Welcome to the Shipping Methods Explained blog series. This series will cover fulfillment methods, that is, how businesses fulfilltheir orders online and deliver products to customers.
Sounds simple right? It sounds simple in theory. It’s possible to hop on your bicycle and deliver your product by hand. Consider the difficulty of fulfilling hundreds to thousands of orders per day for your company, as well as the high shipping costs that could put you out of business.
It’s not easy to manage inventory, navigate each carrier’s specific requirements, and calculate the lowest shipping cost from thousands. This is why more businesses are outsourcing their fulfillment methods.
Are you ready for outsourcing fulfillment? Let’s look at your options and help you choose the right option for your company. This article will discuss Dropshipping. What is dropshipping? What are the pros and cons of dropshipping? Is it right for me? Let’s get started.
How to start a dropshipping business
Dropshipping is a popular business model nowadays. This is due to the attractiveness of passive income and the ease of setting up dropshipping businesses. It takes only 3 simple steps to get started.
Step 1: Choose a Product/Niche
Choose what you want to sell as your first step in starting a dropshipping company.
You could make a new gadget or a low cost version of a high-end item. Or a luxury version and low-cost product. There are many options. Do your research and choose a product you believe you can sell. ABC… Never stop closing.
Step 2: Locate a Dropshipping supplier
After you have chosen your product, locate a dropshipping provider.
Search supplier databases such as AliExpress, Dropship Direct, and Alibaba. You should also keep up to date with news about Chinese dropshipping providers.
You can also use an integrated supplier list. This allows you to link the dropshipper directly to your online shop, such as Shopify (see Step 3).
Shopify recommends that you integrate with the Oberlo Marketplace. You can choose from millions upon millions of products, and then upload them to your store.
Step 3: Create Your Online Store
Once you have identified your supplier and product, start building your online store. This is your grand entrance to the brand.
Shopify, Wix, and 3DCart let you build an online store from scratch or choose from premade templates. Make sure you can easily integrate your dropshipping supplier when choosing from the many options.
Remember who your target audience are when designing your store. Your website should reflect their needs and wants. Website functionality is as important as its appearance. Customers can become repeat customers by providing a seamless shopping experience that is easy to use.
Dropshipping pros and cons
Dropshipping is right for you? Would you be better off using a third-party logistics company or another fulfillment method? Let’s take a look at dropshipping to help you make an informed decision.
Dropshipping Advantages
Dropshipping is a great way to make passive income. Dropshipping is easy to set up and requires little or no capital investment. Dropshipping allows you to quickly test your ideas and take little risk. Dropshipping offers three major advantages:
You need less capital
Dropshipping reduces your need to invest in inventory, warehouse costs, and transportation fees. Anyone with an internet connection and a vision can start an online company.
We are able to offer a wider range of products
Dropshipping means that you won’t need to buy inventory until the sale is completed. This significantly lowers your risk. This allows you to offer a wide range of products on your website.
It’s easy to get started
Shopify makes it easy to start an online business.
Dropshipping Advantages
These are the reasons why many people have set up dropshipping stores online. They also use dropshipping as a way to increase their product ranges. Dropshipping is easy and affordable, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
Margin of low profit
span data uw-rm sr Because the barriers to entry into dropshipping are low, there is intense competition. The market is competitive and there are many sellers. This lowers the price. You can certainly differentiate yourself based on brand, customer service, and other factors. But at the end, $$$ is what matters.
Very little to no customization
You are dependent on your supplier for any customizations to your products, packaging, or unboxing experience. If you wish to change the appearance of your item or to bundle it in a particular way, this is unlikely to be possible.
Dropshipping providers from Alibaba can accommodate and customize your product, but they also have full control over the product. They could even sell your custom goods to another retailer.
Very little to no control
The supplier will manage the fulfillment process and you will accept their service. You cannot blame your supplier for making mistakes or failing to deliver on time. Your brand will pay the price. Perhaps not in dollars but in reputation.
Dropshipping is a viable option for your business. Stay tuned for our next article, which will cover third-party logistics (3PL), and fulfillment providers such as ShipHero.
