Wholesale flooring distributors have generally been considered a boon to the flooring consumer.  Unlike a retailer, a wholesaler usually buys in bulk from the manufacturer and can afford to pass its quantity discounts along to the end user.

Unfortunately, not everyone can find a local flooring wholesaler. These businesses tend to be easier to find near manufacturer hubs and warehouses due to the relative ease of transporting large shipments of flooring directly from the manufacturer to the wholesaler's warehouse. The good news is that, thanks to the internet, most consumers can comparison shop online between wholesalers whom they may not have otherwise been able to access. But there are several things to keep in mind when choosing an online flooring wholesaler.

Check with the Better Business Bureau in the town where the wholesaler allegedly does business. The last thing you want to do is send money to someone for flooring that never arrives. Its all too easy to set up a website to simply collect credit card numbers and run.
(See what the BBB has to say about Michael's Carpet)

Make sure your wholesaler actually maintains stock. Many retailers like to pass themselves off as wholesalers claiming to have the best prices on a large stock of flooring. While even a wholesaler may run out of a particular type of carpet and be forced to wait on a production date, retailers find themselves in this situation far more frequently. A reputable online wholesaler will often have a large line of featured in-stock products. These products will usually be advertised as specials or as a private label brand.

If possible, verify the conditions under which the wholesaler's flooring is stocked. Some online businesses do have a large store of merchandise but conditions are not always good for the flooring. Another common complaint among people who buy flooring online is that their flooring arrived in a condition unfit for installation. A wholesaler may have a seventy thousand square foot climate controlled warehouse, or it may simply have a large number of storage containers in an empty lot. Heat and humidity may be great for your back yard compost heap, but they certainly aren't good for your carpet or hardwood.

Most importantly, remember that time is experience. A company that has been doing business for thirty years can usually find better prices on merchandise and labor than a company that's only been around for five. An older company will have a professional staff experienced in helping the consumer get the most for his or her money.

The internet flooring market is vast and continues to grow. With more than six billion dollars being spent annually on electronic flooring commerce, there are certainly many reputable dealers to be found online. Just remember to research your company before you buy. Caveat Emptor, as true today as it was two thousand years ago.