One of the biggest questions subscription box owners ask is: Where do I find products for my box?

There’s no single “right” answer because the best sourcing strategy depends on where you are in your business journey. 

In this quick Friday Fuel episode of The Launch Your Box Podcast, I’m breaking down three key sourcing methods - wholesale, trade shows, and manufacturing - and showing you how each one fits a different stage of subscription box growth.

Stage 1: Just Getting Started. Start with Wholesale

If you’re still prepping for launch or working toward your first 50–100 subscribers, wholesale is your best friend. It’s flexible, affordable, and helps you learn what your audience loves without over-committing.

Why it works:

Low minimums let you order small quantities.

Fast turnaround means you can ship quickly.

It’s the easiest way to test different product types.

Challenges with wholesale:

Smaller profit margins.

Less exclusivity.

Limited branding options

Stage 2: You’ve Launched. Trade Shows & Curated Finds

Once you’ve launched and built momentum, it’s time to elevate your box. Trade shows and curated wholesale marketplaces help you discover unique, small-batch, and boutique items that give your box that “wow” factor.

Why it works:

You’ll find more distinctive products.

Meeting vendors face-to-face often leads to better pricing or exclusivity.

You can start building your signature brand style.

Challenges with trade shows and curated marketplaces:

Travel costs and larger order requirements.

Longer lead times mean planning boxes further ahead.

Stage 3: Ready to Scale. Manufacturing

When your subscription is stable and you’re ready to increase margins or stand out even more, manufacturing can be a game-changer. But there are two levels to consider:

Option 1: Stock Product from Manufacturers

Buy from manufacturer catalogs and add your own branding or packaging. This is a great bridge between wholesale and full custom.

Pros: better margins, faster turnaround, and the ability to add your own brand touches.

Cons: limited product selection and minimal exclusivity.

Option 2: Full Custom Manufacturing

Design your own products from scratch for total control and differentiation.

Pros: complete customization, higher perceived value, stronger brand identity.

Cons: higher minimums, longer timelines, and bigger upfront costs.

Sourcing Is a Journey, Not a Jump

You’ll probably use all of these sourcing methods at some point:

Start with wholesale.

Grow into trade shows.

Add manufacturer stock for better margins.

Move to custom products when you’re ready.

Take Action

Identify your current sourcing stage and make one move this week that aligns with it:

New? Order your first wholesale products.

Growing? Research an upcoming trade show or apply for a wholesale marketplace account.

Scaling? Reach out to a manufacturer and ask about their minimums.

Every step forward brings you closer to the box and the brand you’re meant to build.

Join me for this episode, where I’ll help you figure out which sourcing strategy fits your stage of business and how to take the next step with confidence.

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