Supplier communication may be challenging, to say the least.
Especially if you\’re dropshipping from Asian manufacturers
with poor English skills.
In order to assist you establish the greatest possible
connection with your suppliers and manufacturers, we\’ve compiled this list of
frequent supplier communication issues and solutions.
How to Contact Vendors and Receive a
Reply
Have you ever attempted to contact your supplier only to be
ignored for several days?
Before calling out your supplier (and potentially ruining
your relationship with them), you should consider the following…
\”Do I have the correct contact details?\”
Accept responsibility if you misspelled their email address
or dialed the incorrect extension.
Nonetheless, if you have the necessary contact information,
you may consider…
\”Why aren\’t they responding to my emails? What must I
do to attract their attention?
What you ought to be asking is…
How can I ensure that my email will be read and responded to
in a timely manner in the future?
The solution may be as simple as modifying your topic line!
If you have something bland like \”Fast question\”, consider altering
it to \”Super quick question regarding X\”.
This will make your provider aware that you have a query
about anything they sell/offer; if they want to keep your business, they will
be more willing to address it.
While we\’re on the subject of emails, remember to keep them
brief and concise. Numerous suppliers are not situated in the United States and
occasionally speak minimal English.
How to Influence Vendors to Conduct
Business with You
Imagine this: You\’ve met a wonderful supplier with whom
you\’d love to collaborate. You are practically certain to have them wrapped
around your little finger…
…when they state, \”I\’m unsure if this is a good fit
for me.\”
Crap! What now? Certainly, you might always seek for the
next greatest provider!
Alternatively, you could prove your worthiness and obtain
the supplier you deserve.
How? I\’m pleased you asked! As long as you adhere to the
following measures, you will either impress your prospective suppliers or
recognize they don\’t deserve you (kidding, of course).
Contact the one who will ultimately make the decision.
Whether the provider or their helper is involved.
Establish a time and date for a Skype call. Or, if you
reside near your possible supplier, inquire about the possibility of a meeting.
Regardless of how you will meet with your provider, ensure
that your website is organized. Suppliers may perceive your lack of concern for
your business if your eCommerce store appears disorganized and cluttered. Not a
positive indication!
Be prepared to demonstrate current and historical success.
Nevertheless, do not be scared to omit the specifics of your challenges and how
you overcome them. Your provider must have confidence in your abilities.
Demonstrate your dedication to your eCommerce business. Talk
about it, talk about your fantastic workers, and talk about anything and
everything you can to really wow them.
If they continue to state they need time to consider your
proposal, follow up with them within the next two to three days. They may have
needed to consult with their staff prior to bringing you on board.
Diverse Methods of Communicating With
Suppliers
Emails and phone conversations are not the only ways to
contact your provider in the modern era!
There are numerous social media platforms available,
including:
·
Twitter
·
LinkedIn
·
Facebook
·
Skype
You and your supplier might eliminate emails and phone
conversations and yet have an excellent communication system if you so desired.
How many vendors should you contact?
The greater the number, the happier! Contact a minimum of 20
suppliers when first starting out.
You want to contact as many people as possible because the
number of responses you receive will help you cut down your list.
Once you begin to receive responses, select 3-5 to work
with.
You want multiple so you don\’t have to worry if one of them
runs out of stock or raises their prices. (Eventually, if you\’re in business
long enough, these issues will arise. It is really a matter of time.)
Remember the 80/20 rule: 80 percent won\’t work, so identify
the 20 percent that do.