Shipping/Suppliers/Warehouses Questions

[wrkalot]

I was having issues with the shipping, like many others here, but think I have figured part of it out.

 

I want to be able to place orders with my vendor via the back office so I set up the advanced shipping option. I am currently working with one warehouse but will be adding others over time.

 

I currently have over 200 products added and just realized that I need to assign each product to a warehouse in order for the proper shipping fee to show during check out. (I thought assigning a supplier was the way to go).

 

1) I am using flat rate shipping up to $100, free after that (that is set up).

 

2) I want to be able to place purchase orders from my vendor (that actual manufacture of the product, not a distributor or 3rd party warehouse)

 

3) I carry all of my own inventory.

 

For example: I keep 20 in stock, when I reach 6 I want to be able to generate a purchase order to reorder from the maker. Shipping to the consumer that buys from me should not be tied to the "warehouse" that I buy it from

 

 

This whole warehouse/manufacture/supplier business has me all confused. Maybe some one can clarify all of this for me?