One of the keys to a successful online store is repeat business from returning customers and a great way to encourage this is by continually introducing new products to keep your range always fresh and interesting. To do that you might need to look for new suppliers and today we are covering seven ‘secret’ ways to finding new suppliers .
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Search on Google
Obvious? Yes. Effective? Yes! Use Google to find out the manufacturer or distributor of a certain brand of product. Have a look at distributors’ websites and even on sellers’ websites where they disclose helpful information such as “our direct relationship with the manufacturer ‘ABC’ means faster shipping for you”. There are clues everywhere!
Don’t forget to use the advanced search strings such as:
- “brand name” +distributor
- “brand name” +manufacturer
- “brand name” +supplier
- “brand name” +dropshipper -
Study your competitors
Have a look at the information on hand about your competitors – website, annual report, advertising, etc. Note the brand names of their top sellers. Do they have a store blog? Information about trade shows they attend or that they have been profiled in a supplier’s magazine is all helpful information for you in sourcing new suppliers.
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Try a bit of Social Engineering
In the true sense of the word, social engineering is the “act of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information”, however in this case I’m referring to the art of just talking to people. You may be surprised just how much information people will offer to an interested ear. For example, if you are interested in including a new product range, talk to the people that will be your ‘future competition’. Asking a simple question such as “are these manufactured locally?” can lead to all sorts of valuable information.
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Know your Industry
Are you a member of the industry association or local chamber of commerce? Do you subscribe to the trade or industry magazines? Do you attend trade shows and exhibitions for your industry? Get out there and amongst it all and you’ll be forming new relationships, uncovering new leads and hopefully be a step ahead of your competition before you know it.
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Go straight to the Source
Contact the manufacturer of the brand name and negotiate to deal direct or through their preferred distributor. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be any more complicated than that!
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Follow your Nose
Don’t be tempted to focus too much on your competition. Look at what is available locally, for example, so that your offerings are unique compared to other online retailers across the country or globe. Also look at suppliers of products that would be complementary to your range but slightly left of centre. Keep your eyes open and your mind open and you’ll know when a new supplier opportunity comes along that feels right.
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Use your Voice
Always, always, always telephone prospective suppliers first. Most email messages will be ignored – you will be taken much more seriously by picking up the phone for your first contact with a new supplier.
