OK, I'm going to treat you as
Adults and solid Business People.
Please react that way.
I will tell you from the start I will simply delete any PMs and emails I get about this.
You have to respect my time and my efforts to get you products. You can do that, and show your appreciation, by honoring my request to keep it all here and not taking my time with individual communications. Ask whatever you like here, let everyone benefit from the answers.
It's best for us to consider this a co-operative, where we are all in it together. I know many of you think you are competing against one another, but the world is a large place and the chances of any one prospect find any two of you are remote. So, think collectively.
What is good for US?
Here is a barely edited copy of the reply I got from my partner in China -
Great list of suggestions. I addressed each one individually below. Here are my thoughts:
1. Continue to get a feel which products have the MOST demand. We can’t get everything for everyone right in the beginning, but we can get what the most people want.
2. We’ll introduce the iPod Shuffle and Touch versions.
3. We’ll introduce memory cards.
4. At this point I hope we can have a stronger grasp on what is in highest demand and go from there.
I hope to have the relevant info for #2 to you by Friday.
(Pete - The list I sent)
USB novelties
a) Yes, very easy. What In particular? These are generally very cheap so it may make sense for us to only offer bulk orders on this.
phone acceseories
a) What specifically? Cases? Chargers? Batteries? Which model phones are the most popular?
Pod accessories that have decent packaging - so often chinese imports have good packaging but bad spelling and grammar!
a) OK, I have a few options for that. Cheap products so may want to only offer bulk option.
What about watches?
a) Yup, can do. Happy to learn about.
Well about 5 people have asked if I can get other colours of the MP4's.
a) They’re referring to the MP4 player that we’re offering now I assume. I will try to get back to you on this ASAP.
Laser pens and light up stuff for firework displays, carnivals etc.
a) Nothing flammable. Laser pens ok, not too sure what else customer is asking for specifically.
Can you also get the MP4's which look like iPod Touch's
a) Let’s do this one. We may need to only offer 10 pieces/order (as opposed to dropship) as the factory of this product will probably not allow for the 1-2 piece orders. I will confirm with you this week.
How about phone watches
a) We can do this. One thing to consider with these more advanced and higher ticket items is that returns will hurt more. There will be higher returns on these kind of items.
car trackers
a) Not too familiar with this right now, but if there’s big demand can access.
Power supplies, I'm looking for someone who dropships them
a) Too big for individual dropship.
Security Systems (DVR + Cameras) and GPS Car Navigation.
a) China GPS has some flaws which we can talk about. Security systems are good, but should be sold in wholesale because large size makes shipping individual units costly.
Maybe some electrical gadgets.
a) Most generic answer ever.
Unbranded mobiles
a) Yes, we currently sell these actually and they do very well. Issue with returns, but as long as customer understands the procedure we should be fine.
A bigger range of mp3/4 players, introduce touch and shuffle style ones.
a) Ok, these are probably our next products.
Unbranded cameras/video cameras.
a) Have a few options, but not many.
Ram and harddrives for computers
a) Can get into if there is demand, but I don’t think hard drives would be viable because price is pretty similar globally.
Portable DVD players is a good idea
a) Too bulky, too many domestic closeouts make pricing unrealistic.
Memory cards, SD etc, you could even fit them into envelopes.
a) Big winner, no problem here. After we expand the MP3/4 offering we should jump into these immediately.
Car GPS.
a) Not a good one.
Freeview receivers
a) Don’t know what this is.
Digital photo frames is a good idea as well
a) Can do the smaller size ones 3.5” and under. The larger ones aren’t very viable with shipping. If customer wants to order in bulk have them talk to you and we can help.
Car audio, speakers headunits monitors etc
a) Too big for dropship. I’m not too familiar either.
What about Phone Socks etc.
a) Don’t know what this is.
I think those no brand named camcorder under $200 is hot.
a) Have a potential for this.
OK - Pete again. This is all not going to happen at once. It takes time to source, time to put them on the website and there will probably be some glitches with each new range getting to where it is flowing smoothly.
My partner has a sales pitch that he uses with the manufacturers to get set up buying from them in eaches or small quantities. These are factories that are only interested in packing goods in containers and making more for the next load.
So, he is accomplishing something new. An entirely new concept to these factory owners. Some throw him out, but some say OK. So what he is saying here is that the possibilities exist, but it's going to take some work on his part to sell the concept.
Sort of like what I tell you all to do - visit the local wholesalers and sell them on the benefits of dropshipping for you. They'll shake their heads the first minute or so, but keep selling, just one is more than you have now.
Anyhow, back to this deal. You can see his priorities. And what he thinks he can easily set up, or where he already has contacts.
So, don't bug me day in and day out "when is this?" kind of stuff. You will know when I know. Why would I want to keep it a secret, if I make a profit on selling it? Believe me, as soon as something is available, you will be the first to know.
But, those of you with any interest in these markets and products can begin narrowing down some more specific items and for that matter, what you know they are selling for now. Knowledge is the key.
Talk about the products, give me particulars, but do not PM me about this and that. It will only get me pissed off and we may all suffer as a result.
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November 2009
