When I first started into Private Label, I was more than a little intimidated. Actually, everyone else seemed to be flying through the process of finding suppliers and products waaaay easier than I was… “What’s up with this? This isn’t my first rodeo!”… well, first rodeo or not, it took me THREE times longer than my counterparts. Not a point I am particularly fond of, but hey, it’s the truth. In an effort to keep it real, I don’t mind sharing a few battle scars with you 🙂

 

I watched as they chose a product, ordered a product, listed the product, and made money. Easy, right?

 

Um, no.

 

I chose the “smart” approach: research for like a zillion years, get nervous about the investment money so I “researched” for a zillion more, choose a “safe product” (a headband… a freakin’ headband!), sales trickled in and eventuuuuaaaalllly they all sold and I made a small profit.

 

Not exactly the best experience ever, but you know, I did it! I learned! I conquered the fear! I figured out the steps! Go me!!

 

Fast forward to now, and it truly is easier than ever, to jump into private label, drop shipping, or importing. Heck with websites like   www.dhgate.com it’s practically done for you. They screen the companies, they support you, they offer over a million products, they offer a secure paying method, and they do the shipping! You show up with the research backed product selections and the Amazon know-how.

 

My advice to anyone starting into these unknown water?

• just get started. you will never get to where you want to go by sitting on the sidelines.
• start small. There is going to be a learning curve. Don’t take a loan on the house just yet… lol
• negotiate with the company to test market 200 items, not 2000. Once you see they are selling, place your second order right away.
• I prefer air shipping versus boat shipping, unless super large quantities or big, bulky items. The added price is normally made up in the speed to getting it to market sooner.
• again my preference, but I really like to stick with UPS. I have had problems with customs, lengthy deliveries, mistakes, etc with all the others.
• don’t get discouraged if your first product isn’t a hit. I can’t even begin to tell you how many people finally hit a gold product on attempt #3 or #5.
• don’t let fear stop you. It’s been my experience that even if I don’t make money on a product, I at least get my money back. Having said this, never invest money you can’t afford to lose… just start small and invest the money you are comfortable investing… just don’t let fear of losing it stop you (this was my biggest hurdle when I started).

 

Keep rocking it!

Tracy