Don’t email dropship providers, call them.
When calling dropship providers, we constantly advise CALLING them. In the past, I have been authorized to work with many drop shippers. Most of these cases I have only spoken to the telephone one time, which is always my initial call.
We recommend calling because it is easier than e-mailing to reach the right person. This is the best way I know how to get approved with drop shippers. It is easier to call and will show that you are a serious company owner.
You can get their email address by calling them and you’ll never need to call them again.
Keep track of the information you collect
You must already have your “Master List”, or list of providers, in order to connect with them. Before I connect to my providers in my new niche, I create an Excel sheet that looks like this:
This assists me to keep an eye on my contacts at each business and is required for remaining arranged when you are connecting to numerous providers.
Column A must be submitted now with the information you have collected from your provider master listing. You can submit Column B by going to Google and searching for Column A providers names. As soon as you discover their sites (99% of them will have sites) try to find a contact number.
Again, I recommend calling the providers. If the provider does not have a telephone number, you can e-mail them. Let them know that you own yourwebsite.com and that you want to expand your item catalog by including their items.
Talk to the people you want to talk to about setting up an account. Don’t forget to include your contact information.
If there is a contact number on the provider’s site, you need to call and inform whoever addresses the exact same thing; that you own yourwebsite.com, you are aiming to increase your item brochure by including their items which you wish to understand who to speak with about establishing an eCommerce account.
If no one offers to speak, you can try to get their direct telephone number and/or e-mail address to contact them later. It might be necessary to be persistent.
What happens to your prospective dropship provider?
Usually, an eCommerce supervisor will inform you that some forms are required and ask where they can be sent.
You are now ready to ask for your personalized e-mail address.
Example: yourname@yourwebsite.com.
You might also be informed by them that they are not accepting new merchants. I ask them when they will accept brand-new applications.
Keep this in your mind: Unless they ask, I don’t usually tell providers that I am the owner of the business. Because there are many providers who prefer to deal with larger businesses that have employees who take care of jobs like hiring new providers, this is because they are more likely to be able to offer better service.
If they are interested in working with your company, they will usually send you some standard forms that you need to complete. They will need basic information from you, such as your company name and address, along with billing details.
It is important to complete these forms as fast as possible and to return them as soon as possible. Keep the momentum going and get your account approved as quickly as possible. I remember when I first started, I would sometimes get an application and then wait a few weeks before sending it back.
Most often, a supervisor will contact you within a few days after you submit your application to inform you that you have been authorized. You will be provided with an account number as well as contacts from their company.
Step-by-Step Guide for Contact
Find a niche in which you think you have the potential to add value
This is how to build a highly effective eCom shop. Understanding and selecting a niche is key to understanding your market. By developing a specific niche shop, you can limit your search and makes discovering a provider a lot easier. You can also target specific audiences and speak directly to them to offer solutions to their most pressing issues.
Create a list with 30 providers for a specific niche
This is the information gathering part of the process. Go to Google to find all shops and providers offering the item you are looking for. Once you’ve found them, you can put them in a sheet or other information organizer.
Quick Suggestion: If you are looking to dedicate your time to more important tasks, you can ask your virtual assistant (VA) for help.
However as guaranteed, I will make things simpler for you and I have actually offered you FREE access to the CRM I utilize when gathering dropshipping provider information. To access the free CRM design template, simply enter your email address in the large yellow box at top of the article.
To start the relationship, email them all
Sending out e-mails is the next step after you have created your list. To establish a relationship with them, email them. While you will receive some actions in your e mails, these providers also get emails from many other dropshippers and online marketers who may be interested in making service.
You need to create an e-mail that grabs their attention. Use a catchy subject line to get their attention and make them want to open your e-mail. To maintain a professional tone and sound casual, you should also be friendly.
You don’t have the time or desire to create an e-mail. To get an e-mail template, simply enter your email in the yellow box at top of the article. You can then modify it with your information and send it to dropshipping companies.
Talk to them about their supply and circulation department
The fun part is here!
Lots of eCom company owner are not really comfy to talk to providers over the phone. Although it may seem difficult at first, it gets easier as time goes by. The primary purpose of calling providers is:
- You want to reach the owner of the company. You will likely not be able to reach the owner of the business, especially on your first call. However, you should aim to talk to someone from the company who can address your concern and give you direct answers, such as the supply or circulation supervisor.
- It is important to find out if the company is open to dropshipping. You don’t have to keep asking questions. Just get down to business. Ask if they are interested in becoming your provider.
- Request information if they have a supply programme.
- Validate the specific information in the relationship (insert next).
For approaching providers, test scripts
Basic providers: ScriptThis script is very specific, which is great for those who have done extensive research. You don’t have to take note if you do not recognize the items that you are interested in.
To [provider]
My name is [your] and I am [your position] at [your organization] based in [your country]. I offer [the products you want to equip] online, and I’m looking for a new provider.
Could you please provide prices, accessibility and MOQs on the following products?
[Product 1 consists of pictures, if available] [Product 2 consists of pictures, if offered][Product 3 consists of pictures, if readily accessible]It would be greatly appreciated if you could send more information along with your product brochure.
We are grateful.
[Your name] [Your organisation]
Script for dropship providers
Dropshipping is a different business model. You will need to modify the script slightly. It is not necessary to ask about MOQs. You should be thinking more about shipping information and guaranteeing the product quality. Inquiring to supply “more details” about their dropshipping procedure will ideally lead to the majority of your burning questions being responded to.
Hi, [provider]
My name is [your] and I am [your position] at [your company], based [your country]. I offer [the products you want to equip] online, and I’m interested in dropshipping a few of them.
Please provide rates and information about the schedule for these items.
[Product 1 consists of pictures, if available] [Product 2 consists of images, if available] [Product 3 consists of images, if readily accessible]Please provide more information about dropshipping. Also, I would like to get item samples as soon possible.
Thanks for your time,
[Your name] [Your services]
Script for Makers
If you want to buy directly from the source, or if you are interested in starting a personal label, you will likely approach producers. Many providers are also makers. To show you how easy it is to contact providers, we have made this example too simple. Similar design templates have been used by many SaleHoo members.
Hi, [producer]
My name is [your] and I am [your position] in [your organization], based [your country]
Your business was discovered on SaleHoo.com. I am interested in your products.
Please send me information about your return policy and shipping time to the United States. Also, please let me know if you are able to provide images and descriptions of the items.
We are eager to speak with you as soon as possible.
Thanks for your time,
[Your name] [Your firm]
Reward: How do you approach Chinese providers?
Many eCommerce companies source their products from China. This means that you will need to interact with Chinese suppliers.
These ideas can help you interact better with Chinese providers if you don’t have any experience with Chinese culture or speak Mandarin.
Comprehending cultural distinctions
When working with Chinese providers, there are some cultural differences that you should be aware of.
Guanxi
Guanxi, a Chinese concept, is defined as “the system for social media and prominent relationships that help with organization negotiations.” It is primarily about building relationships within organizations. It is a much more important function in Chinese culture than it is in the West. Although it is more difficult to cultivate Guanxi remotely via e-mail than in the West, it is something that you should remember when dealing with Chinese providers. Understanding the importance of trust, regard and shared advantage can help you build better relationships with your company.
Honor is a way to honor oneself
Face connections are essential for organizations and can be used to determine a person’s track record in Chinese society. It’s easier to communicate with people in person, but you can still be aware of the concept in your interactions. This is another reason to treat Chinese providers with respect, especially if you are dealing with supervisors or higher-ups in the hierarchy.
Are you eager to please?
According to Chinese terminology, “I cannot” does not exist. This means that providers will often say that they can accommodate your requests even if they cannot. This is a good thing to know, especially if a provider seems unsure about something. You might find that they are saying yes in order to avoid conflict.
How to overcome the language barrier
Modern technology makes it much easier to cross the language barrier. Most Chinese providers will be able to translate and reply in English. However, language barriers can cause interaction problems. These are some ways to ensure that your e-mails are understood and that discussions are understood.
Use simple language
Avoid using Western slang, idioms or complex words. Keep your words as simple and clear as possible. It will be easier for those on the other side to understand your message. This is a guideline for writing that’s excellent.
Innovation in usage
Google Translate is a great tool for translating quickly.
Utilize a translator
On sites such as Fiverr or Upwork, you can collaborate with translators. This will allow you to feel more confident that your messages are being correctly interpreted. This is a great option if you are trying to negotiate more complex business deals.
