with practical tips, examples, and insights.

1. SEO Requirements: Optimizing Product Listings for Search

Faire’s internal search algorithm uses over “100 factors” to match retailers’ queries with products.

Optimizing your product listings for Faire’s search (essentially doing SEO within Faire) is crucial for visibility. Key best practices include:

• Keyword-Rich Titles: Use concise, descriptive titles (35–60 characters) that clearly indicate the product and include keywords a retailer would search.
  For example, a title like “Reusable Insulated Ceramic Travel Mug, 16 oz” will appear for searches like “travel mug,” “ceramic mug,” or “reusable mug,” whereas a vague title won’t. Avoid creative but obscure names; stick to terms buyers actually use.

• Detailed, Unique Descriptions: Faire allows up to 1,000 characters for product descriptions.
  Use this space to provide a thorough, informative description with plenty of relevant keywords. Describe materials, dimensions, scents/flavors, usage occasions, and any unique features or benefits. Do not copy-paste the same text across products – each listing needs a unique description. Faire’s “matchmaker” algorithm may ignore duplicate content, so unique text helps ensure each product can match relevant searches.
  Think like a retailer and include details they’d want (e.g., “cotton canvas tote bag with vegan leather straps – 15” x 12” size, holds up to 30 lbs”). The richer and more specific your keywords, the better your discoverability.

• Accurate Tagging & Categories: List products in the correct categories and subcategories so they show up in the right browse sections.
  Use all relevant tags Faire provides – for example, style tags (modern, boho), holiday/season tags, or product attributes. Proper tagging ensures your items surface when retailers filter by category or theme. In Faire’s search results, retailers often use filters like category, location, price, and “Brand minimum” (order minimum) to narrow options. Make sure you categorize precisely (e.g., a scented candle under Home Décor > Candles, not just Home Décor in general).

• High-Quality Images: Appealing photos not only attract clicks but also influence search ranking via conversion rate. Faire recommends multiple high-resolution photos on a white background that clearly showcase the product.
  Use consistent lighting and show the product from different angles; include a lifestyle shot or in-use image if possible. High-quality imagery builds trust and can boost your listing’s performance in search results.
  If available, consider adding short videos or GIFs demonstrating the product – this can engage visual shoppers and set you apart. (Ensure the first image is clear and centered on the product, as it’s the thumbnail seen in search.)

• Complete Attributes and Variants: Fill in all product fields (materials, size options, color variants, etc.). This not only helps retailers make informed decisions but also adds more keywords to your listing organically. If Faire’s search sees that a retailer filtered for “Made in USA” or “Eco-friendly” and you’ve marked those attributes, your product is more likely to appear.

• Brand Performance Factors: Remember that Faire’s search algorithm also rewards strong brand performance. This includes things like maintaining low order minimums, fast fulfillment, and good reviews.​
  A lower minimum (e.g., $50 or $100) means your brand can appear under “Low minimum” filter and attract small retailers. Likewise, a history of 5-star reviews and on-time shipping builds trust – retailers can filter for top-rated sellers, and Faire internally boosts listings from brands with a track record of satisfying buyers.
  In short, providing excellent service and terms not only pleases customers but also improves your search ranking on Faire.

Figure: Faire’s search results for “candles,” with filters and badges highlighted. Retailers can filter by criteria like Low minimum, Insider (free shipping eligible), or New this month. Product listings that excel often display badges – e.g., “Top Shop” for highly rated brands or “New” for recent arrivals – which attract retailer attention. Optimizing titles, descriptions, and tags helps your products appear in these filtered results, and competitive terms (like low order minimums or free shipping) make your listings stand out.

2. Insider Program: How It Works and Is It Worth It?

• What is the Insider program? Faire’s Insider program is a paid monthly membership for retailers (about $19.99/month, or $240/year) that grants them perks – most notably, free shipping on orders from many brands.​
  Over 90,000 retailers are Insider members, accounting for roughly 80% of sales on Faire. These are the platform’s most active buyers, so reaching them is important for brands. Originally, Faire itself funded free shipping on certain orders for Insiders (typically when the shipping cost was below a threshold like 6% of the order value).
  In 2024, Faire introduced the Insider Partnership program for brands, allowing sellers to actively participate in offering free shipping to Insiders.

• How the Insider Partnership works for sellers: By opting in, a brand agrees to provide additional free shipping incentives to Insider shoppers, in collaboration with Faire. Faire will pay the shipping costs on marketplace orders from Insiders, while the brand covers shipping on Insider orders placed via Faire Direct (0% commission orders). Faire essentially “shares” the cost with you – you only pay shipping on your existing direct customers, and Faire covers it for new marketplace buyers. There are two tiers: Insider Partner (which makes Insiders with estimated shipping costs ≤13% of order eligible for free shipping on your products) and Insider Partner Basic (free shipping for Insiders with shipping costs ≤10% of order). In both cases, if actual shipping exceeds those percentages, Faire covers the overage. Opting in at the full level maximizes how many Insider shoppers see “Free shipping” on your brand.

• Benefits for sellers: Free shipping is extremely enticing to retailers – “retailers are 30% more likely to make an initial purchase when they see free shipping is offered,” according to Faire’s data.
  Additionally, Insider members tend to place larger and more frequent orders; retailers reorder 30% more when free shipping is available.
  By becoming an Insider Partner, your brand gains greater exposure to these high-value buyers. Faire noted that Insiders “buy twice as much as non-Insiders overall, and most of their spend is with brands that have free shipping”.
  In short, joining the program can significantly increase your chances of attracting new accounts and getting reorders from top retailers. Some brands also report intangible benefits like improved loyalty – being marked as an “Insider” brand might encourage a retailer to stick with you since they enjoy ongoing free shipping.

• Downsides and seller feedback: While the Insider program can boost sales, not every seller finds it worthwhile. The chief concern is the cost of funding free shipping. Covering shipping on direct orders (and sharing it on others) means thinner margins for brands – essentially an added “fee” on top of Faire’s commission. Some makers feel it “screws over sellers on shipping” by making them pay for buyers’ perks.
  In a seller discussion, one brand noted, “If you [opt in], you will be paying the shipping costs for all [Insider] future orders… we’re not okay funding the benefits that keep buyers using Faire”.
  Others argue that Faire already charges 15–25% commission, so taking on shipping costs too is tough for small businesses.
  There’s also a sentiment that it might pressure brands into joining or risk losing visibility with top buyers. However, it’s important to note that if you don’t opt in, Faire will still grant Insiders some free shipping on your brand at a baseline level (similar to before) for marketplace orders – you just won’t be offering the expanded benefits or free shipping on direct orders.

• Is it worth joining? It depends on your margins and strategy. If your products have healthy profit margins that can absorb shipping costs (or if your typical order sizes are large, making shipping a smaller percent of sales), the increased volume and customer acquisition can outweigh the expense. Many brands opt in to avoid missing out on that huge segment of buyers who filter for “Insider” or free shipping offers. In contrast, if your items are heavy/expensive to ship and low-margin, you might decide to hold off. You can also choose the Basic tier (10% threshold) to dip your toes in with lower cost. Monitor your sales and profit – if being an Insider Partner drives significantly more orders, it can pay for itself. Some sellers adopt a middle ground: not joining the Insider program, but instead setting their own free shipping minimum (e.g., free shipping on orders above $X) to entice large orders without universally covering every Insider’s postage. In summary, the Insider program is a powerful tool for reaching Faire’s biggest spenders and can boost conversions, but each brand should weigh the higher shipping expense against those potential sales and decide if the math makes sense.

3. Top-Selling Product Categories and Trends on Faire

Faire caters to a wide range of independent retailers, and some product categories consistently perform better than others. Knowing what types of products are in demand can help you align your offerings or marketing to current trends.

• Home Decor & Gifts: This is a core category on Faire – think candles, housewares, decorative items, and giftable accessories. Classic gift items like candles and coffee mugs are perennial favorites (in a recent Faire market event, “coffee mugs and candles” were among the most popular products ordered). Home décor with a twist, such as floral-themed decorations or seasonal holiday decor, also sells strongly. For example, floral home décor had a surge in summer 2024 as consumers embraced botanical motifs at home.

• Health, Beauty & Personal Care: This category saw tremendous growth in 2023. Faire’s data shows that U.S. retailers “prioritized health, beauty, and personal care products in 2023,” with heatless curling rod sets becoming a breakout top seller. Gentler beauty solutions and self-care items are trending – from hair styling tools that avoid heat damage to flavored lip balms, which were among the top-selling items for the second year in a row. In fact, lip balm flavors like mint, coconut, and grapefruit topped sales charts on Faire in the U.S. Similarly, in the UK, handmade soaps and wellness-oriented products (e.g., mindfulness journals) are big sellers, reflecting a global interest in personal care and mental well-being.

• Food & Drink: Specialty food and beverages have a growing presence. The “sober curious” trend (people seeking non-alcoholic alternatives) was accurately predicted by Faire giftsanddec.com and borne out in sales – in Germany, for instance, non-alcoholic aperitifs and craft drink alternatives led the pack in 2023. Also, unique snacks and confections attract retailers looking for novel offerings: freeze-dried candy had a moment (Faire noted a craze for freeze-dried treats in 2023), and TikTok trends have driven global interest in niche sweets like Swedish “pick-and-mix” gummy candy.​ Collaborations between trendy food brands (e.g., gourmet tinned fish companies partnering with spice brands) also hint at the popularity of artisanal and exotic foods. If you sell consumables, highlighting unique flavors, health angles (vegan, sugar-free, etc.), or cultural trends can tap into these interests.

• Apparel & Accessories: While not every boutique on Faire buys apparel, certain fashion niches do well – especially accessories or graphic apparel that complement gift shop inventories. “Comfort” apparel was a theme in 2023 (think cozy socks and sweaters), likely a post-pandemic consumer preference. In 2024, trend reports highlighted “Tenniscore” – tennis-inspired skirts, polos, and sporty attire – rising in popularity, influenced by pop culture and active lifestyle trends. Additionally, statement accessories like iron-on patches, enamel pins, and charm jewelry saw increased retailer interest as customers seek unique ways to personalize outfits. If you’re in the fashion space, keep an eye on social media-driven trends (e.g., styles popularized by a movie or an influencer) as they can translate into wholesale demand on Faire.

• Stationery & Paper Goods: Independent bookstores, gift shops, and stationery stores on Faire are often hunting for fresh paper goods. Greeting cards (especially those for specific niches or with unique art/handmade elements) are steady sellers, as are journals and planners that focus on wellness or creativity. During holiday seasons, retailers turn to Faire for unique cards and gift wrap. In search data, “Christmas” is consistently a top search term leading up to Q4, indicating holiday products (ornaments, seasonal gifts, etc.) drive huge volume. Brands that can cater to seasonal trends (e.g., holiday-themed items or limited editions for Mother’s/Father’s Day) often see spikes in orders during those times.

• Children’s Products & Toys: Boutiques for kids and babies also source via Faire. Current trends in this space include eco-friendly toys, Montessori-inspired educational items, and whimsical nursery decor. While not called out in the overall top-seller lists as often as other categories, there is robust demand for well-made children’s goods. For instance, retailers love lines that are “not on Amazon” (unique to independent retail) in the toy category – if you offer that, be sure to tag it.
  In summary, home/gift, beauty/wellness, and specialty food are among the most frequently ordered categories on Faire, with apparel/accessories and stationery also commanding significant attention. Within these categories, staying attuned to trends is key – products that align with what’s buzzing (be it a skincare innovation, a pop culture moment, or a seasonal craze) can become surprise bestsellers. As you plan your line, use Faire’s trend reports and search data as a compass for what retailers are currently seeking.

4. Tricks to Excel on Faire.com

Beyond getting your listings set up, what can you do to stand out from the competition and consistently attract retailer orders on Faire? Here are some strategies used by successful sellers to improve conversion rates and gain retailer attention:

• Craft a Compelling Brand Story: Retailers often browse a brand’s profile page to learn about the maker before buying. Use the “About” section (brand story) to share what makes your brand unique – your mission, how products are made, your values, and any notable press or awards. A genuine, well-written story can hook a retailer by creating a personal connection. Also, ensure your profile photo or logo is professional and consistent with your branding across social media. Many retailers love discovering artisan stories (e.g., family-run business, sustainably sourced materials, etc.), so let your passion shine through in that narrative. It might be the extra push that turns a curious browser into a buyer.

• Use “Value Tags” to Signal Brand Qualities: Faire allows brands to tag certain values on their profile – such as Handmade, Women Owned, Eco-Friendly, Not On Amazon, etc.​
  These tags are important because retailers can filter searches by these criteria (for example, a shop may filter to see only “Eco-friendly” brands). Make sure to add any relevant value tags to your shop profile. Accuracy is crucial – only use tags that truly apply to your business, as this builds trust. A correct set of tags can land your brand in the “Featured” sections for those categories and align you with retailers who prioritize those values.
  For instance, a retailer specifically looking for “Women owned” brands will see that badge on your profile and products, which can give you an edge. Don’t forget to highlight these aspects in your story and descriptions too (e.g., mention if products are vegan, or made in USA, etc., in the product info).

• Eye-Catching, Informative Visuals: Invest in top-notch product photography as mentioned earlier, and consider enhancing your listings with additional visual aids. Some successful sellers create simple infographic images or slides among the product photos – for example, a size chart, a lifestyle collage, or a photo showing the retail packaging and what’s included. These can address common retailer questions at a glance. Ensure that your thumbnail image is compelling: it should clearly show the product (on a clean background) and look good as a small thumbnail, since that’s what retailers see in search results. You can also upload videos (if Faire supports it for your category) to demonstrate product use or features – a short clip of a candle flickering or a toy in action can set you apart from static images. All visuals should work together to tell the product’s story and answer potential questions, making it easy for a retailer to say “yes, this looks great for my store.”

• Optimize for Different Buyer Types: Not all retailers shop the same way – some read every word of your description, others just scan images and bullet points. To convert “skimmers,” make your descriptions easy to parse: use short paragraphs or bullet lists for key features (if the platform formatting allows), and ensure the most important info appears at the top of the description. For the detail-oriented, include all specifics (materials, care instructions, wholesale pack quantity, etc.). Essentially, anticipate retailer questions and answer them proactively in your listings. A consultant who specializes in Faire listings noted that every element – images, copy, even the order of information – should be intentional to catch attention and “share everything [retailers] need to know… in a way that makes sense to them”. The easier you make it for a buyer to evaluate your product, the more likely they’ll add to cart.

• Competitive Wholesale Terms: To excel on Faire, your wholesale terms (pricing, minimums, case packs) should be retailer-friendly. Keep your order minimum low, especially when you’re new or introducing new products. Many small shops want to test a new brand in a small quantity; a $50–$150 opening order minimum can encourage them to take a chance. If your minimum is too high, you’ll be filtered out by the popular “Low minimum” search filter and may lose potential newcomers. Also, consider offering small case packs (or even singles) for first orders. A retailer is more likely to try 3 units of a SKU rather than 12 of the same if they’re unsure how it will sell. You can always set higher re-order minimums later, but remove as much friction as possible for that initial buy. Additionally, pricing should follow industry norms (typically a 50% retail margin for shops). Ensure your Faire wholesale prices aren’t higher than your direct wholesale or other marketplaces – consistency builds trust.
  If a retailer senses they can get a better deal elsewhere, they may abandon the cart.

• Responsive Customer Service: Treat your interactions on Faire as professionally as you would at a physical trade show. Promptly respond to any messages or questions from potential buyers. If a retailer requests additional photos or information, provide it quickly – this could clinch a sale. Faire also allows retailers to request restock notifications; when you get those, it’s an indicator of demand, so try to restock and inform them. Being attentive and helpful can turn a one-time order into a long-term account. Moreover, fast fulfillment times and clear communication on any delays will reflect in your reviews. Brands that ship quickly (and let’s face it, in wholesale, retailers appreciate getting product in a timely manner, especially if it’s seasonal stock) tend to receive positive ratings. High ratings and the “Top Shop” status (a badge for top-performing shops with great reviews) will further enhance your credibility on Faire.

• Leverage Faire Events and Promotions: Keep an eye out for Faire-organized sales or markets (they occasionally host virtual “Faire Market” events or seasonal promotions where retailers get special discounts or free shipping credits to shop more). Often, brands can choose to opt in to these events. Participating could mean offering, say, 10% off during a special sale period, in exchange for greater exposure (Faire might feature event-participating products on a dedicated page or email to retailers). Such promotions can significantly boost your order volume during that window and help you acquire new customers. Just be sure to account for the discount in your margins. Many experienced sellers view these events as marketing spend – a short-term hit for long-term gain if those retailers reorder later at full price.

• Encourage and Utilize Reviews: After you fulfill orders, kindly encourage retailers to leave a review (Faire may prompt them, but a personal touch – like a thank you note in the package – can prompt them to rate you). High average ratings will not only increase your appeal (retailers do look at how many stars a brand has), but the algorithm also likely factors in reviews for search ranking.
  Some successful Faire brands showcase snippets of their best retailer reviews in their brand story or even in product descriptions (e.g., “Our best-selling lotion – ‘The quality is outstanding, my customers can’t get enough!’ – Boutique Owner in NYC”). Social proof matters in wholesale too.

In essence, excelling on Faire comes down to being retailer-centric in everything you do. Make it easy for stores to find you (great SEO, tags, and visibility), impress them with your presentation (images, story, values), reduce their risk (low minimums, good terms), and follow through with excellent service and quality. Sellers who go the extra mile in professionalism and polish are often the ones that stand out and thrive on the platform.

Figure: Example of a Faire brand profile (Brightland) highlighting a strong presentation. Notice the professional logo and banner image, a “Top Shop” badge with 5★ rating, and value tags (Women owned, AAPI Owned) prominently displayed.
A complete, cohesive shop page with a compelling story and clear value tags helps attract like-minded retailers and builds trust even before the first order.

5. Marketing and Advertising for Your Faire Shop

While Faire brings a built-in audience of retailers, proactive marketing can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and sales. Many top sellers treat Faire as one channel in their wholesale strategy and actively promote their Faire storefront through external means. Here are effective ways to market your Faire shop:

• Leverage Faire Direct Links: Faire Direct is a program that gives you a personalized link to your shop which you can share with retailers to invite them to order with 0% commission.
  This is a powerful tool – it means any new customer you bring in through that link lets you keep the full order value (no Faire fees). Use this link everywhere you do outreach: on your website’s wholesale inquiry page, in emails to prospects, and in your social media bios (“Retailers: Shop us on Faire [link]”). By driving traffic through your direct link, you not only save on commission, but the retailer still benefits from Faire’s perks (like net 60 terms and new-customer credits). One seller-friendly aspect is Faire often offers new retailers sizable credits (e.g., around $100 off their first order), so inviting a boutique owner to shop via your link effectively gives them free money to try your line. It’s a win-win to jumpstart your wholesale relationship. Many brands report that using Faire Direct in their own marketing greatly reduces the need to “spend big on advertising” to find wholesale customers, since Faire’s platform and incentives help close the deal.

• Social Media Marketing (Targeting Retailers): If you have an Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest following, let them know you wholesale on Faire. Regularly post content aimed at retailers – for instance, behind-the-scenes of your production (appeals to the story-loving retailer), new product sneak peeks with “now available for wholesale on Faire” captions, or even reposts of your products displayed in stores (tagging the retailer, which builds community). Use relevant hashtags like #wholesale, #boutique, #shopowner in your posts to reach store owners who might be browsing. You can also join social media groups or communities for boutique owners and participate (subtly mentioning your brand when relevant, not spamming). Some brands run targeted ads on Facebook/Instagram specifically aimed at likely retailers – you can target job titles (boutique owner, buyer) or interests (e.g., people who follow trade show pages or competitor wholesale marketplaces). A small ad budget here, directing people to a landing page about your wholesale or directly to your Faire direct link, can attract store owners outside of Faire who didn’t know about you. Additionally, LinkedIn can be an underrated channel: posting about your wholesale line or connecting with small shop owners might get your foot in new doors.

• Email Campaigns: Build and use an email list for wholesale contacts. These could be leads you gathered from craft fairs, trade shows, or inquiries. Send out a wholesale newsletter showcasing your newest collections or bestsellers, and include a clear call-to-action to shop on Faire (with your direct link). Emphasize the benefits a retailer gets on Faire – “Order through our Faire shop and enjoy net 60 payment terms and free returns on your opening order!” (Faire offers retailers net 60 financing and free return on first order as standard perks, which can be a selling point for you to mention).
  You can also announce any promotions (e.g., “We’re part of Faire’s Spring Market – 15% off this week only!”) to create urgency. Personalized outreach works too: identify a handful of dream stores and email them individually with a short, tailored pitch, including a line like “I’ve set up a wholesale storefront on Faire to make ordering easy – here’s a link with $100 off your first order.” That incentive can greatly improve response rates.

• Influencer and PR Collaborations: Traditional consumer-focused influencer marketing can indirectly drive wholesale success. If a product blows up on social media or gets featured by a popular influencer, retailers often scramble to stock it (and will search on Faire to see if it’s available). For example, if a TikTok showcasing your product goes viral, be sure to mention in the comments or caption that retailers can purchase wholesale on Faire. You might also collaborate with influencers who are specifically connected to boutique retail – e.g., a retail industry influencer or a subscription box reviewer. Getting your products featured in gift guides, blogs, or magazines that shop owners read (for instance, a trade publication in your niche) is another way to generate B2B interest. Always make it clear how to find you wholesale: “available on Faire” is a signal many shop owners recognize and trust, since it’s an established platform.

• Faire Ads (Promoted Listings): Within Faire, there is a Promoted Listings advertising program where brands can pay for increased visibility. This functions somewhat like search ads – you might sponsor your listing to appear higher for certain keywords or to appear in carousels for retailers. Faire’s New Customer Ads allow you to target retailers who haven’t bought from you before, helping you get in front of new eyes. If you have the budget, experimenting with Faire’s internal ads during key seasons might give you a boost. Keep an eye on your return on ad spend – track if those ads lead to first orders (and ideally, repeat orders to justify the cost). Not every brand needs to use paid Faire ads, but it’s a tool worth considering, especially once you’ve optimized everything else.

• Cross-Promotion and Referrals: Network with other complementary brands on Faire. Sometimes non-competing brands will give each other shout-outs or recommendations (e.g., a candle maker and a soap maker might refer each other to their respective retailer customers). If you have a good relationship with a store that stocks you, ask if they know of any other shops (perhaps in a different region) that might like your products – you can then reach out, mentioning the referral and that you can be found on Faire for easy ordering. Word of mouth is powerful in the retail community.

• Consistent Branding Everywhere: Ensure your brand identity (logo, imagery, messaging) is consistent across your website, Faire shop, and social media. This builds recognition. A retailer who first discovers you on Instagram, for example, should immediately feel confident when they land on your Faire page that it’s the same brand – same logo, similar photos, etc. Consistency makes your marketing more cohesive and effective, as all channels reinforce each other.

Remember, many retailers discover brands organically on Faire, but doing your own marketing can significantly accelerate your growth. In fact, some sellers find that once they’ve brought a wave of their own retailers to Faire (commission-free via Direct), those initial sales and reviews boost their rank in Faire’s marketplace, leading to more organic discovery by new retailers. So external marketing and Faire’s internal ecosystem can create a positive feedback loop. By actively promoting your presence on Faire, you’re essentially multiplying the opportunities for retailers to find and buy from you.

6. How to Make the First Sale on Faire: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your very first wholesale order on Faire can feel like a waiting game, but there are concrete steps you can take to speed it along. Here’s a step-by-step approach to secure that first sale:

1. Complete and Polish Your Shop Setup – First impressions are everything. Before buyers see your products, ensure your Faire shop profile is 100% complete: upload your logo and a nice header/banner image, write your brand story, and double-check that all your products have great photos, accurate info, and proper tags. As Faire itself advises, “the more thorough, high-quality information you share, the better your odds of getting noticed”. Also, list your full product catalog, not just a few items. Brands that went live with more products have seen up to 3× more sales in their first year than those who start small. More products = more chances to appear in search and attract a buyer. So, if possible, launch with a robust lineup so a retailer browsing your page can put together an order. Double-check pricing and minimums – make sure your wholesale prices are set to allow a healthy retail markup (at least keystone 50%). If something is off (like a typo in price or missing variant), fix it now to avoid scaring off a potential first buyer.

2. Optimize Pricing and Terms for a Tempting First Order – To snag that first order, make it easy for a retailer to say “why not?” One way is to set a low opening order minimum. For instance, if you normally prefer a $150 minimum, consider dropping it to $100 or even $50 until you’ve got momentum. Many retailers sorting by low minimums will then see your brand early. Also consider offering an “opening order special” – some brands do a 10% off first order or free shipping on first order. You can implement this by creating a temporary promotion on Faire or simply advertising it in your profile and manually refunding the discount via Faire’s system. Check if Faire has an official feature for first-order discounts; if not, a limited-time sale on your products can mimic that. The goal is to remove barriers for a new retailer to test you out. Keep your product MOQ (minimum quantity per SKU) low too for now (e.g., they can buy 1-2 of an item, not a case of 6). Remember, Faire already incentivizes new retailers with credits and free returns, so combine those with your friendly terms, and the first purchase becomes very risk-free for the store.

3. Leverage Faire’s New Brand Visibility – Faire often gives new brands a bit of a boost in discoverability, especially in the first few weeks. Anecdotally, some sellers report getting their first sale within a couple of weeks thanks to the initial exposure Faire provides to newcomers. To capitalize on this, ensure all that polish in step 1 is in place from day one. Additionally, launch when you can monitor activity – if you see a lot of “store page views” in your Faire analytics but no orders, that’s a sign people are looking but not converting, meaning you may need to tweak something (perhaps your pricing or product mix). Another tip: add new products or update something in your shop periodically during the first days – sometimes this can trigger the algorithm to keep your listings appearing fresh. And definitely tag your products appropriately (seasonal tags especially). If, say, it’s autumn, make sure any fall-themed products have “autumn” or “fall” in the title or tags, so that if a retailer searches the season, you come up.

4. Actively Invite Your Existing Contacts – Don’t rely solely on passive discovery. Use the Faire Direct link to invite any retailers you already know or prospects you’ve talked to. Reach out personally: a simple email like, “Hi [Retailer Name], I’m excited to share that we’ve launched our wholesale line on Faire. I’d love for [Store Name] to be one of our first stockists! Here’s a link to shop our line: [Direct Link]. Faire is offering new retailers a generous credit (around $100) and net 60 terms, making it easy to try us out risk-free. Please let me know if you have any questions – I’d be thrilled to work with you!” This approach uses Faire’s incentives as a carrot for them. If you met retailers at a craft fair or on social media who showed interest, now’s the time to nudge them. Even friends/family who have connections to shops could help – for example, if your cousin’s friend owns a boutique, ask for an introduction. Your first sale might very well come from your own outreach, and that’s perfectly fine (Faire doesn’t charge commission on those direct orders, so it’s a double win for you).

5. Utilize Social Media Announcements – Make a public announcement on your business social accounts that your products are now available for wholesale on Faire. Not only does this inform potential retailers following you, but it also frames your brand as growing and in-demand (which could spur a fence-sitting retailer to jump in). On Instagram or Facebook, you might post a line sheet preview or a short video showing your product range geared at shop owners. Include the Faire Direct link (if on Instagram, put it in your bio or use the link sticker in Stories). Encourage your followers to tag any local shops they’d love to see carry your products. This can generate leads – if someone tags a boutique, you can follow up by messaging that boutique with an intro and your Faire link.

6. Consider a Small Paid Push – If you have a marketing budget, you could run a targeted ad for a week or two announcing that your brand is now on Faire with an opening order deal. For example, a Facebook/Instagram ad targeting “small business owners” or “gift shop buyers” within your region or country, with a graphic that says “New on Faire! [Your Brand] – Handcrafted [Product Category]. Opening Order Special: Free shipping + $100 credit for new retailers.” This might directly reach a store owner who hasn’t logged into Faire recently. It’s not necessary, but even a modest $50 ad spend could bring that one valuable lead that becomes your first stockist.

7. Engage on Faire’s Community (if available) – Faire has a community forum (such as the Faire Connections group on Reddit or community boards) where new brands sometimes introduce themselves. Without being overly self-promotional, you could mention your launch and maybe share a link to your shop asking for any feedback from other sellers. Occasionally, sympathetic retailers or veteran sellers browsing those forums might give a new brand a chance or refer you to someone. Networking helps even in a digital marketplace.

8. Be Ready to Impress When the Order Comes – While waiting, prepare everything so you can ship fast when that first order pings. Have your packing materials, wholesale price labels, and a nice thank-you note ready. When the first order arrives, ship it out as quickly as possible, ideally ahead of your listed lead time. This could wow the retailer and prompt a nice review. Include a personal thank you (acknowledging they’re one of your first Faire customers) and maybe a small free sample or extra goodie in the box. Little touches like that can convert a one-time buyer into a loyal repeat customer.

Finally, once you’ve got that first sale, follow up (through Faire messaging or email) after the store has received the goods. Ask if everything arrived OK and if they need anything else. This signals good customer service. A happy first customer can become a source of word-of-mouth referrals to other retailers or at least a glowing review on your profile.

Getting the first sale may require a combination of patience and hustle. But by making your brand easy to discover (steps 1–3) and doing targeted outreach (steps 4–6), you drastically increase your odds. Many sellers find that after the first order and first review, the next ones come more easily – so it’s truly about breaking the ice. Keep at it, and treat every interaction as an opportunity to learn what attracts retailers to your line.

7. Recommended Shipping Methods and Logistics on Faire

Shipping is a critical part of fulfilling your wholesale orders efficiently and cost-effectively. Faire provides flexible shipping options for sellers, and choosing the right method can save you money and time, ultimately protecting your profit margins. Here’s what you need to know about shipping on Faire and how to optimize it:

• Faire’s Shipping Options for Sellers: When you receive an order on Faire, you typically have two ways to ship:

  • “Ship with Faire” (Using Faire’s Labels) – You purchase and print shipping labels directly through Faire’s portal. Faire has negotiated discounted rates with major carriers like UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc., and Faire covers the upfront shipping cost. The cost is later deducted from your payout or charged to the retailer (if the retailer is paying shipping). This means you don’t pay anything out-of-pocket at the time of shipping, which is great for cash flow​​. Faire’s system will automatically provide tracking to the retailer, and it includes default carrier insurance for protection. Many brands love this option for its convenience – one UK brand even said shipping with Faire is their “favourite thing” about the platform. In summary, Ship with Faire offers low negotiated rates and a streamlined workflow, saving you the trouble of separate shipping software. It’s usually the recommended method, especially for small-to-medium parcels.

  • “Ship on Your Own” (Using Your Carrier Account) – You arrange shipping yourself (for example, buying a label via your UPS/FedEx account or using USPS at the post office) and then enter the tracking and cost info into Faire. Faire will reimburse you for the shipping cost up to an approved amount on your payout. The approved amount is typically what Faire estimated shipping would cost for that order. This option is useful if you have special shipping needs or better rates for your particular product (e.g., you have a volume discount with a carrier, or you need to use freight/LTL for very large shipments). “Ship on your own” gives you full control and flexibility, but note that you front the shipping cost and then get paid back, which could affect cash flow. You also need to ensure you upload the tracking promptly so the buyer is informed. Brands with unique logistic setups – for instance, those shipping perishable goods overnight or using regional couriers – might choose this route.

In practice, many sellers start with Ship with Faire for most orders due to its ease and good rates. Faire’s negotiated rates can often be cheaper than retail shipping prices you’d get on your own (sometimes even rivaling or beating your own account rates, thanks to Faire’s volume). Plus, with no upfront payment and automatic tracking updates to buyers, it simplifies the post-sale process.

• Free Shipping and Pricing Strategies: On Faire, retailers generally pay for shipping at checkout unless free shipping is offered. As a brand, you have a few ways to handle shipping costs strategically:

  • Set Free Shipping Minimums or Flat Rates: Faire allows brands to define free shipping thresholds (e.g., free shipping on orders over $300) or set a flat shipping fee for orders. This can be a great incentive for larger orders and provides cost predictability for buyers. For example, if your average order is around $250, you might set “Free shipping on $250+” – this encourages retailers to top up their cart to hit that mark. The figure above (laptop screenshot) shows listings labeled “Free shipping on $300+” etc., which is exactly this feature in action. Flat rates (say $20 shipping regardless of order size) can also simplify things, especially for international orders where shipping can be complex. Retailers appreciate transparency in shipping costs, so advertising a clear free ship deal or flat rate can increase conversions. Just ensure you can afford it – calculate your margins to make sure an order at the threshold still leaves profit after you cover shipping.

  • Insider and Promotions: If you joined the Insider program, Insider members will automatically see free shipping on your brand under the conditions of that program (as discussed in section 2). This will be indicated on your listings to those buyers (like a “Free shipping” badge). Even if you didn’t opt in, Faire might show some free shipping to Insiders for low-cost shipments. Outside of Insider, you can also run temporary promotions offering free shipping to all (for example, during a Faire Market event or a holiday sale). Use these strategically to boost order volume when needed.

  • Account for Shipping in Pricing: Ultimately, whether you or the retailer pays for shipping, factor in shipping costs when setting your wholesale prices. For instance, if your products are heavy and typically cost 10% of the order value to ship, you may need to slightly increase your wholesale price to cover part of that, especially if you plan to offer free shipping deals. Many successful wholesale brands build a ~10–15% “freight cushion” into their pricing structure, so that offering free or discounted shipping doesn’t put them in the red. Remember, retailers look at the landed cost (product + shipping). If your shipping seems high, it might deter orders – so sometimes it’s better to have a slightly higher product price with “free shipping” than a low price with steep shipping added on.

• Optimizing Logistics for Cost Savings:

  • Choose the Right Carrier/Service: Faire’s label system will often choose an economical service for you, but if you ship on your own, compare rates. For small, lightweight items (under 1 lb), USPS Priority or First Class might be cheaper than UPS. For heavier boxes, UPS Ground or FedEx Ground usually win. If shipping cross-country, sometimes USPS flat rate boxes are cost-effective. Always input package weight/dimensions into a rate calculator to find the best price. Don’t assume – check each time until you get a feel for it.

  • Package Efficiently: Use appropriately sized boxes to avoid dimensional weight charges. Fill voids with lightweight dunnage (paper, bubble wrap) so items don’t rattle and break, but don’t over-box a tiny item in a huge carton (carriers charge by dimensional weight if the box is large). If you have multiple orders going out the same day to the same retailer, see if you can combine shipments (and refund them any extra shipping they paid) – they’ll appreciate one delivery and you save on postage. However, combining orders on Faire might need coordination; ensure the retailer is okay with it and that you still provide all tracking numbers.

  • Take Advantage of Faire’s Tools: Faire’s shipping tools continue to expand. They added features like scheduled carrier pickups for FedEx (so you can arrange pick-ups from your warehouse via the Faire interface), and the ability to add additional insurance for high-value shipments easily. Using these can save you time (no daily post office runs if pickups are set) and give peace of mind (insurance on a $2,000 order is worth the few extra dollars). Also, if you ship from multiple locations (say you have two workshop locations or a 3PL warehouse), Faire now allows saved ship-from addresses to streamline that.

• International Shipping Considerations: Faire has a growing international retailer base. Shipping abroad can be intimidating, but Faire’s discounted DHL/UPS international rates make it simpler. If you’re open to international orders, “Ship with Faire” is highly recommended for those, because the platform will generate all necessary customs documentation and commercial invoices for you. They’ve expanded this to more countries (e.g., brands in certain EU countries can now use Ship with Faire for cross-border orders). When shipping internationally, consider using Faire’s flat rate or free shipping threshold tools to account for typically higher costs – or explicitly state in your profile if you require the buyer to pay duties. (Often, Faire will charge duties to the retailer at checkout for DDP – Delivered Duty Paid – so you just ship and it arrives without the customer owing fees, which is great for retailer experience.)

• Speed vs Cost: As a wholesaler, you usually have a little more leeway on transit time (a shop might not need items next-day). Ground shipping is generally fine and far cheaper than air – so avoid expedited methods unless necessary. That said, make sure you ship within the lead time you set. Faire expects you to fulfill by the ship date; orders not fulfilled within 30 days of the expected ship date can be auto-canceled. Late shipping can also hurt your performance metrics. So don’t set an unrealistically fast lead time just to appeal to buyers, then miss it – be honest and then try to beat expectations by shipping early if possible.

• Maximize Profit on Shipping: If you charge flat shipping (say $20) and you can ship it for $15 via your efficient packing and Faire’s rates, that $5 essentially stays with you, offsetting packaging costs or labor. It’s okay to have a small margin on shipping as long as it’s within reason – retailers understand shipping isn’t free, and they’ll pay a fair price. Just don’t drastically overcharge for shipping, as that will turn them off (they know approximate shipping costs). The best scenario is to use Faire’s discounted rates to your advantage: the retailer pays what they consider a normal rate, but you might actually get it shipped for less with the discount. Since Faire reimburses the exact amount or charges the exact label cost, you don’t pocket the difference directly, but it effectively lowers the portion of shipping you might eat on an “free ship” promo.

• Monitor Shipping Costs: Keep an eye on how much shipping is eating into your margins. Faire’s dashboard will show what you paid for labels (or got reimbursed). After a few orders, calculate your average shipping as a % of order value. If it’s, say, 8%, and your profit margins are 50%, that’s acceptable. If it’s 20%, you might need to adjust product pricing or minimums (or consider only offering free shipping above a higher threshold). Regularly reviewing this ensures you’re not losing money unknowingly on logistics.

Lastly, always maintain good shipping practices: use reliable tracking, pack products securely (a damaged product leads to a return and lost revenue), and communicate. If an order is large or complex, drop the retailer a note when shipping, e.g., “Your 10 cases are shipping in 3 boxes via UPS, ETA next Tuesday. Thanks!” Good communication reduces anxiety for the buyer and results in smoother transactions and better reviews.

Figure: A glimpse of Faire’s marketplace highlighting shipping-related badges and filters. On the screenshot, products display tags like “Free shipping” or “Free shipping over $300” in green, visible to retailers browsing. These indicate brands offering special shipping terms (often through the Insider program or set by the brand). Retailers can also filter by Insider (to see brands with free shipping eligibility) and by Minimum order value. Providing attractive shipping options – such as free shipping above a certain threshold – can make your products stand out in search results and encourage larger orders.

By following these best practices across SEO, leveraging programs like Insider, aligning with market trends, optimizing your listings, proactively marketing, strategizing for your first sale, and streamlining shipping, you’ll set your Faire shop up for success. Selling wholesale online involves many moving parts, but with careful attention to each aspect, even small brands can thrive on Faire’s platform. Use the insights and tips above as a checklist, and remember that continual learning and tweaking are part of the journey. Good luck growing your wholesale business on Faire!

Sources

• Faire SEO tips and factors – Small Business Collaborative
• Faire help guide on optimizing product listings (Go Wholesale support mirror)
• Faire’s own tips for visibility
• Insider program announcement – Faire Blog
• Retailer perspective on Insider (Carol Schroeder, Gifts & Dec)
• Reddit discussion – sellers’ feedback on Insider
• Faire 2023 Year in Review – top products and categories
• Faire Summer 2024 trend report
• Lucky Break Consulting – Faire review (commission and buyer credit)
• Wise.com – Faire wholesale overview (seller quotes)
• Faire blog – Getting started tips (brand story, catalog, etc.)
• Faire blog – Shipping tools and updates