How Do I Get My Merchandise into Stores?

Where do sellers who have their own yahoo online stores get their merchandise?

• like if u wanna have a store to sell ,lets say, bumper stickers, how do u go about getting a supply 4 less than retail???

• Answer:

  That's the question everyone wants to know! Actually, the hardest part of starting up a new online business IS finding the products and the product sources that are reputable and reliable, IMO. There's basically two different ways you can go ... One, use a dropshipper so you don't have to inventory or stock any items or worry about warehousing or you can buy items in bulk and store them, package them and ship them yourself. Like anything, there are pros and cons with each, but I think the dropship method is the best way unless you are a manufacturer (you're not right?). Finding manufacturers is hard work and requires you to dial numbers, make contacts, be social and polite, sales ability and sometimes even light traveling. SOme manufacturers will not speak your language, so that might be another issue. Basically, you'll have to network like crazy and find things that interest you personally to sell. It's best if you enjoy selling what you stick your store with, so try and remember that when looking for products. Thomasnet.com and alibaba.com are two manufacturer and distributor directories I know about. To find product that sell well online you will have to conduct research, see what online users are searching for and look up stats for the best online sellers over the course of several years. Once you have done your homework and know the drill, it won't be difficult for you. It's like anything else, you just have to practice and improve where you can making sure to learn from past mistakes, I did.