Dropshipping has opened the doors for many young entrepreneurs interested in starting an online business. With a little dedication and research, anyone can easily be on their way to a new and exciting career in e-commerce. Dropshipping is a great option for anyone interested in breaking into e-commerce, who may not have the funds, or space, to stock their own inventory.

Ok, So What Exactly Is Dropshipping?

In short, dropshipping is an e-commerce order fulfillment model. Simply put, you (as an online shop owner) don’t store the inventory that you sell online. Think of it this way: you decide to open an online store that specializes in selling menswear; however, you don’t have the space to store the hundreds of garments that your online store offers. So, what you need is a wholesale men’s clothing dealer to store and drop ship your orders.

Typically, wholesalers and manufacturers work together with drop shippers — an agreement, if you will. The wholesalers then advertise their merchandise on your online store, then, when an order is received, it’s passed onto the wholesalers who handle the order fulfillment.

Let’s Break It Down:

  1. A customer visits an online store, likes what he sees, and makes a purchase.
  2. The online store owner then receives the order, replicates it, and sends it along to their drop shipper (wholesaler or manufacturer with whom they have an agreement).
  3. Finally, the wholesaler or manufacturer then packages the product and ships it out quickly to the satisfied customer.

 As the drop shipper, you choose to work with plays a vital role in your business, dedicated research when it comes to choosing your business partners is of the utmost importance. Before you make your decision, take some time to research companies you are interested in working with: do they work with other drop shippers? If so, what do they have to say about them? Were they fair, just? Do they always ship professionally and on time? All of this has to be taken into account.

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Remember, your delivery times are only as reliable as your drop shipper.

Ok, Now I Understand What Drop Shipping Is — What Do I Need To Get Started?

There are three steps that you need to initiate in order to start your own dropshipping business; they consist of the following:

Selecting a niche of products you wish to sell: When choosing your product niche, you need to consider what products already have an established market. This will enable you to drive steady traffic and profits.

 Choosing your business partner (drop shipper): Now that you know your niche, the next step is to choose your supplier. Simply Google, email, and call wholesalers and manufacturers you are interested in working with. You can also request and purchase drop-shipper lists from online vendors.

—Remember, just because they are on the list doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do any research of your own.

Design and build a website: There are many ways to dropship, including social media and third-party platforms; however, having your own online store and brand is the best way for complete control.

When Setting Up Your Website, Be Sure To Consider The Following

Platform Type: As the platform you choose will determine the type of automated software suitable for integration, some serious research needs to be done. Due to its flexibility, easy-to-use features, and integration with third-party software, Shopify is a highly prized platform for many beginners.

  • Initial Start-Up Costs In Relation To Platforms: Some platforms don’t come cheap; thankfully, there are others, like Shopify, that offer free plans for the first month to help you get started.
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 Finally, Is Drop Shipping Worth The Effort?

Absolutely. Dropshipping offers simple entry for those interested in getting started in e-commerce. Consider its low start-up cost, it provides a great way to turn a hefty profit, and the best part is, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

—Remember, this is a business. If you want to be successful, you’re going to need to put the work in.

Conclusion

For many, dropshipping represents freedom. It’s an opportunity to work for yourself, at your own pace. No matter who you are or where in the world you live, all you really need is a simple Internet connection and you too can become an e-commerce nomad.