Product sourcing is a core feature of Zendrop, enabling users to request the sourcing of products from suppliers efficiently. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process, manage expectations, and address any potential issues.
Submitting a Sourcing Request
To initiate a product sourcing request on Zendrop, follow these steps:
Log in to your Zendrop Account.
Navigate to the Extras section and click Request a Product.
Provide the link to the product you want sourced.
Specify your daily sales volume using the dropdown menu to assist Zendrop in identifying your sourcing requirements more effectively. Zendrop’s team will handle the rest to find the product for you.
Tracking Request Status
Zendrop uses multiple statuses to track sourcing requests:
Submitted: Your request has been received.
In Progress: The team is actively sourcing your product.
Add to My Products: The product was sourced successfully and can be added to your store.
Linked: The sourced product has been added to your store.
Rejected: The request couldn’t be fulfilled due to reasons like invalid product URLs or other restrictions.
You can monitor the status of your requests in your Zendrop account under Request a Product.
Expected Timelines and Delays
Product sourcing requests are typically completed within 12–24 hours, though some may take up to 48 hours due to factors like product availability, high request volumes, or supplier negotiations.
Common Causes of Delays
High Volume: Increased demand can create processing backlogs.
Supplier Responses: Communication delays with suppliers or availability issues.
Holidays or Weekends: Requests may take longer during non-working days.
For requests marked as 'Quoting' or 'In Progress,' Zendrop may need additional time to negotiate the best prices and ensure quality. If delayed over a weekend, progress will resume on Monday or Tuesday.
Outcomes and Rejections
While Zendrop strives to fulfill all sourcing requests, some circumstances lead to rejections:
Low Demand: Factories may not manufacture low-demand items.
Prohibited Products: Products like contraband or items requiring customization (not supported under regular sourcing).
Supplier Availability: Lack of suitable suppliers in Zendrop’s network.
Product Unavailability: Zendrop will suggest similar alternatives if the requested product is permanently discontinued or unavailable.
In case of rejections, alternatives like the Print-On-Demand (POD) feature or the Private Agent Program (meeting eligibility criteria) may apply.
Managing Expectations and Updates
Zendrop is committed to keeping users informed about their requests:
Request status is updated promptly in your account.
Delays are communicated with reasons where possible.
The team works actively to resolve issues, providing alternatives like similar product options when exact matches aren’t available.
If your request has been delayed significantly, Zendrop’s team ensures all steps are taken to expedite the process.
Managing Unlinked Products
If a previously sourced product is missing due to being unlinked or any other reason:
Retrieve the product using the SKU or the product link provided by Zendrop support.
Once retrieved, relink it to your store for uninterrupted operations.
For more details on how to request a product quote, please click here.