Insider tips and training to get you earning faster

Of course, having access to one of the best supplier directories on the internet isn't going to help you if you don't know how to take the information and turn it into cash.

SaleHoo's Smart Selling Training guides have been created to quickly get you up to speed so you can hit the ground running and avoid the traps that new sellers frequently fall into.

They cover all the vital information you need to know before you get started buying and selling online: How to find a great product to sell, how to avoid unscrupulous suppliers and scammers, and how to handle shipping and importing so you can actually get the goods to your door!

By popular demand, we've also created an in-depth guide to dropshipping, and we'll give you an exclusive insider's peek into your favorite markets.

These hugely popular guides have been written exclusively for SaleHoo members by our in-house team of experts, in collaboration with our network of eBay powersellers. You'll find them in the Education area once you become a member.

 

#1: Discover the ins and outs of dropshipping

Dropshipping is hugely popular because it allows you to get started with very little money. After all... you only have to pay for goods once you've actually secured a sale! Our dropshipping guide gives you a comprehensive look into the ups and downs of dropshipping so that you can really make the most of this fantastic system. The guide includes...

• The pluses and pitfalls of dropshipping: We know you don't want to hear about the pitfalls, but there are some. And once you recognize them, you'll be able to avoid them!
• How to boost your dropshipping sales and avoid those pitfalls altogether!
• SaleHoo recommended dropshippers: We've picked out the cream of the crop so you can get straight into it.

 

#2: How to find profitable products to sell

This guide is a must-read for any new seller, particularly if you're interested in electronics, brand-name products, music, movies or games. We're going to give you the cold, hard truth about where the big profits really lie...

• The 8 big myths of sourcing and selling - Think you know which products will earn you the big bucks? You'll be surprised! We hope you're prepared to shed some of your pre-conceptions, because this information could save you from making some incredibly costly mistakes!
• How to find niche markets and earn big bucks by thinking outside the square.
• How to make money on products where competition is fierce. Yes, there is a way!
• 11 hot and upcoming markets for 2010 - Need some inspiration? SaleHoo's experts reveal their picks for the up-and-coming markets this year.

 

#3: Shipping and importing for not-quite-dummies

We know you're not a dummy, but a lot of people feel like dummies when it comes to shipping and importing. You've bought the goods... but how do you get the goods without losing a fortune on shipping costs?

• Discover how other sellers are able to offer such cheap shipping, and learn a few easy tricks to dramatically reduce your shipping costs.
• How to import from US suppliers who don't actually ship to your country. This is a great, sneaky trick for all of us not lucky enough to live in the US of A.
• Easy ways to save money on local freight charges.
• How much should you charge your customers for shipping?
• Tricks to recover your shipping costs on the sly so that you can offer reduced rates to your customers -- and make it easier for them to hit that "buy" button!
• Best shipping services by country: We give you the low-down on shipping options in your neighborhood.

 

#4: Insider's guides to your favorite markets

Because our members asked for it, we've put together a bunch of market-specific guides for the biggest, most popular markets for new sellers. We've got experienced sellers on board to share their insights into the fashion market, DVD and movies market, and the ever-popular electronics market. Here's what you'll learn...

• Market at a glance:
  • What's hot
  • Average selling prices
  • Margins you might expect (are they huge or miniscule?)
  • eBay sell through rate (how many sales are actually completed)
  • Who is this market suited to? (do you need lots of capital? Is this one for experienced players only?)
• Potential pitfalls: Every market has its ups and downs -- they're only an issue when you're walking blind. We reveal the dark side of popular markets and show you how to avoid the traps.
• Marketing strategies: We show you the best way to approach a market so that you walk away with the most profit possible!
• What to look for in a supplier: How to spot the best suppliers in a market.
• SaleHoo recommended suppliers: Start off on the right foot with these hand-picked, recommended suppliers.
• Where to sell? It's not all eBay, eBay, eBay. In fact, for many markets eBay is a terrible place to sell. We reveal the most promising avenues for selling these products.

 

#5: Avoid being taken for a ride on the Shonky Supplier Express

We all learn from our mistakes, but sometimes mistakes are expensive and better off avoided!  In this guide we reveal some of the common scams you might stumble across, and we show you how to side-step the dirty dealers and find yourself a fantastic supplier. You'll learn...

• 5 tell-tale signs that a supplier is no good. Suspect that a supplier might be spinning you a yarn? All but the most cunning of scam-artists can be uncovered with our five-point scammer-sniffing test.
• Keeping Safe - What to ask your supplier to avoid rack and ruin! These five quick questions could save you from a heartbreakingly bad deal at the hands of an Asian supplier.
• How to work out what the real wholesale price is. It's not as easy as it sounds! Know this, and you'll know when you're getting a good deal. Just be careful... there's one trap that almost every seller falls into, and it will send you barking up completely the wrong tree...
• Which type of supplier should you use? Manufacturers, wholesalers, light bulk wholesalers, dropshippers, liquidators... Each type of supplier has its uses and comes with its own set of pros and cons. Knowing the difference can save you a lot of time, hassle and money.

In addition to these popular guides you'll find even more information in our education area, and in the regularly updated SaleHoo blog. Oh, and did we already mention our kick-butt forum ...?