The Wholesale Forums

[tommy789]

hi im new to drop shipping, and im a bit worried about selling with out knowing the supplier's product, is it ok to ask for a free sample and pay shipping, and if not is there any reliable drop shippers? oh and has any one orderd from http://www.dhgate.com thank you for reading
regards
tom

[willhof]

Yes, it's fine to ask for a free sample; Though whether they'll give you one is a different story .

DHGate is a b2b site - in a similar fashion to Alibaba.com.

You can find some decent suppliers, though there are a good few suppliers selling fake goods (and advertising them as genuine).

http://www.thewholesaleforums.co.uk/...earchid=516030

[tommy789]

thanks again, and thanks for the link, i appreciate it =)

[Pete]

Hi Tommy, and welcome.

You can ask for free samples, but may not get them free. Keep in mind that dropshippers are used to shipping one item at a time, so they may just tell you to buy one of whatever it is you are interested in. Just as you don't know them, they don't know you either and they wuldn't do too well just sending out samples to everyone who asked.

If you are looking for dropshippers, look no further. The membership site I promote here has literally 10's of thousands of wholesalers and dropshippers. There is a section devoted to just UK sources. Over 400 of the forum members here have joined there, you should do the same. You'll find a wide variety of sources to help you get started.

Just click my top link below, and good luck to you.
.

[PT]

Samples are a must, as far as I'm concerned. So you’re right to ask for one. They give you an opportunity to:

1). Use the item and see how easy (or hard) it is to use. This is necessary, as its you (or your staff) who are going to have to provide support to your customers at the end of the day.

2). Quality. This is vital, faulty or just poorly put together products are going to leave you stuck with returns and a bad reputation. If ordering single units, it may be hard to get a true representation, though.

3). Sales. Is there a demand? What sale price can you achieve? Although, I don't advise using samples to gain profits, it’s always a bonus. Use it for the above 2 reasons primarily though.

Though, I’ve never received a free one. Sure, I've been offered them, but only on low-cost items (under $2). With those kinds of items, I've just requested an order of say 50 or 100pcs (you get a better representation of quality and sales). Then, with more expensive items ($100 onwards) I've brought single units and paid the 'sample' price. You will often be charged a bit more for shipping than usual, too.

I always offer to pay for samples and never ask for freebies. But, that’s not to say you couldn't, just the way I do things.

[tommy789]

oh ok thanks pt games you have taught me some etiquette
thanks Pet i think i may use youre drop shipping sites service thank you.
i really appreciate the kindness of you all.

regards Tommy