Google is the window to our world, the go-to source for information. The majority of the time, when you use Google, it takes just a few seconds to find what you are looking for. In the world of wholesale, however, using Google can be a little dangerous. We've heard dozens, if not hundreds, of stories of people just like you, who find new "suppliers" via Google, then hand over their credit card details, only to get ripped off when the stock they paid for never arrives. To avoid falling for a wholesale scam lurking within Google’s pages, keep reading!
Scam artists are often search engine experts
If there is one thing that scam artists are good at, it's ranking well in Google and other search engines. Scammers know they will never get referral business from happy customers, so they rely on good Google rankings to ensnare anyone looking for a wholesale supplier. That's why they invest a lot of time and money learning the best ways to get their website ranking on the first page (or first few pages) of search results.
Though it takes time and money for scammers to achieve good rankings in Google, when they do, it pays dividends as unsuspecting retailers get out their credit cards and "purchase stock" from them.
Can you separate the scammers from the trustworthy?
The bait that lures you in: Branded goods at low prices
Scammers aren't stupid, you know. They're mean and unethical, sure, but they're good at what they do. They have a full repertoire of tricks up their sleeve to "bait" you in and make their wholesale deals irresistible to you. What's the most seductive technique of all? Branded or designer goods and unbelievably low prices. Who can resist an iPhone for $199 that you can resell for $600, or a Gucci handbag for $25 that you can resell for $400*? This is just one of many tactics used to lure you in, but it's certainly the most popular.
*There is in fact one way to legitimately get low cost designer/branded goods from real suppliers. I'll explain in my next lesson, so don't miss it!).
Scam websites don't always look like scam websites
Scam artists work hard to make their businesses look as professional as possible. They know that this helps make them look reputable and builds trust among anyone who visits their website. This often starts with an attractive, well-designed website. It will usually have blue, or other colors known to evoke trust, as the dominant color. It will also have high-quality product images. Let's look at an example. The screenshot below is from a website that claims to be a legitimate supplier. However, it has many claims made against it by people who have been ripped off.
This website looks pretty professional! It certainly doesn't seem like something that was mocked up in a couple of hours by someone who wants to make a quick buck from scamming people. Compare this to the screenshot of another supplier website below:
In this case, we have a trustworthy supplier with a fantastic reputation and thousands of wholesale clients. See how this website isn’t particularly easy on the eye? (Sorry, WholesaleAppreal.biz!) It is, however, very trustworthy, so just make sure you don’t judge a book by it’s cover. We'll be covering more tips on how to spot wholesale scams soon, so keep an eye on your email inbox.
The best alternative to searching Google for wholesalers
Trusted directories such as SaleHoo.com allow you to avoid the anxiety and risk involved with searching Google for wholesale suppliers and keep you from falling victim to scams. If you're ready to remove the risk of dealing with dodgy suppliers and only do business with the cream of the crop, join SaleHoo today.
Skip the scams. Join SaleHoo Today!
