When starting up a new business, what method can I use to find suppliers apart from searching the Internet?

I need to source a range of goods including ribbons, paper, feathers, artificial gemstones, artificial flowers. I'm surfing the net at the moment but there must be an easier way?

When starting up a new business, what method can I use to find suppliers apart from searching the Internet?
Internet is still the easiest.





Make sure you're using the right terms. The ribbon and feathers can be found under wholesale millinary supplies, the rest under craft supplies.





Keep searching, I found better deals the more effort I put into it.





These people are good, I've ordered from them before.


http://www.yorkbeads.com/mm5/merchant.mv...





http://www.usbox.com/Bows/bows.htm


http://www.google.com/search?hl=en%26amp;q=who...
Reply:Not an easier way, but this might give you a broader range of choices...you can call or check websites of the bigger manufacturers of the products your'e seeking, like Darice or Michael's. When I'm shopping I'll look for the manufacturer's name and hopefully their website on the label. I've found wholesale tins and glassware this way. Also, you can Google "wholesale feather manufacturer" or "wholesale handmade paper." You just have to use the correct combination of words....and yes, that is NOT an easy way! Often, individual wholesale sites are kind of buried within a directory. I've found that Google searches are often truly the easiest way to find things. Your next alternative would be to go to wholesale shows and to network with folks in businesses similar to yours. Good luck!
Reply:golden pages, city database, phone book, or simply keep ur ears open to anything u hear referring this (any people from ur circle or from external groups). hope this process doesnt get prolonged, sometimes when u need supplies u cant wait after starting ur small business.... its essential isnt it? ur organising skills ll improve n the whole process of searching wont seem such a torture to u. hint: the closest suppliers to ur area arent always the best.... good luck

Nanny Source