One of the challenges faced by every eBay seller
is locating reliable, low cost product sources. It almost seems that
most eBay suppliers don’t sell for prices that offer you a reasonable
profit when you resell on eBay. Yet if your goal is to make money
selling on eBay what good does losing money do you? The good news is in
today’s economic environment there are low cost sources for almost
every product imaginable. In this article I will reveal 5 options for
eBay suppliers to examine as you work to find great products to sell.
Dropshippers – Many who are just developing plans
to sell on eBay instantly think of dropshippers as the best possible
option. After all, why not let the dropship company handle everything
associated with warehousing, pulling, packing and shipping products for
you. That allows you to focus entirely on marketing. It seems like the
perfect plan to make money selling on eBay. Even better; the amount of
cash required to start an eBay business is reduced since you don’t pay
for any products until they have been sold. But in many cases it just
isn’t that easy. There are shortcomings to using dropshippers as your
eBay suppliers. First, they have overhead to cover, and that means your
price for products is typically higher, leaving profit margins tight or
even non-existent. Second, some companies continually sell out of
products. There you are completing an auction only to find out there
are none available from the dropshipper. Dropshipping can work.
However, investigate the company carefully. Be sure there is a profit
to be made and their delivery performance meets your needs.
Manufacturers – Consider going directly to the
manufacturer. Let them become your eBay supplier. Start by locating the
manufacturer of the product you are planning to sell. Make direct
contact to understand their terms and policies. Make sure you can meet
their minimum purchase requirements. Don’t forget to consider where you
will store pallets of merchandise should that be required. If you can
come to an agreement, buying directly from the manufacturer opens the
door to allow you to make money selling on eBay. If the direct
manufacturer doesn’t work, many factories around the world are willing
to create similar products for you. Just be thorough in your due
diligence.
Wholesale Distributors – Many manufacturers do not
sell directly themselves. They use wholesale distributors for that
purpose. Locate the products you wish to sell on eBay through a
wholesale distributor and see what they have to offer. Often the
minimum purchase size is smaller. Just be sure you will make a profit
on the product. Don’t order pallet loads of something unless you are
sure the demand and the eBay selling price are stable.
Refurbishers – Often products that have sold and
come back as defective are refurbished and offered for resale at
reduced prices. This is sometimes through the manufacturer, and in
other cases through distributors or refurbish companies. Selling
refurbished products can be a lucrative eBay business. Be sure you
understand the guarantees these eBay suppliers offer, and that you are
able to pass them on to your buyers. Also be sure to check your
purchase prices against eBay selling prices before you get into this
business.
Closeout Companies and Liquidations – In today’s
economy closeout companies and liquidators offer a great buying
opportunity for those who wish to make money selling on eBay. These
eBay suppliers purchase huge quantities of products from companies
going out of business, making package or product changes or simply
reducing their inventory levels. They pay pennies on the dollar for the
products they buy. They then pass those savings on to you. Once again
be sure you understand the quantities and condition of the products
being purchased.
To your eBay success!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/
online-business-articles/best-ebay-suppliers-are-key-if-you-plan-
to-make-money-selling-on-ebay-897690.html
About the Author
Find out how you can make money
on eBay.
Bob Hamilton is an entrepreneur, author, writer, business consultant
and trainer.
|
