#1. Google it. This is certainly the most popular way for new sellers to start their search for a supplier. It's a great way to get going and will provide you with plenty of options. For example, if I was looking for a supplier of ceramic vases, I would run a Google search using the keywords "wholesale suppliers ceramic vases", and Google would instantly show me thousands of options. Just remember that the best suppliers won't always be on the first page of search results, so you will need to spend some time trawling through before you decide on one.

#2. Run a quick background check on the supplier before you purchase form them. This is super quick and easy, and is an absolute must to ensure that you and your hard-earned cash do not fall victim to a scam. You can do this by checking that they have safe payment options such as PayPal (anyone demanding a Western Union transfers is highly likely to be bad news).

Also search the supplier's name or company name in anti-scam sites such as StopScammers.com and 419 Legal.org. To really dig deep, visit http://whois.domaintools.com/ and enter the URL of the supplier you are investigating. Click "Lookup" then the "Registration" tab to see when the domain was created. If it is anything less than two years, it is likely that the supplier isn't a reputable one.

#3. Visit Trade Shows. Trade shows are exhibitions of all the fantastic new products which are coming out. They are a great way to see what the new hot products will be, and even better, meet and build relationships with top suppliers. Trade shows are often held to showcase seasonal products or fashions, or are held for a specific industry, such as clothing and footwear. The best way to find a trade show near you is to simply run a Google search for "trade shows + your area".

#4. Use a supplier directory. You might notice a few of these popping up when you search for suppliers. These are the perfect way to find some of the best suppliers on the web. Avoid free directories which usually end up being a directory full of broken links, or links to scam sites which charge you to get access to buying their products ... which kind of defeats the purpose of a free directory. Look for a supplier directory that verifies each of their suppliers as 100% legitimate, such as SaleHoo.com. This will prevent you from having one of the many phoney suppliers out there take your money and run. Before you sign up to become a member of a directory, take a look at some reviews to see what other member's experiences have been. This is easily done. Just run a quick Google search for reviews on the site, for example, enter "SaleHoo reviews" into the search toolbar.

#5. Ask the right questions.When you find a potential supplier, you need to ask a few important questions. Start with what their MOQ is. MOQ is wholesale-speak for minimum order quantity and this determines how much you need to spend per order with a supplier, and whether you can buy from them. While many suppliers are willing to deal with small-time sellers who are just starting out, some will require a minimum spend of US$1,000+, so make sure you ask! You also need to ask your supplier about their returns policy in the event that you receive damaged or faulty goods from them. This is especially important for overseas suppliers when return shipping may be an issue.