Ultimate Guide: Finding Reliable Suppliers for Indian Dropshipping

Ultimate Guide: Finding Reliable Suppliers for Indian Dropshipping

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Finding Suppliers for Your Product
3. Offering Shipping and Delivery
4. Method 1: Contacting Suppliers through IPSA Code
   • Selecting the Product
   • Searching for Suppliers
   • Contacting the Suppliers
5. Method 2: Using Reselling Platforms
   • Choosing a Reselling Platform
   • Listing and Advertising the Product
   • Placing Orders and Shipping
6. Dealing with Cash on Delivery (COD) and Returns
   • Understanding COD and Return Rates in India
   • Managing Cash on Delivery Orders
   • Handling Returns
7. Local Sub Players and Bulk Purchasing Options
   • Connecting with Local Suppliers
   • Buying Products in Bulk
   • Managing Inventory and Delivery
8. Conclusion

Finding Suppliers for Your dropshipping Business

Dropshipping has become an increasingly popular business model as it allows entrepreneurs to start selling products online without the need for inventory. One crucial aspect of dropshipping is finding reliable suppliers who can fulfill orders efficiently. In this article, we will explore different methods to find suitable suppliers for your product and discuss how to offer shipping and delivery to your customers.

Method 1: Contacting Suppliers through IPSA Code

The first method involves using the IPSA (Indian Products and Suppliers Association) code. This code helps in categorizing products and identifying suppliers based on their location. To find suppliers for your product using this method, follow these steps:

1. Selecting the Product: Identify the specific product you want to sell and determine its IPSA code.

2. Searching for Suppliers: Conduct a search using the IPSA code to find a list of suppliers located in different areas of India.

3. Contacting the Suppliers: Connect with potential suppliers by obtaining their contact information, such as mobile numbers, from the search results. Reach out to them, expressing your interest in their products and your ability to provide shipping and delivery services.

This method allows you to establish a partnership with suppliers who already have the necessary infrastructure for shipping and delivery.

Method 2: Using Reselling Platforms

Another approach to finding suppliers is through reselling platforms like Shop101, Meesho, or others. These platforms provide a wide range of products that you can resell to your customers. Follow these steps to use this method:

1. Choosing a Reselling Platform: Select a suitable reselling platform based on the product you intend to sell.

2. Listing and Advertising the Product: Add the chosen product to your online store and start running advertisements to attract potential customers.

3. Placing Orders and Shipping: Once you receive orders from customers, place the corresponding orders on the reselling platform. The platform will handle the shipping process, including packaging and delivery.

Reselling platforms offer the advantage of including the shipping price with the product cost and providing a hassle-free shipping experience. However, keep in mind the potential issues with Cash on Delivery (COD) and returns.

Dealing with Cash on Delivery (COD) and Returns

In India, a significant percentage of orders are placed through Cash on Delivery (COD), which can introduce challenges regarding payment collection and handling returns. Here's how to handle COD orders and returns effectively:

1. Understanding COD and Return Rates: Recognize that a substantial portion of your orders will be COD, and a percentage of them may result in returns due to various reasons.

2. Managing Cash on Delivery Orders: Implement proper processes to collect cash from customers upon delivery, ensuring transparency and accountability.

3. Handling Returns: Develop a system to address returns promptly, including refunding customer payments and managing product replacements or repairs.

Remember that managing COD orders effectively improves customer satisfaction and minimizes financial risks for your business.

Local Sub Players and Bulk Purchasing Options

Apart from using online platforms, you can explore local sub players in your area who may offer the product you wish to sell. Additionally, if you observe that a product is selling exceptionally well, consider buying it in bulk to handle inventory and shipping independently. Here's how to explore these options:

1. Connecting with Local Suppliers: Research and connect with local suppliers who may have the product you are interested in reselling.

2. Buying Products in Bulk: Assess the demand for a particular product and, if viable, purchase it in bulk to maintain control over inventory and streamline the shipping process.

3. Managing Inventory and Delivery: Invest time and effort in managing your inventory and packaging the products yourself, ensuring timely delivery to customers.

While dropshipping eliminates the need for inventory management, buying products in bulk can be a beneficial option if you have the capacity to handle it efficiently.

Conclusion

Finding reliable suppliers and offering seamless shipping and delivery experiences are crucial factors for the success of a dropshipping business. By leveraging methods like contacting suppliers through the IPSA code, utilizing reselling platforms, handling COD and returns effectively, and exploring local sub players or bulk purchasing options, you can establish a solid foundation for your dropshipping venture. Remember to adapt your strategies based on your product's demand and customer preferences to ensure long-term profitability.