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Safe Product Sources & SuppliersEveryone has a "wholesale list" for sale, don't they? Especially on eBay. Google "wholesale lists" and see what sites pop up. The majority of the "buy me" lists are outdated, scams or foreign knock-offs. I'm not saying all of thme are, but what these "list sellers" won't tell you is that you can find good, legitimate, reliable wholesale sources without spending a dime, and you can do it safely. Before looking for dropshippers and/or wholesalers, look for the scams first. Make yourself a list of the dropshippers to avoid. An easy way to find scams is to Google it. Isn't technology wonderful? Someone gets burned by a company and the first thing they do is run to the internet and write about it. Got your list made? Now, decide what items you want to be supplied with. For example, let's do candles. I'm going to go to Google and search for "dropship candle supplier". I'm going to immediately skip over the paid ads and any sites that are marketing "wholesale sources". One site did pop out, though - http://www.ozbuncandlesupply.com/ . One thing that stood out on their homepage is that they require you to register with a sales tax ID - any reputable wholesale supplier will require one. This site looks like a good candidate, but you still need to do your homework and open a dialog with the company. And basically - that's how you find reliable sources safely. Do your homework on each and every company you come across. There is no "easy way" or shortcuts. Sure - you can use a service, or you can pay a monthly fee to become a member of sites like doba.com - but why? Cut out the middle man and go straight to the source! Some helpful tips: 1. Avoid dropshippers/wholesalers that do not require your Tax ID. 2. Take the time to research each company, both on the internet and off the internet. Reputable suppliers will provide a physical location, contact their local Better Business Bureaus and Chambers to inquire about the company. If they state that they are endorsed or certified by a company (such as eBay) check it out to be sure. 3. Avoid suppliers that require you to pay dropship fees. Most reputable companies are happy to have the additional sales venue and would not charge you to make the sales for them. 4. Do not provide any of your financial or company information to a company online that does not provide a secure site in order to do so. If a company's website is asking you for tax ID's, Social Security numbers or credit card information, check the address bar of your browser. If it does not say https://blahblah then do run, don't walk, far far away. Companies also don't need your eBay information (log-in, etc.) One of my own dropship suppliers for another business actually required me to fax a copy of my Sales Tax ID, my Drivers' License and I had to sign a contract. I've been with them for over a year but it took me 3 months of researching before I found them. 5. Any doubts you have about a company is enough. If it sounds too good to be true, then it is. The Federal Trade Commission offers information on their website that can help you avoid eCommerce scams and find legitimate resources for your business. Please visit these sources on the FTC website: |
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