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Tundra vs. Faire: The Showdown of DTC Wholesale Marketplaces

We explain the difference between Tundra and Faire wholesale marketplaces, including commissions and fees, returns policies, shipping policies, and more.

There are a lot of DTC wholesale marketplaces out there. So, how do you know which is best for your business? In this blog post, we will compare Tundra and Faire to help you decide!

As an small retail business owner, there was a time when your only option to buy or sell products would be at in-person market wholesale events like AmericasMart. These days though that’s changed drastically with the rise of online platforms such as Faire & Tundra - two great options for those looking to purchase from other companies without leaving home!

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Let’s break down the main differences between Faire vs. Tundra:

Customer base

Faire has a more select userbase than Tundra. In order to sell on Faire, brands must go through an application process and be approved by the Faire team. This means that only brands that meet certain standards can sell on Faire. On the other hand, anyone can sell on Tundra. This makes Tundra a more inclusive platform, which may be appealing to some brands.

Commissions and fees

Faire charges between 15-25% as a commission fee to the maker, while Tundra has a Zero-Commission model. This means that brands selling on Tundra get to keep more of their profits.

👉 Check out our free Faire commission and payout calculator »

Returns policies

Faire offers free returns on first orders, while Tundra does not offer any returns. This means that buyers have a 60-day window to return products on Faire, while they cannot return anything they purchase on Tundra. This policy may be due to the fact that Tundra has lower prices and minimums, which reduces the risk for retailers. Overall, this gives buyers more flexibility and peace of mind when shopping on Faire.

The application process

Faire has a pretty rigorous application process. Brands must submit an application and be approved by the Faire team before they can start selling. Once approved, brands must create a Faire account and list their products.

Tundra has a much simpler application process. All you need to do is create an account and start listing your products. There is no approval process, so you can start selling right away.

Shipping policies

Faire offers free shipping for their Insider Membership, which costs $19.99 a month. Tundra has free standard shipping on most products, with a blue truck icon indicating which products are. Between the two marketplaces, Tundra offers more free shipping options for buyers. However, the Insider Membership on Faire gives buyers access to new brands and products as well as free shipping.

Payment Terms

Faire offers Net 60 payment terms for all orders, while Tundra only offers Net 60 payment terms for approved organizations. Net 60 payment terms are free for qualified buyers on Tundra, while Faire charges interest and/or penalties if payment is not made within 60 days.

Available Integrations

Another aspect to consider is how well connected each of these marketplaces are to other software and services you may already be using in your DTC business. This will ensure you can streamline your data and production workflows without requiring laborious manual steps.

Faire integrations

Faire has an Integrations page that allows Faire brands to search for and discover apps and software that connects to Faire.

These integrations cover a large range of different applications, from inventory management solutions to accounting and ERP products. One example of this is Craftybase, which is an affordable inventory management solution designed for small DTC Faire brands.

How does Faire and Tundra make money?

Faire makes money by charging a commission on all orders and through their Insider program where members pay a monthly fee for free shipping. Tundra does not charge a commission on orders, but makes money through optional services and features such as expedited shipping, insurance, and brand promotion opportunities.

So, which wholesale marketplace is right for you?

In conclusion, both Faire and Tundra are great platforms with their own unique set of features. If you’re looking for a more exclusive platform with higher quality products, Faire may be the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a more inclusive platform with lower prices and minimums, Tundra may be a better fit.

Nicole Pascoe Nicole Pascoe - Profile

Written by Nicole Pascoe

Nicole is the co-founder of Craftybase, inventory and manufacturing software designed for small manufacturers. She has been working with, and writing articles for, small manufacturing businesses for the last 12 years. Her passion is to help makers to become more successful with their online endeavors by empowering them with the knowledge they need to take their business to the next level.