The Start-Up Guide to Drop-Shipping
By Jane M Dawson
The path to drop-shipping success is riddled with many challenges. Over 95 percent of start-ups
in this business do not make it past their first year. Beginners love the ease and convenience
of drop-shipping, which includes no inventory, no outdated stocks, and the freedom to specialize
in as many niches as you prefer. In addition to these advantages, drop-shipping is a perfect
work-from-home business, allowing you to set your own schedule and be your own boss.
However, you need to follow certain guidelines if you want to avoid becoming yet another
statistic among thousands of failed drop-ship businesses. The hype surrounding the business
makes people believe that drop-shipping requires zero investment and provides unrealistically
quick returns. The successful seller is willing to learn the ropes and work on building the
business. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme.
Market Research
All serious attempts at creating start-ups require you to assess the market and find
out which products are in demand. You can start by studying the most popular items on eBay
and Amazon. Go through drop-ship forums to find out what people are discussing, and get a few
hints on what to sell. Identify your own preferences: technical, cosmetics, fashion, collections,
or electronics.
No business is complete without a business plan. A business plan often differentiates
the successful seller from the failed drop-ship aspirant. Creating a business plan may look
difficult, but it is an essential part of any successful venture. The plan includes investment
estimates, sales strategies, and supplier projections.
Finding Suppliers
Next, see if the products you short-listed can be acquired through suppliers. Unless
you have a supply of products, you cannot sell them. Good suppliers are unfortunately few and
far between. Many wholesalers do not want to get involved in drop-shipping. Other suppliers
charge exorbitantly, often exceeding the retail value of the product. If manufacturers do not
deal directly with wholesalers, they may direct you to local distributors. Therefore, approach
manufacturers directly if you cannot find a supplier for a preferred product.
Sometimes, you have to create your own supply lines. Small manufacturers or distributors
are often unaware of the concept of drop-shipping. Don't ignore them. If you explain how you
can have a mutually beneficial business arrangement, they may allow you to sell products for
them.
Drop-shipping scams can ruin businesses. Do not deal with suppliers you don't find trustworthy.
If possible, insist on sampling the product before placing orders. Be very careful not to invest
in items that are not genuine. Discuss issues such as shipping charges, seller commissions,
and return policies.
In a drop-ship enterprise, a lot depends on the relationship between the supplier and
seller. This is all the more important considering there are very few reliable sellers who
offer quality products at wholesale prices. Some unethical wholesalers demand fees to work
with sellers; always look for sellers who do not charge anything.
How Much to Invest
You can start a business with zero investment, particularly a home-based, online business.
However, building your business quickly is easier if you opt for certain paid services, such
as website development and online advertising. Spend your money wisely. Don't buy kits that
promise drop-shipping nirvana by setting up your business in 24 hours and getting you the first
$2000 in 3 days.
A big debate on drop-shipping forum centers is on the relevance of paid drop-ship directories.
A paid directory is good only if it gives you access to existing suppliers and their contact
details. Many directories are months, even years, old. Therefore, you lose money by purchasing
the directory. Some drop-ship directories are available free of cost, and there is no harm
in trying them.
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