Dropshipping B2B: Role of Trade Suppliers
All businesses need trade suppliers to keep their ongoing operations on an even keel. This group of traders supplies specialized goods customized to meet the needs of a business and are often considered to be the lifeblood of the business. Examples of such trade suppliers abound. They may range from machine and motor parts suppliers, to industrial plants or chicken and meat suppliers, to caterers. Many US wholesalers who deal in bulk goods also function as trade suppliers on a dropship basis because the business has proven to be profitable.
Most business houses place orders in bulk, and as a trade supplier you stand to profit much from volumes of business conducted. Businessmen are more likely to place larger orders to satisfy customized or special needs than individuals or smaller groups. A hotel owner, for instance, will place larger orders for chicken, meat or fish than a single family unit. Therefore, it is only wise to look for bulk order supplies, as and when possible, to ensure success.
On the flip side, however, even a small party may place a large order for the goods that you supply and it doesn’t pay to stick to large takers only. It is after all a business and every customer should be catered to and satisfied. This is again a preferred situation for trade suppliers as it permits them to satisfy their main buyers who recommend them to others.
If you are seeking US wholesalers, remember that the geographical location of the latter is important as it saves significantly on transportation costs. A buyer on the US East Coast, for example, stands to pay much more when sourcing from a trade supplier located on the West Coast and needs to look for someone closer to his area of operations. Similarly, the reseller pays a dropshipper the transportation cost in case of a dropship arrangement.
However, dropshippers need to consistently keep in mind that prompt delivery is an absolute must specifically in the case of edibles and other perishable items. A US wholesaler will obviously do continued business with a dropshipper who meets deadlines and keeps customer service as a top priority item on his agenda. This is solely because the customer turns to the dropshipper or reseller in cases of grievances and not suppliers.
In order to find the right trade suppliers, you need to comb the Internet diligently for information on a trade forum, which is a source of the most authentic information. Ask those in the business of trade supplies and they will guide you to the right body of information.