online store specialization;
level of demand (and therefore the need for purchases);
financial capabilities of clients (price categories);
options for delivering goods to an entrepreneur.
It is not practical for small stores to purchase large brazil mobile number list quantities of products and rent warehouse space. It would be more reasonable to turn to intermediaries and sales agents who are ready to provide products in any volume as needed.
If your business specializes in a specific niche, such as toys, cosmetics, accessories or clothing, it is advisable to look for suppliers for your online store abroad. Chinese and Asian companies usually offer a wide range of products at low prices. In the case of trading technically complex products, it is preferable to enter into contracts with official distributors who ensure that the goods are sent from the warehouse along with the necessary documentation.
Sometimes deals with Russian suppliers do not live up to expectations from a financial point of view, but the buyer receives products from a local manufacturer and avoids serious costs for transporting goods. Working with foreign suppliers for an online store is often accompanied by inevitable additional costs for delivery.
Criteria for choosing a supplier for an online store
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After you have compiled a list of reliable suppliers and selected several product items, you need to contact each potential counterparty, because different companies offer different conditions and prices for the same product. If the conditions are acceptable, but you have doubts about the reliability of the supplier, it is better to arrange a meeting with his representative.
What are the main issues of primary importance:
What payment terms does the supplier prefer: prepayment or payment upon delivery? The ideal option would be a payment agreement "upon sale", where payment occurs only after the goods are sold.
How is the price of products determined, is it possible to participate in loyalty programs, promotions and receive cumulative discounts for wholesale customers?
What are the minimum order quantities and how is the product delivered to the customer? Picking up the product yourself may be preferable as the terms of the supplier's third-party shipping company are unknown.
The ability to provide an electronic product catalog or a current price list that is regularly updated will make the ordering process in your online store more convenient and efficient.
How often are the supplier's available inventory lists updated, with particular attention paid to the most in-demand items?
In addition, you should pay attention to the documentation provided, including trade invoices, certificates of conformity and warranty cards. It is important to discuss warranty conditions, the procedure for returning goods and liability for defective products. When choosing a supplier for an online store, it is important to have a detailed description of the product with photos, videos and brochures.
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"Pitfalls" in searching for a supplier for an online store
Definitely, the best supplier is the one who has quality goods and offers payment by installments. It seems that more is not needed, but there are nuances.
The biggest pitfalls in working with suppliers for an online store:
Before paying, it is important to make sure the partner is reliable . Some require a deposit of two hundred thousand before starting cooperation.
Eliminate suppliers who cannot be returned for defective goods that your customer has rejected . Why keep those who do not meet your standards on your list? However, you must maintain a respectful attitude. Set a clear deadline for returning the product and fix it in the contract.
Your success is inextricably linked to the development of your suppliers . By helping them grow their revenue, you also increase your chances of success.
Relationships with suppliers should be viewed as a mutually beneficial partnership . If your employees do not know how to communicate with respect and sensitivity, this can negatively affect your business. It is better to review the composition of the team than to risk losing a reliable partner.
Always adhere to the RRP ( Recommended Retail Prices) - this is a sign of respect for partnership relations.
Focus on finding top-level suppliers . The best scenario would be to work directly with the manufacturer or the manufacturer's official representative in the Russian Federation.
Focus on the essentials . It is better to conclude deals with a small number of suppliers and increase sales volumes than to deal with many counterparties with a low turnover. Large scale sales guarantee you better conditions.
Avoid working with non-professionals . Regardless of the attractiveness of the product, it is important that the supplier is a reliable and professional partner. Before starting cooperation, collect reviews about the company and try to get to know its management personally.
Avoid low-quality products, even if they promise high profits . Product quality issues will ultimately reflect on your reputation and customer base.
If you have a limited budget, it is better to buy goods from competitors rather than from wholesalers, surprisingly. Buying one unit of products will help you get used to the business, study the range and determine the most popular items.
This approach will reduce the costs of practical training and market research.
"Pitfalls" in searching for a supplier for an online store
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When choosing a scheme for working with suppliers for an online store, you can consider prepayment, deferred payment, or payment after sales. The best conditions are often offered with advance payment, which is suitable for stores with constant demand.
At the initial stage, it is recommended to agree on receiving the goods with a deferred payment, and then move on to payment upon sale. It is important to purchase minimum quantities of the product and not strive for imaginary savings in order to be able to return the stuck goods.
It is possible to receive additional profit from the sale of popular products, which will be determined by the market. It is best to take such goods on prepayment.
However, suppliers may try to "load" a new buyer with illiquid products with expiring shelf life. Do not fall for marketing tricks such as "few left", "if you take more, you will get a discount" or "selling out very quickly".
Don't take risks with untrustworthy wholesalers with too low prices. Remember that there is no free lunch in business, and fraud can have serious consequences.