How to Locate Dropship Companies

To locate a dropship company you need to spend a little time and effort. It is worth it however, because once you find a good drop shipper, you will typically be able to offer a lower price. This is much better than simply buying a list online, one hundreds of people probably bought, because you will have less competition. Compare costs, dropship charges and the types of products the company offers, and you will locate the best drop shipper for your business.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Phone
• Market research or product price guide

How to Locate Dropshippers

1. Write a list of products that you would like to sell. Conduct market research on how much demand there is for these products and the price consumers are willing to pay for them.

2. Contact the manufacturer of the products you want to sell (you should be able to find this out simply by looking at the product) using a business letter or phone call to the appropriate department. Request information about selling their products and ask if they offer drop shipping. If not, ask who their distributors are, and if you could contact them about a drop shipping arrangement.

3. Write a letter or call the distributor and ask them if they offer dropshipping. If they do not, they may be able to give you the name and number of a distributor that does.

4. Log on to the Internet and search the Thomas Directory for businesses that sell or manufacture the products you want to sell. Contact these companies in the same manner and ask to set up a drop ship arrangement. Be prepared to give them information about your business.

5. Search in the yellow pages, in business directories, or on retail and business websites for more ideas on drop ship companies. There may be a few of them in your area, with warehouses or offices nearby.

6. Network with other retailers you know and ask them about the drop ship companies they are working with. How was their service and order fulfillment? Were there any problems with the products they sold? Was it easy to find information on the products so you can give this information to your customers?

7. Search trade magazines or business magazines for additional manufacturers and companies that may offer dropshipping. They will advertise in the classified sections of these magazines.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you find a product you want to sell, research them and find out who is already selling them using drop shipping. Check the prices and see how much profit you will make. Also, find out who is manufacturing your products, and distributing them. Finding the right connection will make your price more competitive.
• Do not rely on lists that you buy on the Internet, or on websites that offer indexed drop ship companies. Often times these are simple marketing lists that are out of date. Finding a reputable dropship company that will give you a competitive price and good service will take time, if it didn't, everyone would have one!

Resources

• Thomas Directory lists hundreds of businesses
• There are a few drop ship and wholesalers here
• Search the yellow pages for businesses near you

[blackheart]

on 4/2/2009 also use skype to locate lower your cost long distance call are only a few cents a minute

[dduck1947]

on 6/30/2008 Wow! Great, real-world advice. Very sensible - I can really see how this works now. Thanks!
Dee