11-22-2020 04:03 PM
My son/daughter lost their job due to Covid so they're going to open their own online store. Can you tell me where to buy (this popular item) from your store at wholesale prices?
It amazes me that people would ask that and expect someone to reveal their source. I always reply to them with a response similar to, "I don't give out private information relating to my business. Good luck."
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that this kind of message still comes in after all these years. Hey- at least I got a laugh out of it.
11-23-2020 11:09 AM
11-23-2020 11:14 AM
Well, I got mine by planting a dragon's tooth in my yard.
11-23-2020 11:19 AM
@coffeebean832 wrote:My son/daughter lost their job due to Covid so they're going to open their own online store. Can you tell me where to buy (this popular item) from your store at wholesale prices?
Dear buyer,
Unfortunately, I can't really help you with wholesale sources. I purchased most of my inventory at a discount from a local eBay seller who gave up selling.
Sincerely,
Your seller
11-23-2020 11:25 AM
lol pretty ridiculous question but there are kooks out there with little common sense.
11-23-2020 11:32 AM
I usually send something along the lines of this:
“Dear eBayer,
i regret i cannot accommodate your request. Thank you for your interest.”
It works for a variety of situations. And is a polite way to end the discussion while not ignoring or offending the sender. Those who have asked for a discount sometimes end up buying at my price, with no rancor.
11-23-2020 11:46 AM
"I get all my stuff from the guy around the corner. I think he gets his stuff from the guy at the other place. You know, the one with the big sign."
11-24-2020 08:55 AM
@southern*sweet*tea wrote:What they're really saying is:
I wanna be a seller too (the reason doesn't matter) but I'm too lazy to do my own research. Tell me where you got your stuff so I can play store like you do.
Exactly. If they're too lazy to do any research then why should I volunteer the sources that I've worked hard to acquire over the years. These are the types of sellers that have no issue copying my listings in their entirety- including my photos- while barely undercutting my pricing.
Someone else asked, why not mentor them? I'm happy to mentor someone that's willing to do the work. Lazy sellers are a waste of time. Mentoring might include teaching them how to build a listing, what type of photo equipment to use, giving them a general direction to go looking for sources and teaching them how to learn whether a source is good or bad- but it would never include giving them my sources.
11-24-2020 10:04 AM
11-24-2020 10:12 AM
@lamber9347 wrote:
@coffeebean832 wrote:My son/daughter lost their job due to Covid so they're going to open their own online store. Can you tell me where to buy (this popular item) from your store at wholesale prices?
It amazes me that people would ask that and expect someone to reveal their source. I always reply to them with a response similar to, "I don't give out private information relating to my business. Good luck."
I guess I shouldn't be surprised that this kind of message still comes in after all these years. Hey- at least I got a laugh out of it.
Just be careful when writing a retort, that person may get offended then end up purchasing from you under a different name and either filing a false INAD or leaving you bad feedback. Sometimes it's best to say something simple like, I'm sorry I can't help you as I got them from a friend who left them for me to sell....
That's a quick trip to NARUland.
I usually respond "My 25 years of expertise is available upon retainer."
11-24-2020 11:02 AM - edited 11-24-2020 11:02 AM
And there's always:
"I can't give you a useful answer to your question because the right wholesaler for me is not necessarily the right one for you, and I wouldn't want to give you bad advice. Wholesaler - Retailer contracts vary rather a lot, and the same wholesaler may offer different deals to different retailers. It depends on the merchandise itself, of course, but also on minimum orders (by quantity and/or value) and opening orders versus re-order minimums, delivery methods and time-frames, return and exchange policies, payment methods and terms, whether or not here's an MSRP and if there are allowed discounts to it, insurance, exclusivity, how back-orders are handled, how changes and cancellations are handled, if allowed, and a host of other factors. So, get on-line, start contacting wholesalers, and see what's on offer that would be right for you. Read their terms and conditions carefully! Oh, and to buy wholesale, you'll need your business paperwork in order -- at a minimum you'll need a resale number if you live in a state with sales and use tax -- so get that in in order first. All the best!"
You can think of things to add to that, too.
A friend the PR game taught me that sometimes a profuse response works wonders... 😃