Dropshipper/Wholesaler resources

[Rasby]

Hi,

I am just wondering whether anyone out there actually uses the Jason James or the GoWholesaler resources. If so, how do they compare?

I would like to find resources so I can sell more on ebay. Currently, I just sell things I no longer need or that I pick up at flea markets. At the same time, I don't have the room or money to warehouse large numbers of items in my home. If any of you are in the same situation and have some tips, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks,
Rasby

[Lynn Terry]

I havent used them myself yet, but Wholesale Marketer has an eBay Auction Wizard that allows you to list products on ebay straight from your account with them. Then they dropship. They have a free trial, so it may be something you want to try out to see for yourself.

I'd love to hear from those that have used the Auction Resource Network or Wholesale Marketer, too.

[cmbb2003]

I have never used them. I had in the past used some dropshippers and had some problems with them, resulting in bad feedback on my part on ebay
I am now with a company that sells bath body and home products all at reasonable prices. I don't know what kind of items you are wanting to sell on ebay, but with this company you can sign up as a wholesaler or an independent distributor for FREE and then list their items on ebay using their pics and descriptions and have them shipped to them directly. Also at the same time it's your own business when you sign up as ID and you can choose many different ways to sell your items. If you want more info just check out my personal web site at http://www.delightfultreasuresandgifts.com
Thanks and good luck

[AaronC]

Dropshipping to ebay is one of the easiest ways to lose money. Unless you have a niche item, ebay buyers will be unlikely to pay a profitable price. Someone once did the math, figuring in the cost of time, and found it worked out to less than minimum wage. By the time you factor in time, customer service, returns, bad bidders, etc... you need a 10:1 markup ratio to make a decent profit on ebay.

Also be aware that some drop shippers have a bad shipping reputation, which WILL effect your feedback rating if you don't investigate them completely before you sign up with them.

The trick to making money on Ebay is to bring people to your website. Get items with fewer features on them, list them cheaply (near cost) on ebay and feature your website with more advanced items on your site. People may be willing to spend more there, and you'll be pulling in repeat visitors if things are setup right.

For this reason I would not use drop shipping for ebay. I would spend afew hundred dollars and buy some cheap goods in my category from a "light bulk wholesaler", ie: someone that sells in less than $200 lots. Then lead to a site that offers drop shipped items from there.

As for finding actual drop shippers, you can never beat talking directly with importers and manufacturers. You usually get a 2:1 markup on drop shippers, but you won't be able to beat ebay and walmart prices... so choose your items carefully. Be aware of drop ship "clearing houses" or places that offer multiple "warehouses." They're usually middlemen, and if I find the manufacturer directly... I can undercut you. And trust me, if I can do it... so can many others.

Don't go for "hot" items, or "popular" items. The more popular something is, the more people will be selling it and the less you'll be able to charge. Go for items that are wierd, unusual, or very specific. The old ebay commercials of someone looking for specific ugly green lamps are entirely accurate, the stranger it is the better it sells.

Go to:
www.wholesalecentral.com

I know one of the account execs there. They have a merchandiser magazine specifically for regional flea markets. If you talk with those suppliers you can find someone willing to drop ship or ship in small lots.

Make sure you have a state tax and resell license before talking with these suppliers. If someone says you don't need it, they're probably just selling items near retail cost... which means you won't get much margin.
Not enough to make enough money. Resell certs mean you've spent a little time to get legal, ie: you're serious enough to be considered. Companies have to make a profit, how would someone make a profit by undercutting their other retailers thru you? There's always something fishy there.

This is something I've had quite a bit of experience with... bad, good, ugly. While I rarely do it anymore, I used to do a lot of telephone coaching for this. If you're interesting in something like that, let me know.

[decorgalore]

I wholesale products and would be happy to help anyone who wants to get started with their own business. I also sell to retailers, resellers, flea marketers and eBayers who need inventory in any quantity and deeply discounted pricing. Take a look at www.decorgalore.net and click on wholesale for an overview of my offerings.

I am looking for distributors and wholesalers who want to start their own business. Mix business with pleasure! As a wholesaler or distributor with us, you can do so much. You'll run your entire business the way you want. Set your own pricing for the merchandise you sell all the way to working the hours you want to! I will also be available to you for help and support. No more work clothes, hose, or heels...work in your pj's and commute to the kitchen table!

This is a fantastic opportunity to be your own boss with unlimited income potential. Do take a minute to see what I offer and email me if you want more information or have questions.

patti@decorgalore.net

[HowardH]

Dropshipping to ebay is one of the easiest ways to lose money.

You nailed it! But that isn't even the worst part. The worst part comes when you sell something and your dropshipper doesn't come through, and you get an unhappy customer as a result. You become the DOPEshipper. You end up having to refund the money to your unhappy customer and try to get something back from the idiot that screwed you. I learned that one the hard way, and I will NEVER again sell something over which I don't have direct control.

[Rasby]

What a great array of comments!! Thanks so much for all the feedback. I had heard that dropshipping may not be the way to go, but hearing specific experiences is good since I've never done it before.

I'm in the process of looking at different options and really appreciate the websites to look at as well as the good, bad, and ugly about your experience. That's what makes this my favorite forum. Everyone is always so candid and helpful. Many thanks. Off to look at websites and think. Rasby

[auctionnet]

Rasby,
I exclusively recommend Wholesale Marketer on my site. They are a very reliable, professional company.
At a bare minimum, they offer a 7 day free trial, so you can at least try them out for free. Good luck.

[HowardH]

Here is a whole bunch of recommendations regarding ebay, by well-know author and ebay PowerSeller Don Lancaster. The whole thing is worth reading, but his specific advice on dropshipping is on the bottom half of page 10.

7 days is not nearly enough time to find out exactly how you are going to get screwed by a dropshipper.

BTW, my wife is an ebay PowerSeller, as well. We learned the bitter lesson about dropshipping together. To get a more accurate spelling, replace "pp" with "tt".

I will NEVER again attempt to sell anything that I do not have in my physical possession.

[Vera]

Dropshipping to ebay is one of the easiest ways to lose money.

You nailed it! But that isn't even the worst part. The worst part comes when you sell something and your dropshipper doesn't come through, and you get an unhappy customer as a result. You become the DOPEshipper. You end up having to refund the money to your unhappy customer and try to get something back from the idiot that screwed you. I learned that one the hard way, and I will NEVER again sell something over which I don't have direct control.

I have to say that my experience with dropshipping has been incredible! I enjoy it and it's a whole lot more fun that packing all the items I need to ship out. For me, the biggest rule of thumb is this....

You have to research every single item that you list before you list it. I don't care if something is popular or not, doesn't mean I'll make a profit.

I personally use Wholesale Marketer and haven't been happier. As boring as it sounds, you have to look at every single item and find out what it's getting before you list.

Plus, check out all the categories things are being listed in. Maybe something didn't sell for other people because they were silly about pricing. It takes time, but you find those gems that makes it worthwhile. And definately deal with a reputable company.

Vera

[livinonline]

All..

Finding reliable "small volume" dropshippers can be hard to find, and for those who have found one that is serving your Ebay ambitions well, congratulations--they are few and far between..

For those who might be unfamiliar with dropshipping, you might want to take a look at the article below for some prespective, before you jump into the auction marketplace using just dropshippers as your source of supply.

The Downside Of Using Dropshippers On Ebay!
http://www.e-syndicate.net/a11977.htm

I wish everyone the good fortune of Vera..

I have to say that my experience with dropshipping has been incredible! I enjoy it and it's a whole lot more fun that packing all the items I need to ship out. For me, the biggest rule of thumb is this....

You have to research every single item that you list before you list it. I don't care if something is popular or not, doesn't mean I'll make a profit.

The operative phrase here research. Ebay and processing fees can really effect your bottom line. Just be careful out there, and perform your due dilligence before you start listing products for resale..

Regards..
Robert..

[Vera]

Robert I agree with you whole heartedly. Research really is the key, plus I see dropshipping as just another avenue of making money, not the only way. There are so many other ways to get product that it just adds something different to your business.