Wholesale suppliers set tiers either per order (a discount if one order is large) or by monthly purchase volume (a better tier as your total monthly spend grows). Monthly-volume tiers suit repair shops that buy small and often. Parts4Cells bases its wholesale tiers on monthly purchase volume, not on per-order thresholds.
Per-order discounts vs monthly-volume tiers
| Per-order discount | Monthly-volume tier | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | Size of a single order | Your total purchases in a month |
| Encourages | Large, infrequent orders | Regular, right-sized orders |
| Cash tied up in stock | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Shops with storage and spare cash | Shops that buy per job or weekly |
How do you move up a tier?
- Consolidate. Put most of your volume through one main supplier.
- Track your monthly spend against the next tier.
- Bring planned purchases (tools, protectors, cases) into the month where they tip you over.
How do you compare prices fairly?
Compare the same quality tier, the landed cost (including shipping), and the cost of failures. A cheaper screen that fails one time in ten is not cheaper. Check that listings name the quality tier, as in these iPhone screen listings.
Where do sale and clearance items fit?
Clearance and price-drop categories are a good place to stock up on slower-moving parts at lower cost, for example clearance parts. Keep buying fast movers on your normal schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What are the exact tier thresholds?
Suppliers set their own. Ask your account manager or support team for the current thresholds.