Wholesale means great savings and discounts. Art supplies can be obtained at amazing discounts of 47-90%. In many stores, the minimum discount offered is around 35% and the average discount on art supplies works out to 47%.

Just think of the savings, but be smart and work out how much of the materials you will actually use. Will any paint, paper, or canvas go unused? Saving at the buying end and then throwing away a substantial quantity because you cannot use it is no savings at all –it is just complete wastage. So before getting carried away by the lure of discounts, make an attempt to find out what quantity of art supplies you are likely to use.

Find a good wholesaler by researching. Go through the business directory of your area, the yellow pages, magazines devoted exclusively to art supplies, and surf the World Wide Web.

Once you have located a few possibilities go through their inventory or catalogue –find out whether they stock the kind of supplies you need. You would also need to judge where they source the stock from, are they located within commutable distance, do they ship out, and do they charge for delivery.

Find out what quantities they accept orders for. Then get together a group of artists who use the same kind of supplies and order together with a group or bulk-order discount.

Be sure to check the catalogues and price list of different wholesale depots who stock the material you need—comparison shopping is a must. Visit the wholesaler’s website to see if he has any special offers and what range of discounts is being offered. Look for year-end sales.

It is advantageous if you visit the wholesaler, meet his salespeople, explain your needs, listen to their ideas and suggestions, and build a lasting relationship with them. If you stick to one or two wholesale distributors throughout the year you will find the best deals and prices.

Nothing in life is easy or free. To benefit financially on art supplies you will need to put in concerted effort. As you sow you will reap.