Tips for Finding Product Sourcing?

#1
n_huffhines

n_huffhines

I want for you what you want for immigrants
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Mar 11, 2009
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#1
My profession is in web services and the biggest obstacle in launching my own online store is it's so hard to find sourcing and I have no experience doing this.

I'd prefer to drop-ship and not have to worry about inventory (until some time down the road), but that means I need reliable drop-shippers who won't hurt my brand by taking 2 weeks to fill an order.

I'm wondering if anybody here is experienced and can give me a few tips?
 
#2
#2
What type of products are you thinking about selling?

I have access to thousands of products at great prices.
 
#3
#3
VolFaninFla said:
What type of products are you thinking about selling?

I have access to thousands of products at great prices.
Click to expand...

Well, it's more of a general question because I have more than 1 iron in the fire, but specifically for the project I have in mind it would be any sort of merchandise that would appeal to nerd culture. Tee shirts, playing cards, whatever.
 
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#4
#4
Are you talking about branding merchandise with your logo or company name on it?
 
#5
#5
Huff, I have a question somewhat related, but don't want to divert your thread here.

I'll ask in the PF OT thread.
 
#8
#8
vollygirl said:
Are you talking about branding merchandise with your logo or company name on it?
Click to expand...

No. Say you make a t-shirt that says "programmers have the biggest hard drives"...I want to sell your t-shirt for you.
 
#12
#12
n_huffhines said:
Well, it's more of a general question because I have more than 1 iron in the fire, but specifically for the project I have in mind it would be any sort of merchandise that would appeal to nerd culture. Tee shirts, playing cards, whatever.
Click to expand...

I have sourced products from China, Brazil, Vietnam & from US domestic companies.

Manufacturers are unlikely to offer drop ship programs.
I can probably help you find some of the items you're looking for.
 
#13
#13
VolFaninFla said:
I have sourced products from China, Brazil, Vietnam & from US domestic companies.

Manufacturers are unlikely to offer drop ship programs.
I can probably help you find some of the items you're looking for.
Click to expand...

I don't really have any specific products in mind. I can sell anything that relates to nerd culture, so I'm honestly just looking for the products that will be the best and most convenient to sell. I'm not married to any brand or anything like that.
 
#15
#15
n_huffhines said:
I don't really have any specific products in mind. I can sell anything that relates to nerd culture, so I'm honestly just looking for the products that will be the best and most convenient to sell. I'm not married to any brand or anything like that.
Click to expand...

Here are some items I found:
https://www.etsy.com/search?q=nerd%20gifts&ref=auto9

Prices are high there and you may want to consider developing your own images/graphics and initially do short runs.
 
#17
#17
This is interesting...

In the old days (and I'm ancient, I'll be 50 this year), folks with goods to sell (or manufacturer's reps) would literally hit the road showing their goods hoping a seller would pick up their product/line. Now we have a bro with a store, asking for help finding stuff to sell. Hmmmmmmm........

And might I point you to the AliExpress thread I started a few weeks back? That might solve all your problems.
 
#18
#18
VolMax said:
This is interesting...

In the old days (and I'm ancient, I'll be 50 this year), folks with goods to sell (or manufacturer's reps) would literally hit the road showing their goods hoping a seller would pick up their product/line. Now we have a bro with a store, asking for help finding stuff to sell. Hmmmmmmm........

And might I point you to the AliExpress thread I started a few weeks back? That might solve all your problems.
Click to expand...

I turned 50 sixteen days ago. Thanks. For nothing.
 
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#19
#19
VolMax said:
This is interesting...

In the old days (and I'm ancient, I'll be 50 this year), folks with goods to sell (or manufacturer's reps) would literally hit the road showing their goods hoping a seller would pick up their product/line. Now we have a bro with a store, asking for help finding stuff to sell. Hmmmmmmm........

And might I point you to the AliExpress thread I started a few weeks back? That might solve all your problems.
Click to expand...

What is the point of this?
 
#21
#21
Nothing has changed. He's talking about a different business model. Retailers have always looked for product to sell at their stores. My store just happens to be online.
 
#22
#22
n_huffhines said:
Nothing has changed. He's talking about a different business model. Retailers have always looked for product to sell at their stores. My store just happens to be online.
Click to expand...

I would find products you're interested in and contact the manufacturer about being a distributor.
 
#23
#23
n_huffhines said:
What is the point of this?
Click to expand...

I think he's just pointing out that you've got a market identified and a store but the product is seemingly secondary. It's not wrong. It's just an interesting juxtaposition.
 
#25
#25
The wifey has a background in sourcing (particularly China and particularly apparel). Hell,if you just need help with Mandarin (emails with potential manufacturers) let me know.
 
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