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Rambo4

posts: 24

Jan 12, 2010 12:33 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Can someone please help me with a couple drop shipping questions?

I have a product I want to offer by drop shipping through various websites.

1.  Is there a database I can use to search for e-commerce sites that sell certain types of products?

 

2. Where can I find a Drop Shipping proposal template that I can send to these companies I find?  I want to be able to send a sample of my product and a proposal to create a business relationship with these e-commerce sites and get them to carry my products.  I'm assuming I would also need to send various pics of my product and specs and pricing but I would like to find a template that would lay all of this out for the e-commerce site owners.

 

Thanks for any help

 

 

piggybank

posts: 2

Jan 22, 2010 9:41 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hi Rombo

For Q1, you can try the following approach:

Visit some comparison shopping websites and search for a product in your  desired category. You'll get a list of websites that sell this sort of products.

Two common comparison shopping engines:

www.shopping.com
www.shopzilla.com

You can find more by Googling "comparison shopping"

Aficionado

posts: 8

Jan 27, 2010 10:52 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Rambo,

     Interesting idea.  I would do a couple of simple searches on the major search engines for an accurate, laser-focused description of your product.  If you go too broad you will most likely end up with a large, diverse distributor or retailer that may not afford much margin for you.  Probably the best way to prospect.  I would also look at other products that would/could accompany yours and search for online reatilers selling those products.  It's difficult to be more specific without knowing your product.

As far as a template for drop shipping;   templates generally are too generic to apply directly to any individual business.  That being said, drop shipping agreements can be somewhat difficult due to the potential scope.  Does it include terms of sale?  Does it include minimums or volume incentives?  how do you compensate for fluctuating fuels surcharges?  How are you paid?  When?

There is a Logistics Co. out there that specializes in helping start ups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs with their supply chain, international business, compliance etc.  The name of the Co. is Blue Valor Logistics and their web site is www.bluevalorlogistics.com.  The unique thing about this co. is that they will set up or tweak your supply chain, establish processes, make it scalable, and train your employees or yourself to manage it long term.  You have no ongoing commitment or obligation.  They are truly committed to helping start-ups and entrepreneurs succeed. 

They helped with my business, which is still in its infancy.  I am able to focus on my core competency and growth instead of wresting with my supply chain.

I hope this helps.

nevadascul

posts: 651

Jan 28, 2010 12:12 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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You can also go to ThomasNet and look up suppliers of the type of product you want to sell.  In the listing you will find their web site, phone numbers and other contact information

www.thomasnet.com



-------------------------

The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.
GearGoggle

posts: 20

Jan 30, 2010 9:04 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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shopping.com and shopzilla are affiliate marketing sites.  not that much help.  Tray contacting online super retailer like Hayneedle



-------------------------

Tim Pletcher http://www.geargoggle.com
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