40 Questions to Cross Exam Your Hair Vendor
Buying hair wholesale is always stressful. Especially when the hair vendor is located far away. What if it’s a scam? What if you receive poor quality or no hair after transferring money?
Are you familiar with this feeling? You have been searching to find the best hair for your clients and you try to contact the hair vendor. That is not easy because they are living in a different time zone, and you have your job or kids to take care of (or both). You are not always in the position to call. You manage to contact your vendor short before picking up the kids from school. His English isn’t very good, and you need to go. You think of questions to ask and get some answers. You order hair samples, but as you hang up and get in your car, doubts arise. Did you ask the right questions? And did you understand enough of what he said to place the order? You thought buying hair would be more fun! This does not feel right.
What questions should you ask the hair vendor abroad, to be sure you will get the best hair? How to avoid all this stress?
To get the best price and quality for the hair you need and not to forget anything, I composed a list with 40 + questions you can ask your hair vendor. Bookmark this post to have the list at hand when you call your vendor.
Prepare yourself before you call the vendor
You need to know the questions to ask hair a vendor before you contact them. The first impression is always the best. The same goes with your hair vendor or supplier. But what should you ask? I’ve compiled a list of questions to ask a hair vendor that will help you decide whether to buy their hair and how to negotiate better terms. You can use these questions to ask the companies on your hair vendor list.
Help of hair vendor
With the help from Lydia, who runs a Chinese hair business, I composed the top 40 Questions to ask a hair vendor before buying hair extensions. This will aid your search in finding a reputable hair vendor. A hair vendor can make or break your business. This list will help you to find the best vendor and start selling in time so you will not miss a business opportunity.
The list of Questions to Ask a Hair Vendor
1. What kind of hair does your company sell and what is it specialized in?
2. How long has the company been in business?
The year of incorporation is a good indicator how successful a hair business is. See the years of incorporation of 20+ hair stores.
3. What sets you apart from other companies?
4. Are you also selling on a marketplace like Amazon or AliExpress?
Read what stores also sell on Amazon, Alibaba, or AliExpress. For the products sold on a marketplace they need to follow the guidelines of the marketplace.
5. Can I have a video or Skype tour to see your facility or products?
6. What is the density of your frontals and closures?
7. Do the bundles and closures match in color?
8. Are there Synthetic Fibers In your hair?
9. Is the hair processed and if so, how?
10. Is the hair cuticle aligned?
11. Virgin or raw hair?
12. How are wefts constructed?
13. Have you had any issues with lice?
14. What is the true origin of the hair?
Your hair vendor might source the hair in multiple countries. Not the country of the factory but the origin of the hair is an important factor. See where most vendors source their hair.
15. How do you go about removing nits?
16. How is the length of the hair measured (true in length or not?)
17. Can the hair be colored, bleached or dyed?
18. Is the hair heat resistant?
19. How long will the hair last with proper maintenance & care?
20. What are the maintenance guidelines for this type of hair extension?
21. Is there a silicone coat applied?
22. What is the process to ensure high quality and how do you maintain high quality?
23. What is your return policy?
Errors happen, your client can regret her order, or you receive the wrong hair. The return policy of the hair vendor is a good indication how they will support the growth of your hair business. See the different return policies of 20 wholesale suppliers.
24. Is there a restocking fee if there was a manufacturing issue?
25. How do you handle complaints?
26. What are the shipping conditions, in time to deliver, holiday seasons and expenses?
27. What is the minimum order quantity?
28. Is the weight of the hair excluding packaging?
29. Do you allow sample orders?
30. Do you accept PayPal?
31. Do you have any promotions on holidays, such as Black Friday or Christmas?
32. Do you change your pricelist often?
33. What about export and import duties, who is paying?
34. Is the shipment insured and who pays the insurance fee?
Read more about insurance for your hair business
35. Do you offer discounts to regular customers?
36. Is the wholesale price negotiable?
37. Do you manufacture tags, bundle bags, or shipping boxes?
38. Can they arrange private labelling for you, so you can sell using your own brand name?
39. Can I get images of the products for promotional purposes?
When you start selling you might have not enough images to show to your ideal clients. See what wholesalers allow you to place hair pictures on your online store.
40. What is the business advice you have for me selling hair?
Mastering the Art of Inquiring: Questions to Ask a Hair Vendor
In the realm of hair selling, knowledge is power. The more informed you are about your suppliers, the better decisions you can make for your business. However, striking a balance between a thorough inquiry and building a good relationship with your hair vendor is key. After all, you don’t want your supplier to feel like they’re under a cross-examination. Therefor in this blog post, we’ll delve into the realm of effective questions to ask a hair vendor, helping you navigate through the hair market with confidence and ease.
Selecting Your Queries: Quality over Quantity
While it’s tempting to bombard your hair vendor with a plethora of questions, remember that quality trumps quantity. The most relevant inquiries often yield comprehensive answers that address multiple concerns. Instead of overwhelming your supplier, focus on the most pertinent questions. Sometimes, all it takes is a few well-formulated queries to paint a clear picture.
Covering All Bases in the First Conversation
When initiating a dialogue with a potential supplier, addressing certain crucial aspects upfront can save you time and energy. Start by delving into inquiries about hair type, origin, and quality. Understanding these foundational elements will help you determine whether the supplier aligns with your business goals. If they remain promising on your shortlist, delve deeper into questions related to shipping and pricing.
Exploring Alibaba Hair Vendors: Wholesale Opportunities
During your vendor search, you’ll likely encounter a diverse pool of suppliers, including Alibaba hair vendors. These independent sellers utilize the Alibaba platform to offer hair products such as wigs and extensions. Alibaba primarily caters to wholesale hair, meaning these vendors are equipped to meet the demands of resellers. While Alibaba hair vendors may offer more attractive prices, it’s important to note that they often have a higher minimum order quantity (MOQ).
Navigating ALIEXPRESS: Tailoring to Individuals
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The alternative Chinese marketplace, AliExpress, caters more to private individuals seeking hair products for personal use. While it’s not a guarantee that you’ll find the best hair vendors on Alibaba, the quality of hair products on both platforms can be comparable. However, the nature of transactions differs between the two platforms, warranting a strategic approach to vendor selection.
Precision in Formulating Questions
Whether you’re engaging with suppliers on AliExpress or Alibaba, clear communication is paramount. Ensure you understand the expectations of the hair vendor before posing your questions. When interacting with an Alibaba hair vendor, providing a concise explanation of your intention (buying hair for resale) is essential to receiving relevant responses. This clarity will prevent misalignment in vendor recommendations.
Unveiling Insights on AliExpress: A User-Friendly Approach
Asking questions on AliExpress is a straightforward process. Clicking the “Contact” button on any page allows you to initiate a conversation with the hair vendor. Be mindful of potential delays due to time zone differences and public holidays. If responses are delayed, consider exploring other vendors or utilizing the platform’s dispute resolution system.
Embarking on Dropshipping: A New Avenue
For those venturing into dropshipping, exploring Shopify’s Oberlo can connect you with dropshipping hair companies and AliExpress hair vendors. As dropshipping gains popularity, align your queries with the provided list of questions. Additionally, inquire about the vendor’s dropshipping experience, shipping procedures, confidentiality measures, and branding possibilities. Ensuring your customers receive their orders seamlessly is crucial for your business’s reputation.
Balancing the Quest for Free Samples
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While the idea of receiving free hair extensions samples with free shipping may sound enticing, it’s important to approach this notion thoughtfully. Prioritize building strong relationships with your vendors over seeking freebies. Establishing rapport can lead to opportunities for sample orders and valuable business insights.
Local Hair Vendors: A Viable Solution
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In the wake of the pandemic, sourcing local hair vendors has gained significance. Seeking hair vendors in your proximity—be it Houston or Atlanta—can offer advantages during inventory shortages. Having a nearby vendor enables you to swiftly fulfill client orders, ensuring customer satisfaction even at slightly reduced profit margins.
Support and Assistance
Conversations with vendors abroad, especially when English isn’t their native language, can pose challenges. Learning and adapting with each interaction is essential. If you find yourself in need of guidance, don’t hesitate to seek support. I’m here to assist you, whether it’s coaching, advice, or support. Together, we’ll identify the best hair solutions for your ideal clientele.
Concluding Thoughts: A Harmonious Approach
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As you embark on your hair selling journey, remember that trust and rapport are vital components of supplier relationships. While it’s important to gather relevant information through your questions, striking a balance between thorough inquiry and fostering a positive connection is key. So, do not cross-examine your supplier; instead, engage in open and informed conversations to cultivate successful business partnerships. If you ever need assistance or guidance, know that I’m here to help you navigate this dynamic landscape and achieve your business goals.