Drop Shipping Questions/Advice

[stymie]

Hey all! Not sure if this is the best forum for this, but I saw other threads related to drop shipping here, so here goes.

Long story short, I have been doing contract work for an eCommerce SEO agency over the last 2+ years, and have learned a TON. After seeing all of these brands making 6 to 7 figures in monthly revenue (I know - drop shipping margins suck), I am motivated to start my own store and apply the knowledge that I have gained.

A few questions related to this:

• I have reached in in the past to drop shippers through one of the old school directories (Worldwide Brands), but despite being listed as a vendor actively looking to partner with sellers, most of the vendors that I contacted did not respond back. Any tips or recommendations that helped you get a better response rate?
• Like most dropshippers, I am looking to sell products that would produce a solid profit margin per product, and one of our eCommerce clients found vendors through highticket.io. Does anyone have any experience or opinions on their directory?
• Does anyone have any recommendations for finding businesses that drop ship that may or may not be listed in any of the dropshipping directories?

Thanks in advance to those willing to offer their insight...

 

[contesthelperr88]

I’d focus less on directories and more on contacting manufacturers and distributors directly. Many smaller suppliers don’t advertise themselves as dropshippers, but they may be open to it if you present a professional store and clear terms. For directories, I’d test a small number of suppliers first rather than paying for a large list upfront. Also, always verify shipping times, inventory feeds, return policies, and actual margins before committing.

 

[stymie]

Thanks so much for the response. I am at that dilemma now regarding whether to build the store first, or build the store after getting approved by a vendor or two. It seems like everything that I have seen makes it sound like your chances go way up if you already have a store, but it seems bizarre to go all in on a niche before even having a vendor on board.

 

[illmasterj]

Don't overestimate the sophistication of the sales staff. They're probably dealing with hundreds of not thousands of resellers nationwide.

Also, if they say no, just ask from a different email address once you correct the objections that they had.