- Conduct in-depth research on the product
Before locking in suppliers and initiating cooperation, it is essential to conduct meticulous research on the products to be sold. This not only covers the entire process of the product from raw material procurement, production process flow to finished product formation, but also includes the physical properties of the product, such as size, weight and other key information, to accurately determine whether it will have a potential impact on the subsequent distribution links.
A comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the products not only lays a solid foundation for identifying high-quality suppliers but also ensures that the selected products precisely match market demands, laying a solid foundation for the stable start and long-term development of the business.
Second, gain a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain
After the product is finalized, focus on building the overall picture of the supply chain. Under the Dropshipping business model, the circulation path of goods presents a unique trend: After receiving an order, retailers do not handle the physical inventory but directly pass the order information to the supplier, who takes care of the subsequent packaging and transportation all by themselves.
An in-depth exploration of the operational mysteries of the supply chain helps to accurately identify those key partners with huge potential for business value-added, thereby achieving precise allocation of resources and maximizing efficiency.
Iii. Utilize social media to precisely search for suppliers
Social media, with its powerful social relationship network and information dissemination efficiency, has opened up a brand-new territory for suppliers to expand. Through carefully constructed keyword combinations, precise search instructions can be issued, enabling one-click screening of high-quality suppliers with specific product lines.
Four. Actively participate in trade shows
Trade exhibitions, as an excellent stage for business expansion, have seen many exhibitions take the lead in setting up virtual Spaces and launching online modes even though they are unable to attend in person due to the aftereffects of the pandemic.
This provides sellers with a valuable opportunity to interact in real time with wholesalers and manufacturers worldwide. Here, you can not only capture the hot trends and best-selling product intelligence of the next season, but also have in-depth exchanges with direct shippers who are also attending the event, sparking off the sparks of business wisdom.
V. Screen high-quality directories
The supplier directory is like a rich mine of information, building a bridge for efficient connection between wholesalers and suppliers. Top-tier paid subscription directories, with their depth and breadth of information far exceeding free channels, have become the top choice for many sellers. However, the free directory is not completely useless. Although its information may have a certain lag, it is still a good starting point for initial screening for start-up teams with tight funds.
Six. Place test orders in person
No matter how much praise suppliers receive in various recommendation lists or comment sections, it cannot replace the genuine understanding brought by personal practice. Placing an order for samples is a crucial step in understanding product quality and experiencing the entire process of suppliers fulfilling their obligations.
Seven. Precisely locate the manufacturer
Focusing on product manufacturers will largely expand the profit space for e-commerce businesses. Although most manufacturers usually do not open their sales channels directly to retailers, there are still some manufacturers willing to cooperate directly with retailers.
Viii. Discerning eyes identify reliable suppliers
When screening suppliers, be sure to stay vigilant and avoid many potential traps. Suppliers who lack basic guarantees for the quality of their products and services and have ambiguous operation models often hide huge risks and may cause business impacts at any time. Furthermore, if the supplier shirks and evaders the sample requirements proposed by us, this is undoubtedly a dangerous signal, suggesting that there might be something fishy behind it.
Ix. Reasonably assess the contract terms and costs
For the initially drafted list of suppliers, the next crucial step is to evaluate each one individually, select the best from the best, and precisely identify the most promising partners. Subsequently, the crucial stage of negotiating contract fees and terms began. Large and mature enterprises, with their solid customer base and stable order volume, often have more say at the negotiating table.
Conclusion
In the vast sea of business, mastering the above-mentioned precise sourcing and supplier identification skills is equivalent to holding the key to unlocking success. For entrepreneurs who are new to the e-commerce field, this is the cornerstone for ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty, and it is also the driving force for the steady growth of the business. For well-known brands that have already emerged and are eager to further expand their business territory, they may consider introducing third-party inventory management services, such as SmartDropping.
This high-quality service provider rooted in China’s core industrial belts, with its professional one-stop service including purchasing on behalf of others, affixing orders on behalf of others, packaging on behalf of others, and shipping on behalf of others, comprehensively solves various pain points and problems encountered by cross-border sellers in the supply chain process, helping sellers to focus on the expansion and improvement of their core business with a light load.
Friends from all independent websites who need cross-border shipping, you can leave a message in the comment section or send me a private message! Looking forward to your reply. Contact information: WeChat: rongexpress