I have a supplier, now what?

[vtz]

Hello everyone,

I recently been in touch with someone in India who can get natural resources such as granite (many different types/colours), cement, jewels and just about anything at cost price. The person is a friend of a friend and has the ability to ship the items in one shipping crate to Canada.

My problem is how would one go about finding companies that buy raw materials? I would assume that it would be difficult to deal with well established companies that already have suppliers and such.

I am 21 years old with no business background. Any input would be grately appreciated.

thanks

[PrinceMS]

Get some samples and go around small shops and see if they are intrested in buying. Have your prices set BEFORE you go there (check the market price before you approach anyone ).

Prepare to loose your investment in sample (worst case scenerio)

[Frankie3s]

Don't forget to find out what the shipping costs, taxes and duties will be before quoting prices to potential clients. How long will it take for a shipment to arrive?

[Just Confused]

Hey vtz: Try some stealth market studies. Visit anybody you think might be a wholesale competitor. They won't likely tell you their costs but find out what their pricing is to their retail customers. You can work backwards to figure out what your margin would be. Also you may be able to set up a retail outlet for your wholesale goods.

You mught be surprised whether you can deal with the "well established companies". If your "friend of a friend" is actually giving you a deal, then you might have competitive pricing.