hi there
this is actually easier to achieve in tightening times than in boom times.
i eexpect that you buy the supplies now from a regional or national based janitorial supplies company, you will receive a discount from them based on your purchase volume.
the higher the spend the better the discount
if you are looking to sell to your clients, then you can purchase from your exisitng supplier at a better discount and then mark up to the client.
why would your supplier want to do this ??
increased sales revenue. firstly, but secondly they wont need to have their sales operation on the road visiting your clients.
if you want to become a distributor, then a different game altogether, becuase these guys already have distribution with the janitorial companies that you currently buy from.
you willalso more than likely need to have a couple of distribution agreement s in oplace to get product range. the question that the distributor will want you to answer, is how much are you going to buy from them.
unless you are fully ready from this you may like to negotiate a better discount from your current supplier and explore the market.
regards
martin