If you’re a dropshipper looking to sell specific products offered by companies, you’ll need to approach them and ask them to work with you in a dropshipping capacity. However, reaching out to companies and convincing them to work with you can be a daunting task. That’s why it’s important to know the proper approach and steps to take in order to increase your chances of success in dropshipping.
In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of how to approach companies for dropshipping and what the process entails. We’ll also include an email template you can use when reaching out to companies, as well as a list of things you should have in place before contacting a supplier.
Check Also: Dropshipping Message To suppliers: Short & Long Examples
Identify Potential Companies to Work With
One of the first steps in approaching companies for dropshipping is to identify potential companies that offer the products you want to sell. This requires some research on your part. You can start by searching for companies that offer products in your niche or industry.
Consider factors such as shipping times, product quality, and customer service when choosing potential companies to work with. You want to ensure that the company can deliver quality products to your customers within a reasonable time frame, and that they have good customer service in case there are any issues with the orders.
By identifying potential companies to work with, you can begin the process of reaching out to them and discussing the possibility of dropshipping their products.
Prepare Your Business
Before approaching companies for dropshipping, you’ll want to make sure your business is fully prepared. Here are a few key steps to take:
- Set up your website: Ideally, your website should be up and running before you start reaching out to potential partners and in the same niche as the companies you want to target. Make sure your site is professional and easy to navigate, and consider showcasing the products you plan to sell.
- Establish a brand identity and social media presence: Developing a strong brand identity can help differentiate your business and make it more appealing to potential partners. Set up social media accounts for your business and consider creating content that aligns with your brand.
- Obtain necessary business licenses and permits: Depending on where you live and operate your business, you may need certain licenses and permits to legally sell products. Research the requirements in your area and make sure you have everything you need to operate legally.
Craft Your Pitch
Crafting a compelling pitch is essential to getting a positive response from potential companies. Here are some tips to help you create an effective pitch:
- Introduce yourself and your business: Start your communication by introducing yourself and your business. Provide some background information on your business, your experience, and your goals.
- Explain your interest in selling the company’s products: Clearly explain why you are interested in selling the company’s products. Highlight any synergy between your business and the products offered by the company.
- Highlight the benefits of working with you: Outline the advantages of working with you, such as increased sales and exposure for the company’s products. Provide evidence of your ability to deliver results.
- Be professional and succinct in your communication: Keep your communication professional and concise. Be respectful of the company’s time and make it clear that you value the potential partnership.
Remember to personalize your pitch to the specific company you are targeting, and avoid using generic or cookie-cutter templates.
Later in this post, we’ll provide an email template that you can use as a starting point for your own communication with potential suppliers.
Reach Out to the Company
Once you have identified potential companies to work with and prepared your business, it’s time to reach out to the company. To do this, you will need to find the appropriate contact person, such as the sales manager or business development representative.
Note: LinkedIn is often a good place to find the right people in the company you’re trying to reach out to.
You can use email or phone to make initial contact. When reaching out, be sure to introduce yourself and your business, explain your interest in selling the company’s products, and highlight the benefits of working with you. It’s important to be professional and succinct in your communication.
If you don’t hear back from the company, follow up with another email or phone call. Sometimes it can take multiple attempts to get a response, so don’t give up after just one try.
Negotiate and Finalize the Agreement
Once you have identified potential companies to work with and crafted your pitch, it’s time to negotiate and finalize the agreement. This stage is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for a successful partnership.
- Discuss terms of the partnership: In this stage, you should discuss the terms of the partnership with the company, including commission rates, order fulfillment, and any other terms that need to be clarified.
- Obtain a written agreement: After you’ve discussed and agreed upon the terms, it’s important to obtain a written agreement. This agreement should clearly outline the terms of the partnership, including the products being sold, commission rates, payment terms, and other important details.
- Start selling the company’s products: Once the agreement has been signed, you can start selling the company’s products on your website or marketplace. Make sure to fulfill orders promptly and provide excellent customer service to build a successful partnership.
By following these steps and working closely with the company to negotiate and finalize the agreement, you can establish a successful dropshipping partnership that benefits both parties.
Check Also : Attestation for the Sale of Branded or Trademarked Products 101 and know why it is needed when selling branded products
Before contacting a supplier for dropshipping, ensure that you have a professional website or marketplace store, active social media presence, and all necessary business licenses and permits. These factors will help establish credibility and make your business more attractive to potential partners.
Email Template
First Email
Dear [Contact Person],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am the founder of [Your Business Name], an online store that specializes in [Your Niche or Product Category]. I came across your company and was impressed by your [Product/Service Name] and the quality of your offerings.
I am interested in working with your company as a dropshipper for your products. I believe that my business can help promote and increase sales for your brand, especially since we cater to a similar target audience.
By partnering with my business, you can benefit from increased exposure and customer reach, as well as higher sales and profits. In addition, my company offers excellent customer service and fast order fulfillment, ensuring a positive experience for your customers.
I would love the opportunity to discuss this partnership further and answer any questions you may have. Please let me know if you are available for a call or if you prefer to continue the conversation via email.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name] [Your Business Name] [Your Contact Information]
Follow up Email
Dear [Contact’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I recently reached out to inquire about the possibility of dropshipping your company’s products, and I wanted to follow up to see if you had a chance to review my proposal.
As a reminder, my business specializes in [insert your niche/industry], and I am excited about the opportunity to work with your company to offer high-quality products to my customers. I believe that our partnership could be mutually beneficial and help us both to achieve our business goals.
If you are interested in discussing this opportunity further, please let me know a convenient time and date for a call or virtual meeting. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
In conclusion, approaching companies for dropshipping can be a great way to grow your business, but it requires careful research, preparation, and communication. By following the steps outlined in this guide and crafting a strong pitch, you can increase your chances of success and build long-lasting partnerships with the companies you want to work with.
FAQ
What questions should I ask dropship suppliers?
When communicating with a potential dropship supplier, ask about their product quality, shipping times and methods, minimum order quantities, and return policies.
How do I set up drop shipping with a supplier?
After finding a potential supplier, negotiate and finalize the partnership agreement, then start selling their products on your website or marketplace.
How do I ask a company for wholesale?
Introduce yourself and your business, explain your interest in selling their products, and inquire about their wholesale program and requirements.
What should I ask my Alibaba supplier?
When communicating with an Alibaba supplier, ask about their product quality, minimum order quantities, shipping times and methods, and payment options.
How do you convince a supplier to sell to you?
Highlight the benefits of working with you, such as your established customer base and marketing efforts, and demonstrate your professionalism and reliability.
How do you approach a company to become a supplier?
Research potential companies, introduce yourself and your business, explain your interest in selling their products, and highlight the benefits of working with you.
How do I get a contract with a big company?
Research the company and their supplier requirements, introduce yourself and your business, explain your interest in selling their products, and provide a professional proposal outlining the terms of the partnership. Be persistent and follow up if you don’t hear back.