For a mobile retailer, sourcing decides your margin. Two shops selling the same model at the same price earn very different profits depending on what they paid per piece. Bulk sourcing done well means more than a lower price: you also need reliable stock, a GST bill and no surprises at delivery.
Know exactly what you're buying
Wholesale phone offers move fast and use shorthand. "A36 8/128 @25100 (60)" means the Galaxy A36 in the 8 GB / 128 GB variant, at ₹25,100 a piece, 60 units available. Before comparing offers, fix four things:
- Model and variant: RAM and storage change the price far more than colour does.
- Condition: new and sealed, open box, or refurbished. These are different markets.
- Quantity: your real sell-through for two to four weeks, not what feels like a good deal.
- Bill: with a GST invoice or not (see GST input tax credit for electronics retailers).
Find sellers, don't just wait for offers
Look at live stock across cities
The Elex Exchange market shows live stock offers and buy requests from GST-verified traders, by model, quantity and city. You can see it without an account. The same model often trades at different prices in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, and for a large order the difference can cover freight.
Post a buy request
Instead of asking around in ten WhatsApp groups, post what you want to buy: model, variant, quantity and whether you need a GST bill. Sellers holding that model are told when you post, with exact matches shown first. You then message them on Elex Exchange, or call or WhatsApp those who share their number.
Negotiate on more than price
- Payment terms: advance, part payment, or on delivery.
- Delivery: who pays freight, and who carries transit risk.
- Mixed lots: a seller with several variants may give a better rate for a combined order.
- Repeat supply: a seller who can restock every week is worth a slightly higher price.
Elex Exchange charges no commission and never holds money. You agree price, payment and delivery directly with the other trader.
Close the deal safely
- Check the seller's GSTIN status on the GST portal.
- Inspect the stock, or at least a sample, before full payment.
- Check IMEI numbers against the box and the invoice.
- After the deal, rate the trader. Ratings on Elex Exchange always show who gave them, so a good record means something.
Getting started
Register your business with your GSTIN. You can browse the whole market while our team verifies it, usually within a day. Once verified, you can post buy requests and contact sellers.