Wholesale Candy Terms Every Buyer Should Know
| BY JOSH ROTHSTEIN
Starting a candy store sounds sweet and simple, until your first wholesale order has you scratching your head. Between “case pack,” “lead time,” and “freight terms,” it can feel like you accidentally wandered into a logistics seminar instead of a candy aisle. Suddenly, buying gummy bears feels more complicated than selling them.
Don’t worry, it happens to everyone. Every candy shop owner, gift shop manager, and retail buyer goes through that first big learning curve. The good news? Once you know the language of wholesale candy, you’ll order with confidence, stock your shelves efficiently, and you’re your seasonal promotions like a pro.
That’s why we put together this helpful guide – a plain-English glossary of the most important wholesale and shipping terms you’ll actually use when managing your candy business. Let’s dive-in!
Ordering & Inventory Terms
Purchase Order (PO)
A purchase order is your official shopping list for your candy supplier. It lists exactly what you want, like three case packs of Reese’s, two of Sour Patch Kids, and one of bubblegum. Your supplier uses this document to process and confirm your wholesale order before shipping.
Case Pack
A case pack tells you how many selling units are inside one case. For example, a single case pack of Snickers might contain 48 candy bars, while a bulk case of Chupa Chups could hold 1000 lollipops. Knowing this helps you plan shelf space and keep your point-of-sale system up to date.
Unit Size
The unit size refers to the size of one individual candy item within that case, like a single king-size KitKat bar, a 12-ounce bag of gummies, or a theater box of Milk Duds. Understanding your unit size is essential for retail pricing and inventory management.
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
This is the smallest quantity you can buy to qualify for wholesale pricing. For instance, your supplier might require you to order at least two case packs of M&M’s. The MOQ helps wholesalers manage their available inventory while still giving you the best possible price per unit.
Available Inventory
Just because a candy product is listed online doesn’t always mean it’s sitting in the distribution center ready to ship. Available inventory represents what’s currently in stock. During busy times like Halloween or Valentine’s Day, checking this ensures you don’t miss out on the seasonal favorites your customers will be looking for.
Shipping & Logistics Terms
Lead Time
Lead time is how long it takes for your candy to arrive from the moment you place your order until it lands at your retail store. For example, if the lead time is two weeks, that’s how long you’ll wait for your shipment to arrive. Knowing this helps you plan your shipping window and avoid last-minute shortages.
Turnaround Time
Turnaround time is how long it takes your supplier to process and pack your order before it leaves the warehouse. For example, Redstone Foods is usually able to ship within 48 hours, meaning your candy hits the road and arrives at your store super-fast!
Shipping Window
The shipping window refers to the period of time when your order is expected to leave the distribution center. You might see a typical shipping window listed as 3–5 business days from most suppliers. This helps you plan staffing, promotions, and shelf restocking so everything in your candy shop runs smoothly.
Freight Terms / Shipping Terms
Freight terms (or shipping terms) explain who pays for transportation and when responsibility transfers.
- FOB (Free on Board): You pay for shipping once the candy leaves the supplier’s warehouse.
- Delivered Pricing: The supplier covers freight costs and remains responsible until your candy arrives.
Knowing your freight terms ensures there are no surprises on your invoice.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
The bill of lading is like the delivery receipt for your shipment. It lists what’s being shipped, where it’s headed, and who’s responsible. You’ll sign the BOL when your candy arrives, and it serves as proof of delivery for your records.
Distribution Center
A distribution center is the heart of wholesale candy logistics. It’s where products are stored, organized, packed, and shipped. Large suppliers like Redstone Foods operate their own temperature-controlled distribution centers, ensuring your sweets arrive fresh, fast, and in perfect condition!
Pricing & Sales Terms
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
Your cost of goods is the total amount you spend to stock your shelves. This includes the wholesale price of the candy plus any associated freight or shipping charges you pay. For instance, if a case of 48 Snickers costs $75 and you pay $5 in freight, your total COGS is $80, making your cost per unit roughly $1.67. You’ll use this final number to set prices that protect your profit margin.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) / Recommended Retail Price (RRP)
These are the manufacturer’s pricing guidelines for what the candy should sell for in your store. For example, Hershey might recommend $1.99 for a single bar, while Mars might suggest $7.99 for a share-size bag. You don’t have to stick to MSRP or RRP exactly, but they’re great benchmarks to help you determine your store’s point of sale pricing strategy.
White Label vs. Private Label
Both are ways to add exclusivity to your candy selection:
- White Label: A manufacturer creates a generic candy (like gummy bears or chocolate bites) that multiple retailers can rebrand with their own packaging.
- Private Label: A candy made specifically for your brand, often featuring your packaging, flavor, or recipe. It’s unique to your store and can help boost your store’s brand identity and profit margins.
Sales Rep
Your sales rep is your go-to contact at the supplier. They help with freight terms, shipping windows, product information, and seasonal planning. A great rep can help you find new products, restock efficiently, and keep your displays fresh all year long.
Timing & Planning Terms
Turnaround Time (for Custom Orders)
If you’re ordering private-label or seasonal candy, turnaround time also covers production, including how long it takes to make and package your exclusive treats. For example, custom-branded lollipops for the holidays might take six weeks from order to delivery.
Seasonal Planning
Seasonal planning isn’t just smart, it’s essential. Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter are massive opportunities for candy retailers. Knowing your lead time, shipping window, and available inventory will help you stay fully stocked without over-ordering.
Product & Information Terms
Product Information
This includes everything you need to sell confidently: ingredients, allergens, nutritional details, shelf life, and storage requirements. Keeping accurate product information on hand keeps customers happy, informed, and safe, especially if you cater to dietary preferences or allergies.
Wide Range
When wholesalers say they carry a wide range, they mean it! At Redstone Foods, for example, you can order chocolate bars, gummies, mints, gum, snacks, sodas, and seasonal specialties all in one convenient shipment! Working with a wholesale distributor that offers a wide range of products simplifies your shipping terms, lowers costs, and makes your restocking routine a breeze.
Redstone Foods: Wholesale Made Simple
At Redstone Foods, we’ve spent decades helping candy retailers turn big dreams into thriving businesses. We know the shipping terms, timelines, and all the other tiny details that make the candy industry run smoothly, and we’re here to make your wholesale candy buying experience easy, efficient, and fun!
With our wide range of top-selling sweets, neatly organized case packs, reliable distribution network, and a dedicated customer service team that cares about your success, we make sure you’re always stocked and ready to delight your customers.
From your first purchase order to your next big holiday season, Redstone Foods is here to make wholesale simple, stress-free, and undeniably sweet. Ready to experience the difference? Sign up for an account with us online, or give us a call today!
1-800-444-3520
