Approaching Overseas Supplier Concerning Dropshipping

Hi Guys,

I'm in Australia and unfortunately I can't find any suppliers here that are willing to supply an online only store. Even if they agreed it would cost me more with an Australian supplier than if I ordered the product myself from the UK and that's including shipping. Also it's quicker for me to order from overseas which is what the Australian suppliers do anyway.

The product I'm selling have a few main brands and these are all manufactured in Europe and some in the US so I will have to get the product dropshipped from there.

I've decided to try and get an account with suppliers in the UK and will try to email first simply because of time differences and costs in calling overseas.

There are 2 suitable suppliers I'm interested in. The first has no mention of Trade/Wholesale accounts being available but is much cheaper than the 2nd supplier who does have wholesale accounts.

I assume just because a supplier has a trade/wholesale account available doesn't necessarily mean they dropship.

Should I still approach a supplier even if there is no mention of trade accounts?

I have formulated an email to approach the UK suppliers but not sure how I should ask them about dropshipping.

Should that be asked in the first initial email or should I wait until an account is created?

I have noticed that there is an option on the suppliers website to ship to a different address when checking out.

I could use that option but how do I get the supplier to send the customers my details instead of theirs. I obviously wouldn't want the customer to see the price I would be buying at.

I was even thinking I might have to get them to deliver directly to my home address and ship to my customers from there. It would still actually be quicker and cheaper than going through an Australian supplier. Has anyone had to go that route?

I know I have a lot of questions but if anyone can make sense of the above questions I'd really appreciate your advice.I'm very new to this and finding it overwhelming.

Thanks,
Catherine

Hi Catherine,

Nice to see you on the forum :)

With regards to your questions, I will my best to help out -

Should I still approach a supplier even if there is no mention of trade accounts?

I would say yes, contact the supplier and inquire if they have wholesale or dropshipping programs, if they do, ask how you can register. You'll find your other questions will or can also be addressed by your supplier if you ask them directly.

I have noticed that there is an option on the suppliers website to ship to a different address when checking out.

I could use that option but how do I get the supplier to send the customers my details instead of theirs. I obviously wouldn't want the customer to see the price I would be buying at.

You will need to clarify this with your supplier. Most dropshippers will usually have you register an account with them and will of course not divulge your account or their details to your customer.

I was even thinking I might have to get them to deliver directly to my home address and ship to my customers from there. It would still actually be quicker and cheaper than going through an Australian supplier. Has anyone had to go that route?

If you take this route then you are no longer dropshipping. The whole ide of dropshipping is that you will no longer stock and ship the product your self but will be stocked and shipped by your supplier. All you have to do is list it on your site/store and let your dropshipper know once the item has sold from your end so they can start processing the order and ship it once you send them the payment.

Again, I strongly suggest you contact your supplier directly to ask more about their wholesale dropship program before proceeding.

You might also want to download and read your guides on dropshipping (Drophipping Handbook) and our New User Manual to help you deal with your suppliers effectively :)

Hope this helps! Please let us know how you get on.

Cheers