most new crystal sellers think wholesale is simple, just find a supplier, buy in bulk, and sell. but wholesale buying is where a lot of people lose money fast.

why? bc they don’t know what to ask before placing that first big order. they don’t realize suppliers can overcharge, send fakes, or push bad inventory.

so before you drop cash on wholesale crystals, here’s how to vet suppliers, avoid scams, and make sure you’re getting what you actually need.

1. is the supplier actually legit? (how to avoid scams & bad deals)

not all suppliers are trustworthy. some overcharge, some sell dyed/fake stones, and some just ghost you after payment.

before placing an order, ask:
✅ where are your stones sourced from? (if they can’t answer, red flag.)
✅ can you provide certificates of authenticity? (especially for high-value stones.)
✅ what’s your refund/return policy? (bad suppliers don’t offer one.)
✅ do you have references or reviews? (if they’re secretive, they’re hiding something.)

💡 pro tip: legit suppliers will let you buy samples before a big order. always test before committing.

2. are you buying the right crystals? (not all wholesale is a good deal)

a lot of new sellers make the mistake of buying what they like, not what actually sells.

when placing an order, ask yourself:
🔹 do these stones fit my shop’s niche and branding?
🔹 are these trending right now or just “cool to have”?
🔹 will these be easy to sell at my price point?

💡 watch out for:
🚨 dead stock traps, suppliers might push unpopular stones just to clear their inventory.
🚨 overhyped trends, just bc a crystal is trending doesn’t mean it will still be hot in 3 months.

fix it: start with proven sellers (amethyst, rose quartz, labradorite, etc.), then expand based on demand.

3. pricing: is it actually a good wholesale price?

a real wholesale price should allow you to at least double your money. if a supplier’s price is so high that you’d need to charge retail-level pricing just to break even? walk away.

questions to ask:
✅ what’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ)? (some suppliers force large orders.)
✅ are bulk discounts available? (more you buy = lower price per piece.)
✅ what are the shipping/import fees? (some “cheap” suppliers kill you on shipping.)

💡 pro tip: compare at least 3 suppliers for the same stones before buying. if one is way cheaper, they’re likely selling fakes.

4. fake vs. real: are you actually getting what you paid for?

many sellers get scammed with dyed stones, glass fakes, or “reconstituted” (crushed & glued) pieces.

🔍 common fakes to watch out for:
🚨 bright blue “turquoise” (dyed howlite)
🚨 neon green “malachite” (plastic or resin)
🚨 honey-colored “citrine” (heat-treated amethyst)
🚨 perfect-looking moldavite (99% of it online is fake)

how to check:

• ask for natural vs. treated labeling (any supplier who refuses = shady).
• check for air bubbles (common in glass fakes).
• research common treatments (like heat-treated vs. natural citrine).

💡 pro tip: always request a video of the actual stock before buying.

5. shipping, customs, and hidden costs

new sellers often forget that shipping & import taxes can eat into profits fast.

questions to ask:
✅ what are your shipping costs per kg?
✅ who covers customs & duties? (some suppliers will, some won’t.)
✅ how long is delivery? (some suppliers take months, bad for trend-based crystals.)

hidden costs that kill profits:
🚨 import fees
🚨 extra weight charges (especially for dense stones like quartz)
🚨 international transaction fees

💡 pro tip: always get a full shipping cost estimate before committing to a bulk order.

6. should you order direct from mines or stick to resellers?

you’ll hear people say “cut out the middleman,” but direct mining sources aren’t always better.

buying from mines:
✅ lower prices
✅ direct sourcing transparency
❌ larger MOQs (some won’t sell unless you order 100+ kg)
❌ quality can be inconsistent (raw materials often need processing)

buying from wholesale resellers:
✅ easier to get small-batch orders
✅ already processed & sorted for quality
❌ higher prices (they mark it up for you)

💡 best move? build relationships with multiple sources. use direct mines for bulk staples and wholesalers for variety & convenience.

7. final checklist before you place an order

before spending a single dollar, go through this:

✔ checked the supplier’s reputation (reviews, references, sample orders)
✔ verified the stones (real vs. fake, treated vs. natural)
✔ compared pricing with multiple sources
✔ calculated all costs (including shipping, taxes, customs fees)
✔ know what will actually sell in your shop

wholesale buying is where new sellers either set themselves up for profit—or dig a hole they can’t get out of.

ask the right questions now, and you’ll avoid expensive mistakes later.