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Dropshipper says I need EDI capability to do business with them

by TheyCallMeBE
7 replies
  • ECOMMERCE
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I am new to this space, so I'm still learning about the ins and outs at this point.

I spoke to a rep at rather large supplier and they said that in order for orders to be processed from my site to theirs, I would need an Electronic Data Interface (EDI) system in place. I looked around on Google but I couldn't find too much information on it. Can anyone provide some insight on their experience with these systems and the cost associated with them?
#business #capability #dropshipper #edi
  • Profile picture of the author alksense
    Originally Posted by TheyCallMeBE View Post

    I am new to this space, so I'm still learning about the ins and outs at this point.

    I spoke to a rep at rather large supplier and they said that in order for orders to be processed from my site to theirs, I would need an Electronic Data Interface (EDI) system in place. I looked around on Google but I couldn't find too much information on it. Can anyone provide some insight on their experience with these systems and the cost associated with them?
    Well that's annoying...

    Basically some large suppliers have EDIs that you can code your site into.. you can do this to automatically pull information from them (such as product prices & stock levels) or to send information to them (purchase orders).

    The first thing I would do is ask them if that's the ONLY way that they will accept orders (I highly doubt it is because I have worked with hundreds of suppliers and I've never had that experience).

    If they will accept orders another way I would recommend using Shopify and eComHub which can automatically route PO's to them.

    If they are persistent on having you use their EDI and you really want to work with them you will have to hire someone to build an EDI intergration with their system... there is no plugin or app for this because every suppliers EDI is different and requires custom coding.

    Hope that helps

    - Anton
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  • Profile picture of the author TeKn1qu3z
    You should ask them what steps you need to take.

    I suggest you find another provider, will save you a lot of time and effort.
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    • Profile picture of the author TheyCallMeBE
      Thanks, guys. I just got the ball rolling with taking action and they were literally the first supplier I have contacted so I didn't know if that was a common situation.

      Alksense, thanks for the drop on ecommhub. I have been searching for something like that all week. Also, I plan on purchasing your WSO membership next week so you will be hearing from me soon.



      Originally Posted by alksense View Post

      Well that's annoying...

      Basically some large suppliers have EDIs that you can code your site into.. you can do this to automatically pull information from them (such as product prices & stock levels) or to send information to them (purchase orders).

      The first thing I would do is ask them if that's the ONLY way that they will accept orders (I highly doubt it is because I have worked with hundreds of suppliers and I've never had that experience).

      If they will accept orders another way I would recommend using Shopify and eComHub which can automatically route PO's to them.

      If they are persistent on having you use their EDI and you really want to work with them you will have to hire someone to build an EDI intergration with their system... there is no plugin or app for this because every suppliers EDI is different and requires custom coding.

      Hope that helps

      - Anton
      Originally Posted by TeKn1qu3z View Post

      You should ask them what steps you need to take.

      I suggest you find another provider, will save you a lot of time and effort.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    I haven't run into that situation either. I think I'd rather look around for another wholesaler than have a programmer program an EDI into my site, since it will only work with their products. Sounds like a lot of hassle.
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  • Profile picture of the author anandshaw
    for the time being you can look for different supplier. EDI has been around for quite some time. It is just a format for PO, invoice and other business documents. usually bigger and reputable suppliers may insist that you generate PO in EDI format.
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  • Profile picture of the author kintoesti
    Look at this one GeeknGadget.com it,s my best dropshipper.
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  • Profile picture of the author bobrock4
    Hi, even if this thread is quite old I try to resume it asking to you about synchronization of products among my ecommerce site and the supplier.

    Maybe is a common question, but I'm trying to see clear.

    If I use a method of synchronization of products (for ex. in XML) I could have a catalogue on my site in which I have the right correspondence in terms of n. in stock, colors, size ready to be sold and sent (from the supplier).

    If i don't use such method of sync how could I arrange products on my site? How could I sell a product that is really at disposal by my supplier? Looking costantly at its site?
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