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I need help finding a supplier- can someone point me in the right direction?

by DynamicRevelation
7 replies
I'm intending to eventually sell actual kitchen equipment by means of an order form, shopping cart, etc.

Right now, I'm working with affiliate programs, but am running into some technical "snags"- some of which involve folks being sent to a different site to buy, my site's shopping cart not being able to interface with the other's, and them getting lost on the other site (because it offers more stuff, it isn't organized quite like mine).

Is anyone who's run that Gauntlet already- and is familiar with everything involved in working with a distributor or wholesaler- willing to help guide me through the process of setting it up, shed some light on the details of how it works, or show me where to find out?

I'm thinking that I want it to be as automated as possible (maybe as soon as they check-out, the order is automatically submitted to the supplier... not really sure how that works, either).
#direction #finding #point #supplier
  • Profile picture of the author DynamicRevelation
    Just a little update... I decided to work with amazon, because it's the closest to what I'm looking for- it has flexible and integrated system which I can change as options open or new info comes to light.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tyrus Antas
    Amazon are also a little bit on the expensive side. Have you seen the fees? They can eat away at your profit margins.

    Tyrus
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    • Profile picture of the author Barbara Eyre
      Sounds like you want a company that will drop ship for you.

      You can start by searching kitchen equipment + drop ship ... and other variations to see what companies begin to come up. If that doesn't yield too many choices to your liking, try looking for those that sell wholesale, using a similar search procedure.

      Then call them up ... tell them what you are trying to do. I have found many that, while they don't mention drop ship directly, are willing to do wholesale on a per order basis ... especially if these are big ticket priced items (ovens and such).

      I personally try to find small businesses, since they are working hard against the "big boys" for customers. Most are more than happy to have an "extra employee" selling their products and will be accommodating to such requests.

      And yes, most shopping cart programs allow you to setup 2 or more email addresses to have order notifications sent to ... so you can have one come to you and one to the supplier to alert them to a new order. I know X-cart, Oscommerce, and Zencart have this feature.

      Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author DynamicRevelation
      Tyrus:

      Agreed. After browsing amazon, I decided that maybe I could more easily find a bigger home- maybe even with my own warehouse in the back yard. They are pricey- that's quite a bit to pay for storage and shipping.
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      • Profile picture of the author scole954387
        Originally Posted by DynamicRevelation View Post

        Tyrus:

        Agreed. After browsing amazon, I decided that maybe I could more easily find a bigger home- maybe even with my own warehouse in the back yard. They are pricey- that's quite a bit to pay for storage and shipping.


        Amazon is convient, but yes, pricey. If you can find a drop shipper that might be a good route. One of the best places that I've found (and have heard other marketers recommend) is World Wide Brands. I would post the url, but my account doesn't allow for urls in posts just yet. :-) A google search should find it easily.

        Shannon
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        Current WSO ->Killer Technique For Finding Actual Google Analytics Reports for 1000s of Domains!

        100% of ALL NET REVENUE from the sale of my WSO above will be used on Kiva.org!!!

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        • Profile picture of the author DynamicRevelation
          I just took a brief look- it seems that might fit the bill. Even if they don't have what I need for this particular site, I may find an even more lucrative use.

          Thanks for the tip!
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  • Profile picture of the author DynamicRevelation
    Thank you, Barbara.

    This would be my first "non affiliate" venture, and am pretty clueless as to getting set up. A drop shipper would be great, but I'm not finding much. I've looked into how well networked the "big boys" sites are set up, and know exactly where I can get around them- it'll take some work, but I know I can do it.

    I just want to have my logistics in order, so I can give my customers what they need, the way I know they need it. That, and I'm certain there are laws, rules, and procedures that I need to become aware of.

    Anyone- Please feel free to PM me if you have any experience or insight in this area.
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