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Best Way to Reach Out to Manufactures?

by azhaze
5 replies
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I am working on building a drop-shipping website and have identified several types of products I want to carry and the manufactures who make them. What is the best way to reach out to them to see if they offer drop-shipping service so that I could sell their products on my website? Would a simple email to the sales team be enough,or is there a better way to go about it?
#manufactures #reach
  • Profile picture of the author Hermes Urbanus
    Originally Posted by azhaze View Post

    I am working on building a drop-shipping website and have identified several types of products I want to carry and the manufactures who make them. What is the best way to reach out to them to see if they offer drop-shipping service so that I could sell their products on my website? Would a simple email to the sales team be enough,or is there a better way to go about it?
    Personally, I have had better luck with phone calls and sometimes even showing up in person (I live in Ohio and we have so many manufacturers and distributors in this state that it's almost ridiculous.)

    Phone calls are much more sincere than the hundreds of email inquiries many sales reps get every day from the thousands of people who want to run a business sitting at home in their underwear. A phone call (or a visit when possible) give you a chance to explain your plans and prove your resolve rather than the simple two-line inquiry email that probably won't even get read.

    As far as what to say, Skip McGrath has a monthly newsletter (always full of great tips, etc.) that I like because of one article in particular from a few years ago that taught me how to talk to manufacturers and distributors.

    Give the article a read here: How To Work A Wholesale Trade Show for Profits

    It's not geared specifically for DropShipping, however, you can take the basic conversation and just re-arrange it to fit your needs as you reach out to potential suppliers. Best of luck with your business!
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  • Profile picture of the author azhaze
    Thanks! I am going to see if there any local manufactures that I can visit in person or call. Appreciate the advice!
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  • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
    As Hermes said, you are always best getting them on the phone. Call up their main line and ask for the person or department that sets up dealer accounts. Introduce yourself and talk about the possibility of selling their products. Generally it's best to wait until you have solidified the fact that they are willing to wholesale to you BEFORE bringing up dropshipping.

    Also, if the manufacturer won't dropship, ask them for contact details for the 2-3 biggest distributors that buy the most product from them to resale it. Often times one of the distributors WILL dropship, even if the manufacturer won't, and typically the margins are just as good or very close!
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  • Profile picture of the author gdccashflow
    Search for a company websites, look for the contact address or mailing address, visit the manufacturing site personally and ask queries. email won't work.
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  • Profile picture of the author hbennick
    Depends on where they are located and where you are located. I'm in the US. For US based companies, phone calls are great. For overseas, especially where language may be an issue, I prefer email. Gives people time to get their translations straight, and nothing gets lost in difficult accents.
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