Set Up An Entire Site.

But now can't get vendors who are willing to drop-ship

[mdean]

We had no problems with vendors willing to drop ship with our former site. However, we've just set up a new site and we can't find anyone willing to drop-ship. We're screwed. I've corresponded and waiting for a reply from a few trying to convince them...any suggestions?

[pbradish]

same or different niche?

[jsinger]

I've corresponded and waiting for a reply from a few trying to convince them...any suggestions?

You didn't phone?

[coultog]

Why not wait until your first product sells and buy it from wholesale. Take a guess what else will sell to make up your order and buy it! Put it on your favourite credit card for a month...

Go for it... You know you want to :)

[jsinger]

Why not wait until your first product sells and buy it from wholesale

1) Most true wholesalers, generally the manufacturer, won't open an account without proof there is a real business. 2) They will undoubtedly require a large opening order. 3) Some won't open an account until their sales rep visits the physical location.

What's in it for the manufacturer to open the 30th web dropshipper/discounter, further alienating their best brick/mortar operations that all have websites these days.

Put it on your favourite credit card for a month

Guaranteed to tell the manufacturer that you're small time. Every major manufacturer has horror stories of their hottest products ending up on EBAY.

[bwnbwn]

"We had no problems with vendors willing to drop ship with our former site. However, we've just set up a new site and we can't find anyone willing to drop-ship'

I don't understand this post as what changed?

I bet I know you were an affiliate site linking to them and not really selling but sending traffic to them now you want to process the orders and have them ship them out for you?

How are the vendors paid? How do they know who you are? Did you bother to ask them before this endevor?

Is my assumption correct?

[vincevincevince]

Go to your high-street and buy one of each product you need retail. Stock up your store with 20 lines. You won't make a profit on them, just try to cover your cost.

Keep on like that for a month and keep pressing vendors for drop-shipping. As time goes on you will notice two things:
a) You will have a track record so will get more acceptances
b) You will have a store which works and has products at decent prices in it so you won't look like someone buying for ebay or ready to upset mainstream retailers with discounting

You may think it's a waste of time not to make a penny on each sale, but it's a lot better than plugging away at vendors and being hit with rejection after rejection!