5 things to consider when choosing a Furniture Supplier

Starting your own business is an exciting and nerve-wracking process. If this is where you see your path leading, you’ve already done a lot of the hard work and you’ve already made your decisions on what you want your business to look like. Is it a traditional brick-and-mortar storefront? Or are you riding the digital wave and opening an e-commerce-only store? Maybe a combination of both? Whatever your sales outlet is, you will need to have a reliable source and method of bringing in product – if you’re getting in to the retail business and you don’t have product to sell then you might want to rethink that business model!

 

We can help you find the right supplier

 

It can be a daunting experience, weeding through all the potential suppliers and trying to find the ones that you want to build a working relationship with. You can have multiple suppliers that provide different types of items, and you can also move through various suppliers as the demands of your business grow and markets change. But each time you’ll have to vet and find those trustworthy and reliable sources.

We’ve put together a list that you can carry with you through the years of your business that will help you zero in on the right supplier(s) for your business model. Read on for our recommendations of 5 things to consider when choosing a supplier.

 

1. Profitability

When it comes down it, a business is a business. Which means you have to find a way make money – you need to cover your basic overhead costs, pay your employees, reinvest in your business, and then of course have some left over for yourself at the end of it.

When choosing a supplier, you want to take a close look at their product costs as well as their policies on MAP pricing, which can greatly affect how you run sales and promotions). Factors like freight, service fees, and regional taxes can impact your overall cost of goods.

 

2. Ease-of-Access

Locations are important! If you supplier is across the country, or even on the other side of the border, this can affect everything from your cost of goods to shipping policies and times. If you are the type who wants a hands-on approach to buying product, then you will want to choose a supplier who is within your region so you can visit their showrooms and get a closer look at their products.. Or look for suppliers who participate in trade shows so even if you must travel there, you can hit up multiple companies at once.

If your model is more drop-ship focused, then you can look for a supplier with a stronger shipping network regardless of how close they are to you.

 

Visit our website for information on our Drop Shipping program

 

Generally, how easy is it to place orders? Do they have a phone-in system, or can you place orders directly online? You will want a supplier with a high-rated, user-friendly website. Placing orders and getting your product should be the simplest part of your relationship with a supplier.

 

3. Customer Service & After-Sales Warranties

Customer service is what makes a lasting impression on both dealers and end consumers. It’s what will keep you going back to the same suppliers even if they don’t necessarily offer the lowest prices. Many companies have dedicated regional sales reps – are in-person visits from a rep important to you? Or perhaps all you need is an account manager that is readily available when questions and concerns do come up.

 

Ease-of-access is important when looking for a supplier

 

For after sales, you will want to know what the supplier’s warranties are. Do they handle service requests like replacement parts or damaged items directly or does the customer have to come through you?

These are all valid, service-related questions that will play an important part in how you select your suppliers.

 

4. Inventory & Selection of Products

If you are selling items, you want to make sure you can provide what the customer wants when they want it. That’s why inventory plays a big part in choosing the right supplier.

Are you specializing in chairs for example? You will want a supplier that can fulfill all your chair orders on demand. Look for suppliers with good lead time on inventory fulfillment. And if items do go on back order, how long until they can be completed? Will it be a few weeks or a few months?

Depending again on your business model, you may want a supplier that has a good variety of items. Do they have similar style items that can be a replacement for others when inventory does run low? A good furniture wholesaler, for example, will have a selection of upholstered storage ottomans, in a range of prices, so you will be able to find the pieces to sell that you know your customers are looking for.

What is the turn-around time for the supplied products? How often do items become discontinued? Does the supplier release a varied selection of new items all throughout the year? The more they refresh their stock, the more you can do the same in your stores.

 

5. Marketing, Promotions, & Social Media 

When looking for a supplier, consider how they market their products – both to dealers like you and to the end consumers. Do they like involving their dealers in their marketing? Do they have social media accounts that garner excitement around certain items?

Does the supplier have a policy on promotions? Do they offer promotions to dealers that offer discounted items? How often? Do their promotions need to be reflected in your own? Or do you get free reign on when and how much you want to discount items?

 

Does the supplier offer promotions that you can pass along into your business?

 

Product reviews are a huge asset in today’s online-driven market. Does your supplier have a database of product reviews on their website? Do they encourage you sharing reviews on your own site? You can also look for reviews on general sites like Google and Yelp but be wary of these as many of the reviews can come from end consumers who may not understand the wholesale business model.

 

So much to think about! But keep this list as a handy reminder of some of the important things you need to know when searching for a new supplier. If you have some other tried and true tips on vetting and finding quality suppliers in your industry, let us know!

Looking to open a retail storefront in the furniture and home décor industry? Worldwide
Homefurnishings Inc. can be a great fit for your business. From excellent customer service, to top-notch drop-shipping and wholesale programs, you’ll see over 30 years of experience come into play to help take your business to the next level. Visit www.worldwidehomefurnishingsinc.com for more information on how you can become a dealer today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four “Rules” of Bedroom Design That Were Meant to be Broken

Courtesy of

Katie Phillips, Founder of MattressReviews.net

 

Sometimes it’s fun to BREAK the rules!

 

Fashion and interior design are constantly evolving, as is the science behind sleep. Sleep, however, is vital to being able to enjoy the interior design of your home and its inhabitants.

 

If you are willing to change a couple of small things in your bedroom design, you could be sleeping significantly better on a regular basis.

 

Rule 1: Your Bedroom Should Be Bright

BREAK IT!

 

Bright bedrooms may seem appealing but may not be the best for optimal sleep

 

 

Current fashion trends in bedroom design show us brightly coloured rooms with tons of lights all over.

 

While you want your bedroom to be cheerful, you actually want as little light as humanly possible when you go to sleep. The less distractions that you have, the better.

 

To design your bedroom to make it helpful for you to sleep, you should choose shades of blue paint for the walls and always go for a matte finish. The colour blue has been found to have a good effect on the human heart rate and blood pressure. Eggshell or satin sheen in paints actually reflect much more light than their matte counterparts.

 

You should also avoid LED or bright white light bulbs in your room whenever possible in order to allow your brain to relax before bed. Blue light – like the kind that is produced by LEDs and your phone’s screen – tell your brain to stop producing melatonin, making it harder for you to sleep at night.

 

If you sleep past sunrise, like most of us do, you will also want to add some room darkening curtains to block out the natural light when you don’t want it. These come in all kinds of colours and patterns to make designing your space easy.

 

Rule 2: Sleep with Doors Shut

BREAK IT!

 

Good airflow in the bedroom is important for achieving those sweet dreams

 

While sleeping with the doors shut might help to cut down on the number of distractions that you can see and hear from your bedroom, it’s best for the airflow in your bedroom if your door is open. Having good airflow in your room will not only make your mattress feel more cozy, it will also help you sleep better.

 

If you can’t sleep with your doors or window open, try turning on a fan to create the air circulation that will help you sleep well and all through the night.

 

 

Rule 3: Keep it Warm

BREAK IT!

 

Believe it or not – you actually sleep better in the cold!

 

You might be tempted to keep your bedroom as warm as possible, but it’s actually better for you to keep the air temperature in your room between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 19 degrees Celcius). It helps you sleep longer and have higher quality sleep than you would if you were warmer.

 

You can combat the cold that you feel when you are resting by bundling up with cozy pillows and blankets, or some really cute pyjamas.

 

Rule 4: Keep it Clutter Free

BREAK IT!

 

Plants help to clarify the air and can provide a sense of calm in your bedroom

 

While you don’t want a lot of clutter in your sleeping space, it will be helpful to add some plants to your bedroom. Not only will they make your room prettier and help clarify the air around them naturally, some of them also put off calming scents.

 

If you love the smell of lavender or jasmine, those plants are great for helping to calm anxiety and clarifying the air around them.

 

Be sure to have fun breaking some (or all) of these rules and pay attention to how your sleep behaviors are affected after making these minor changes. Let us know in the comments below – we would love to hear from you!

5 ways to store more with style

Stuff. We all have it…

 

Don’t be overrun by Stuff – conquer it before it conquers you!

 

Once we add kids, pets, sports, backpacks, homework, the latest craft obsession (slime, anyone?), toys, and more to the mix, the “Stuff” that orbits our daily lives can invade every room in the house. Over time, it takes on a life of its own – like an unwelcome guest that won’t leave. So, we shuffle it around, thinking we’ll, “find a place for this Stuff one of these days,” until we stop noticing it’s there. And soon, Stuff becomes a fixture all its own. Sound familiar?

The good news is that it’s easy to stash your stuff with style… if you know where to look. Here are 5 smart, hard-working storage pieces you can add to every room that will conquer Stuff’s assault on your home once and for all – and as a bonus, take your design up a notch in the process!

 

1. Storage ottomans and benches

 

Storage benches can add a whole new level of design to your space

 

Ottomans and benches are the easiest way to add style, comfort, and storage to any room. In the family room, a storage ottoman does double duty as both a stylish coffee table and a place to contain all of those blankets, games, and crafts that tend to spill onto the floor. A slender storage bench tucked against a wall in the hallway allows guests to sit down and take off shoes while doubling as clever storage for umbrellas, hats, and gloves. In the bedroom, a plush storage bench at the end of the bed serves as both a place to put on your favorite slippers and contain extra blankets, books, and bed linens – all while rocking a cool designer vibe. You can even float a couple of fun storage cubes in the kids’ bedrooms to corral toys and use as extra seating when friends come over.

 

2. Shelving units

 

Shelving units can be used for open display or with baskets

 

Shelving units are the ultimate storage workhorses. Styled right, they serve as tall, silent butlers that hold a myriad of miscellaneous stuff, both big and small, in every room in the house. But if you’re not careful, Stuff will multiply and invade shelving units, too. So, to keep clutter at bay, stock the bottom shelves with bins and baskets full of small craft items, toys, Legos, and games that are easy for little hands to access (and put away!). Save the upper shelves for grown-up stuff like books, magazines, and those catalogs you keep meaning to peruse next time you get a chance to sit down (someday).

 

3. Consoles

 

Use pretty cabinets to hide the not-so-pretty mess

 

These are not your grandma’s behemoths. Today’s consoles are roomy and stylish without sacrificing space. Use a console in the family room under your TV to store DVD’s, video games, and all of those extra cords you aren’t sure what to do with. Tuck a console against a wall in the dining room to serve as a modern china cabinet or sideboard. Upgrade a small bathroom to store extra paper products and linens with a petite console. You can even stylishly stash bins of extra paper and files under the printer in the home office.

 

4. Storage beds

 

Storage beds – convenient and easy to use!

 

Bedrooms in modern homes, especially kids’ bedrooms, are usually short on space. It’s hard enough to squeeze in a bed and a nightstand, let alone dressers and extra storage pieces.You need to think outside (or in this case under) the box to take advantage of the wasted space under the bed. Consider upgrading to a storage bed that creates a whole new level of storage clothes, blankets, and extra linens. And if your kids share a room, then you especially need to make the most of every square inch with storage drawers for bunk beds that can store extra clothes or toys.

 

5. Bar carts 

 

Bar carts are so versatile with their uses

 

What? Bar carts for storage? Yes! Bar carts are one of the most under-appreciated, versatile storage mainstays in the home. A petite rolling bar cart in the bathroom topped with pretty storage bins corrals makeup, hair products, and all of those little items that clutter up precious counter space. Turn a lonely kitchen corner into a fun and funky coffee station with a modern bar trolley. And when the weather warms up, roll it outside to serve drinks al fresco! You can even convert a bar cart into a rolling homework station to keep extra supplies, papers, and books at hand – your dining room table will thank you!

 

As you now know, the secret to keeping Stuff’s assault at bay is to put your furniture to work. Keep your eye out for creative ways to exchange a few pieces in every room of your home with stylish, smart storage workhorses that do double duty – so you can conquer Stuff, once and for all!

 

 

 

4 Types of Furniture Wood That Satisfy Both Your Decor Needs & the Environment

When hunting for the perfect piece of wood furniture, we usually base our decisions on factors like style, size, how it will look in a room, and whether it’s trendy or classic. But how often do we pay attention to the type of wood it’s made of?

 

Solid wood pieces show the true beauty of the wood - especially when finished well.

Solid wood pieces show the true beauty of the wood – especially when finished well.

 

Most of us don’t realize that buying certain types of furniture wood contribute to deforestation and the wholesale destruction of earth’s precious ecosystems. If you believe that preserving the planet’s trees and forests is imperative, then you need to be aware of how to buy furniture that’s both beautiful and sustainable.

A sustainably-harvested forest will clean our air and provide timber for generations to come, without long-term damage to the environment. So, keep an eye out for these four types of furniture wood that will not only enhance your decor, but will please mother earth, too.

 

1. Mango Wood

 

Mango wood is strong and sustainable – the perfect combination for piece that last!

 

We’ve been touting the benefits of Mango wood for years. Mango wood comes from fast-growing trees that can reach heights of 80-100 feet in as little as 15 years, as opposed to traditional hardwoods like oak and maple which take 50-100 years to mature. Mangoes are one of the most popular fruits in the world and are grown in mass quantities on plantations. Once mango trees reach mature height, fruit production slows or stops, so the tree is cut down and sold for timber, and a new one is planted. Mango is just as strong as cherry and oak, but it’s inexpensive for manufacturers to work with and an affordable option for modern decor. Mango wood can be used throughout the home and comes in many colors. It makes distressed gray look sophisticated in a pedestal dining table or a rustic modern coffee table. It also pairs well with metals, and its “tiger-eye” grains and patterns add a layer of warmth to modern accent furniture, such as a modern industrial or mid-century modern accent table.

 

2. Sheesham Wood

 

IDRIS shelving unit

Sheesham wood has such unique wood characteristics – no two pieces will ever look the same!

 

Sheesham is one of the most durable and sustainable woods on earth. The tree, native to India, thrives in poor soil, severe drought, high rains, extreme cold, and temperatures over 120 degrees. All of this makes it cheap and easy to grow on large plantations almost anywhere in the world. It’s the second-hardest wood on the planet (second only to Brazilian cherry), making it an heirloom choice that will require little to no maintenance for years to come.  Sheesham is the ultimate multitasker. It’s the perfect choice for a piece that can be both the star of the show and withstand the rigors of daily life – such as a gorgeous wood counter stool or a dramatic but functional dining table.

 

3. Acacia Wood

 

Acacia wood is perfect for those looking for truly rustic pieces

 

Acacia is a fast-growing tropical tree that’s easy to harvest and reproduce on plantations in warm climates throughout the world. Similar to Sheesham, Acacia is a tough hardwood with beautiful grains that will last for many years under the rigors of daily life. Acacia’s rustic charm harmonizes with almost any decor. Colors can range from light amber to dark mahogany, and no two are alike. Look for acacia wood furniture that puts its originality on full display, such a rustic industrial coffee table or console table.

 

4. Pine

 

TRENTON console table

Pine wood pairs well with iron and metals to create a fun industrial look

 

Pine is a fast-growing tree that’s now mostly grown on sustainable plantations. This light-but-strong wood has been used for generations for everything from roof beams to broom handles. As a result, reclaimed pine is also widely available as a popular way repurpose the wood and enjoy it for years beyond its original function. Pine is the ultimate workhorse in any decor. It’s equally at home as a solid rustic console or a sleek, mid-century modern counter stool, and everything in between.

 

MOKA stool

Solid wood doesn’t have to be all live edges and rustic finishes – it’s easy to create more modern contemporary looks as well.

 

People are becoming more aware of the environmental effects of mass deforestation. Luckily, sustainable wood options are affordable, widely available, and fit into any decor. You just have to know where to look!

ALL NEW PRODUCTS FOR Spring 2018

If you’ve been itching to get the newest and latest trends out on your showroom floor, you can rest easy because we have hundreds of new and exciting product skus to offer you.

 

This table set puts a modern twist on cottage-style dining

This table set puts a modern twist on cottage-style dining

 

New introductions throughout all our categories – Accent Furniture, Accent Seating, Dining, Stools, and Bedroom. And as always, we bring you the best in the latest designs and trends. The hottest, designer-look products at great value pricing! Keep reading for more details on new items and to find out about our exciting Open House event coming soon!

 

Makin’ me Blush

 

These adorable ottomans will satisfy all the blush cravings

These adorable ottomans will satisfy all the blush cravings

 

The fun pinks that you saw introduced earlier this year have taken over as the newest colour trend of the year. Beautiful blush pink fabrics – rich velvets and luxurious faux fur – in products ranging from ottomans to beds to crystal studded storage benches. These blushing beauties will have your storefront or website looking like the latest lifestyle bloggers’ dream come true! Browse through our site to get a better look at all the on-trend pieces.

 

Beyond the Velvet Ropes

 

Velvet will help elevate the design feel of any space

Velvet will help elevate the design feel of any space

 

Velvet is still the go-to fabric for those pieces that make you say “Wow!” when you walk into a room. And now, with all the bright fun colours available, velvet is not reserved for the winter selling season.

This fun purple storage ottoman will brighten up any space for the spring and summer and add some interest to your display as well.

Store and look stylish all at the same time

Store and look stylish all at the same time

 

Luxurious velvet dining chairs will also elevate any space and take the “boring” out of everyday dining. Mix and match to create your own unique look.

Browse through the site to see endless velvet options in all furniture categories.

 

Come & See for Yourself

We are excited to be hosting an Open House event starting on May 24th until the 27th so you can pay us a visit and come and see all these new products and so much more on display in our showroom. We will be serving beverages all day and meals daily. It’s a great chance for you to come in and meet the Worldwide team in person and get a feel for the products – it makes your job as the seller that much easier! We are in Concord, Ontario, just off of Hwy 400 and if needed, we will provide transportation from anywhere in the GTA. Click here for more information or contact our sales team today to make your appointment. We hope to see you then!

Join us at the High Point Market!

Ready, Set, SHOWTIME!  

The High Point Market is just over a week away…have you planned your trip?  

 Worldwide will be there in a whole new space with a TON of new product introductions to show off! Here’s a quick little sneak peek at some of the amazing new intros that you can look forward to… 

 

Accent seating in luscious fabrics and colours

Accent seating in luscious fabrics and colours

 

 

Gorgeous blush pink is perfect for the coming season

Gorgeous blush pink is perfect for the coming season

 

 

ASPIRA 203-342GY_2 

What is High Point?

For those who may be wondering, the High Point Market (also referred to as HPMKT) is the largest home furnishings show in the world. Held every April and October in High Point, North Carolina, this market is a dream destination for those in the furniture trade industry.  

Retailers, e-tailers, designers, from all across North America and the world flock to this small southern town twice a year – it’s affectionately referred to as Fashion Week for home furnishings! With over 11.5 million square feet of sales space over 180 buildings, this week really is a sight to behold and experience.  

Plan Ahead

Be sure to plan out your trip in advance and stop by our showroom at H603 in the IHFC Building. It’s always a good idea to contact your area sales rep to arrange an appointment. This will give you the best and most efficient buying experience. We look forward to seeing you there!  

Are you a Retail Store Owner? Here’s how we can help you!

Calling all retail furniture and other store owners – Worldwide Homefurnishings Inc. is the top choice for all your furniture needs. Why? Because we put our customers first! Here are just a few reasons how…

 

Customer Advantages

With our huge warehousing network, you will always be able to find our products, or suitable substitutions, in stock when you want them. This is better assurance for you that when you need a product for a customer, you will be able to get it quickly and easily.

 

Stress-free ordering and processing - we make your job easier!

Stress-free ordering and processing – we make your job easier!

 

You can take your pick of shipping policies to serve your business needs better. Because we have established relationships with a number of renowned shipping companies, we are able to provide shipping at reasonable rates, and in some cases even offer shipping free of charge. Plus, working with better shipping companies ensures that your deliveries are fully and easily trackable.

You always get the best selection of items at the best prices industry wide. With factories all across the world, we have full control over the manufacturing process. You get extensive quality control and the peace of mind that comes with it!

We provide products from all the major furniture categories – bedroom, dining, accent furniture, and accent seating – with a range in quality/price from middle to high end range, with some unbeatable promotional items tossed in. You can proudly bring all these products to your floor and subsequently offer your customers the best deals in town.

 

We offer a large selection of items across all categories.

Experience counts!

With over 30 years of experience in the furniture industry, we are recognized as one of the top wholesale furniture distributors by retail partners across North America. Once we establish a working relationship with you as our dealer, we will go above and beyond to ensure the success of your business, because your success is our success!

 

The relationships that we build with our dealers is the foundation of our success!

The relationships that we build with our dealers is the foundation of our success!

Leveraging a Brand

Worldwide Homefurnishings Inc. has become a recognized and coveted name in the furniture industry. We have over 25,000 end consumers who like, follow, share and comment on our various social media platforms. Many will often share photos of their items once they take them home. Selling a brand makes your job easier.

We love when end consumers share pictures of our products in their spaces!

We love when end consumers share pictures of our products in their spaces!

 

We work hard to continue to promote Worldwide Homefurnishings Inc. through various marketing mediums – magazines, social media, and Google advertising, etc. This means that when your customers walk into your store, you can trust that you are offering them a reliable line of products.

Interested in finding out more?

Share your contact information and we will get in touch with you to discuss your requirements, help you set up your account, and offer you the best prices. Let us know if you prefer a phone call or an email and we will get back to you!

ALL NEW PRODUCTS FOR FEBRUARY 2018

Warm up this frigid winter with a whole new selection of HOT products

We’ve already got an incredible line-up of items across all categories, but we always strive to make things better. Which is why our first new product introduction of the year is one of our favourites to date! It’s not big – think of it as more of a sneak peek of all the amazing things to come with our new catalogue roll out in the spring – but it’s a collection of items that will make a statement on your showroom floor, on your website, or in your latest design project.

 

Colour me pink!

Elle blush pink

ELLE blush pink accent chair

 

We’ve put a fresh spin on some classic favourites with new fabrics and new colours. Check out the gorgeous blush pink velvet on our best-selling ELLE accent chair. Or the newest pink fabric our new LILA storage ottoman.

 

LILA pink storage ottoman

LILA pink storage ottoman

 

A touch of velvet

The irresistible pairing of soft velvet with sturdy stainless steel, in both silver and gold, polished and brushed finishes takes centre stage this year.

 

Velvet pieces are making a big impact

Velvet pieces are making a big impact

 

From small pieces like the SONATA round ottoman, available in ivory (shown above), grey, or black velvet with a gold base, to larger statement makers like the MAGNUM cocktail ottoman in a selection of colours including this decadent blue velvet on a silver base.

 

MAGNUM blue velvet ottoman with silver base

MAGNUM blue velvet ottoman with silver base

 

This round of products is heavy on the accent seating furniture (because we know how much you love our accent furniture!) but we’ve also got a fun new assortment of glass and metal, geometric-inspired tables – coffee, console, and accent. The EROS and JUNIPER collections will be showstoppers for sure!

 

EROS ROOM

 

Old favourites get new life

Much of the time, we let our customers dictate what should be next to come in – what you can sell is what we want to sell! Based on popular demand, we’ve expanded some of your favourite collections like the IDRIS and the NILA tables. Still in the gorgeous sustainable solid woods and natural finishes, with all new table sizes and types.

NILA collection expanded to include coffee and console tables

NILA collection expanded to include coffee and console tables

 

Ready to buy?

Browse through the newest products here or go through the website and order your items today. Stock is rolling in quick and will be rolling out just as fast so don’t miss out.