Wholesale 101: A Guide to Product Sourcing for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
Acknowledgments
1 ? The Changing World of Product Sourcing
Evolution of the Sourcing Scene
Technology and Product Sourcing
Importance of Research for Sourcing
The Entrepreneurial Attitude
Going for It
Conclusion
Looking Ahead
2 ? Stepping Out of the Silo
Using Social Media, News, Events, and Other Resourcesto Stay on Top of the Sourcing Game
The Importance of Opening Your View to All SourcingResources
How to Diversify Your Approach to Sourcing
Conclusion
Looking Ahead
3 ? Sailing Your Boat in a Flooded Marketplace
Finding the Right Sourcing Resources for You
Types of Suppliers
Domestic versus International: Should You Source Productsfrom Suppliers Overseas?
Questions That Help You Determine the Right Suppliersfor You
Conclusion
Looking Ahead
4 ? Sourcing Online: TopTenWholesale.com andManufacturer.com
Importance of Using Vertical Search Engines for Sourcing
Benefits of Online Business-to-Business Trade Platforms
Safety and Business-to-Business Trade Platforms
Finding the Best Suppliers for You on Online Business-to-Business Platforms
An In-depth User Exploration of TopTenWholesale.com
Conclusion
Looking Ahead
5 ? Trade Shows: Where Do I Go?
The Value of Finding the Right Show
How to Find the Right Trade Shows
Trade Show Recommendations, Innovations, and Technology
Insider Strategies to Getting the Most Out of the Show
Conclusion
Looking Ahead
6 ? Working with Trading Companies, Manufacturers’ Reps,and Suppliers That Drop Ship
Definitions of Trading Companies, Manufacturers’ Reps,and Drop Shippers
Are Trading Companies the Right Option for You?
Collaborating with Manufacturers’ Representatives
Understanding the Pros, Cons, and Various Types ofDrop Shipping
Conclusion
Looking Ahead
7 ? Better Supply-Chain Management through Building andNurturing Strong Relationships with Suppliers
Managing Your Supply Chain Effectively
The Importance of Choosing the Right Partners from the Start
How to Choose Reliable and Strong Suppliers over “Price IsRight” Suppliers
Establishing Key Performance Indicators and Benchmarks
Relationship-Management Guidelines: How to Raise Issues,Know When to Drop Suppliers, and Protect Yourself
Top 10 Recap: Ways to Cultivate Relationships and Get PastCultural/Language Barriers
Conclusion
Some Parting Words While Looking Ahead
Appendix A: Resource for Global Trade
Appendix B: The Jargon behind International Trade
Index
Wholesale 101 provides the tools and insight you need to launch a successful business by combining various platforms—B2B sites, trade shows, trading companies, andothers--into a powerful product sourcing strategy.
Whether you're looking to drop ship from wholesalers and manufacturers or import product direct to sell in your store, this unparalleled guide reveals inside informationof an industry full of secrets.
"If you are looking for a one-stop shop that turns the complicated world of sourcing product into a road map for success, then I encourage you to buy this book." -- TOM MCELROY, VP, Marketing and e-Commerce, Genco Marketplace and NoBetterDeal.com
"Provides lots of concrete advice on how to profit from this new age of wholesaling." -- DON DAVIS, Editor in Chief, Internet Retailer
"For any entrepreneur looking to start a business or expand their business, Wholesale 101 is a must read." -- MARC JOSEPH, CEO and President, DollarDays International, and author of The Secrets of Retailing: Or, How to Beat Wal-Mart
"One of the most informative and useful books on Wholesale Sourcing I have laid eyes on in the past ten years." -- SKIP MCGRATH, Publisher, Online Seller's Resource
"Very smart with a unique perspective on a variety of things important to our business, including global trade, international protocol, leveraging the Internet, and driving value for trade show participants." -- CHRISTOPHER MCCABE, Senior Vice President, Nielsen Expositions
"A must-have addition to any wholesalers library." -- CYRILL ELTSCHINGER, Strategic Advisor and author of Source Code China