What supplier searching strategies do you use?

[Seth Coplen]

Hi all! I'm new to this forum and really intend to create a good relationship with you all!

I have been dropshipping for the last two years and am now opening a skincare niche store. I figured I would start by talking with you guys about my current issue which is HUGE for a dropshipping store.

So I already know what products I want but what I was wondering is: How do you guys regularly find your suppliers? Are there any special directories you guys use?
Thanks guys

 

[The Byre]

1. I am married to a woman who spent 10 years as a buyer for a large US international company.

2. I go to the larger trade fairs.

3. I research the exhibitor lists of the smaller trade fairs.

4. I talk to others in my industry.

 

[Seth Coplen]

1. I am married to a woman who spent 10 years as a buyer for a large US international company.

2. I go to the larger trade fairs.

3. I research the exhibitor lists of the smaller trade fairs.

4. I talk to others in my industry.

That is some really nice info. I always thought about trade fairs but was never sure about whether or not I was going to find someone in my specific niche. I think finding the exhibitor lists a big one. I will look into these more though, thanks so much!
If you don't mind, which is the most effective strategy for you?

 

[Mr D]

I use trade mags, trade fairs, google, and a large amount of competitor research.
If someone else is selling something I find out what the supplier is and check them out.

 

[Seth Coplen]

I use trade mags, trade fairs, google, and a large amount of competitor research.
If someone else is selling something I find out what the supplier is and check them out.

Very creative tactics. I am very curious about how you find the supplier of what someone else is selling? Do you just ask them, or is there some other way to go about it? Because I was really thinking about doing this with my competitors to get a better idea of who they are going with.

 

[Mr D]

Very creative tactics. I am very curious about how you find the supplier of what someone else is selling? Do you just ask them, or is there some other way to go about it? Because I was really thinking about doing this with my competitors to get a better idea of who they are going with.

You can figure out the brand. Or take note of what the barcode starts with.
Lots of places in the fields I trade in use brands.

Once you know the brand, a google search will usually turn up places to contact.

 

[Root 66 Woodshop]

aloe Vera... End of... it's edible, it's usable on the skin in various forms... and it's good for you... get to a trade fair and find the buggers using it.