Reselling Basics

Summary

This video serves as a beginner’s guide to reselling, focusing on how to find reliable vendors and suppliers for sourcing products. The host explains how to use apps like Alibaba, WhatsApp, and DHGate to connect with manufacturers, emphasizing tips for ordering, payment methods, and avoiding scams. Viewers are encouraged to pay attention to shipping details and use credit cards or PayPal for security. The video also introduces essential reselling platforms like Instagram, eBay, and Etsy. By following these steps, resellers can save money and avoid common pitfalls in the sourcing process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vendors are suppliers or manufacturers of products, usually from China or sometimes the USA, and are where resellers purchase their products from.
• 😀 Shipping times for Chinese vendors range from 5 to 21 days, while USA vendors typically offer faster shipping between 1 to 7 days.
• 😀 Three main apps to order from vendors: Alibaba, WhatsApp, and DHGate. Alibaba is considered the safest and easiest to use.
• 😀 Alibaba offers trade insurance, which allows you to request a refund if something goes wrong with your order.
• 😀 When contacting suppliers on Alibaba, always make sure to include your full shipping information, including any apartment number to avoid delivery issues.
• 😀 Use a Google Voice number and a pseudonym for safety when placing orders online, especially when dealing with vendors.
• 😀 Payment methods on Alibaba include credit cards and PayPal, with a strong recommendation for using credit cards for easy dispute resolution if necessary.
• 😀 Do not commit fraud or use chargebacks as a way to get products for free. This can damage your reputation with suppliers and lead to issues.
• 😀 To avoid taxes on products, suppliers can modify the tax by providing a Chinese address. This is legal and can save you money, though it's very rare for things to go wrong.
• 😀 WhatsApp is an easy tool for contacting suppliers, but be aware of scammers—only use PayPal goods and services or Alibaba pay as safe payment methods.
• 😀 DHGate is less commonly used for reselling due to its affiliate system and lack of necessity, but it can still be useful for some products.
• 😀 In the long term, popular reselling platforms to consider include Instagram, eBay, Mercari, Whatnot, and Etsy, among others. These are key for growth in reselling businesses.

Q & A

What is a vendor in the context of reselling?

A vendor is a supplier or manufacturer of products that resellers purchase from to sell to customers. Most vendors are based in China, with some in the USA for faster shipping.

What are the average shipping times for products from China, the USA, and international locations?

Shipping from China typically takes 5–21 days, from the USA 1–7 days, and international shipping (outside the USA) is usually 5–21 days.

Which three platforms are recommended for finding vendors?

The three recommended platforms are Alibaba, WhatsApp, and DHGate, with Alibaba being the safest and easiest to use.

What is Alibaba trade insurance, and why is it important?

Alibaba trade insurance provides protection for buyers, allowing them to request refunds if there are issues with their orders, making transactions safer and disputes easier to resolve.

How should you contact vendors on Alibaba?

You should go to the vendor list, click on the Alibaba link, select 'Chat Now,' introduce yourself (e.g., 'Lucas sent me'), request the product catalog, and then send screenshots of the items you want to order.

What are some tips for safely providing shipping information?

Always include complete details such as apartment numbers. For added privacy, you can use a Google Voice number and avoid using your real last name on packages.

What are the recommended payment methods when ordering from vendors?

The safest payment methods are credit cards and PayPal (Goods & Services). Avoid Cash App, Chime, wire transfers, or crypto, as these are often associated with scams.

What precautions should be taken to reduce tax costs when ordering from Alibaba?

Some suppliers can ship using a Chinese address to remove local taxes, such as the US ~10% tax, while still delivering to your real address. Rare shipping mistakes can occur, but using a credit card mitigates risk.

What should you be cautious about when using WhatsApp vendors?

Ensure you use the correct area code (+86 for China mainland) and only pay through legitimate methods like PayPal Goods & Services or Alibaba Pay to avoid scams.

Is DHGate essential for reselling, and what is its main use?

DHGate is not essential; it is mainly used for affiliate marketing. Ordering is straightforward, but most resellers find Alibaba and WhatsApp vendors more reliable and profitable.

Which reselling apps are recommended for beginners?

For beginners, start with Instagram, Snapchat, eBay, Mercari, Etsy, Poshmark, and Vintage Depot. Advanced guides will cover listing and selling methods on these apps.

What are general safety and ethical tips when reselling?

Always use tested suppliers, avoid fraudulent chargebacks, document orders, use credit cards for protection, and ensure accurate shipping details to minimize risks and maximize profit.