E-commerce is on the rise. More and more people are shopping online for their everyday needs. This is due in part to the convenience of being able to shop from home, as well as the wide variety of products and services that are available online.
Another factor contributing to the growth of e-commerce is the increasing number of people who are comfortable making purchases online. This is partly due to the proliferation of secure payment methods, such as PayPal and credit cards, and the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping. These factors have contributed to a surge in e-commerce sales, which is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.
Overall e-commerce sales in 2021 have reached over $800 billion, and there are no signs of stopping. If you want to be a part of this billion-dollar boom, then there’s an easy way for you to enter: dropshipping.
What is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping is a business model that allows you to sell products without having any inventory. Instead, when a store owner receives an order, the supplier will deliver it to the customer’s doorstep. This hands-off approach to product fulfillment allows store owners to focus on other aspects of their business, such as marketing and customer service.
There are several advantages to starting a dropshipping business. First, it’s relatively easy to set up and get started. There’s no need to invest in inventory or rent warehouse space. Second, People can run dropshipping businesses worldwide with an internet connection. Third, it’s a low-risk way to start an e-commerce business since you don’t have to invest any money in inventory until you’ve made a sale.
Finally, dropshipping is a great way to test new products and niche markets without incurring the costs associated with traditional manufacturing and retail businesses. However, dropshipping is a competitive business and one that you need to do your research on. Thankfully, this article has everything you need to know about how to become a competent dropshipper.
Be Careful of Stolen Packages
You might not be responsible for delivering your packages, but as a dropshipper, you are responsible for customer satisfaction. Over 210 million packages were stolen in 2021, and experts fear that this number will continue to grow in the coming years. As a dropshipper, you need to take steps to prevent your packages from being stolen. One way to do this is by using robust GPS theft prevention. This technology uses GPS tracking to monitor your packages and sends you real-time alerts if it detects any suspicious activity. Additionally, it can also help you recover your stolen packages.
Another way to protect your packages is by shipping them with signature confirmation. This means the customer must sign for their package when it’s delivered. This deters thieves since they won’t be able to take the package and run simply. Finally, ensure tamper-proof packaging so thieves can’t open the package and steal the contents without being detected.
Offer Fast and Free Shipping
Shipping costs are a significant barrier to online shopping, especially impulse purchases. Shipping costs are the number one reason why people abandon their online shopping carts. As a dropshipper, you need to offer fast and free shipping to stay competitive. One way to do this is by using ePacket shipping. ePacket is a service provided by China Post that allows you to ship small packages quickly and cheaply to countries worldwide.
Another way to offer free shipping is by subsidizing the shipping costs with your product prices. This means you’ll need to charge more for your products than you actually pay for shipping. However, this increase in price needs to be offset by the value customers perceive they’re getting. For example, if you’re selling a $10 product that costs $5 to ship, you could charge $15 for the product and offer free shipping. This would give customers the perception that they’re getting a better deal since they’re only paying $5 more for the product and getting free shipping.
Offer Excellent Customer Service
Customer service is critical for any business but is essential for dropshippers. Since you don’t have control over your inventory or shipping, things can sometimes go wrong. When they do, it’s vital to offer excellent customer service to resolve the issue. One way to do this is by providing a tracking number for every order. This way, if there’s ever a problem with an order, customers can track it and see where it is. Additionally, you should always respond quickly to customer service inquiries. The sooner you can resolve an issue, the better.
Finally, always aim to over-deliver on your promises. If you say a product will be delivered in two days, try to get it delivered in one. If you say, a product is in stock, ensure it is in stock. Dropshippers who over-deliver their promises build trust with their customers and create lifelong fans.
Dropshipping can be challenging to start. However, having these three dropshipping tips in your repertoire will have a leg up on the competition. Remember always to offer fast and free shipping, excellent customer service, and be careful of stolen packages. With these three tips, you’ll be well to becoming a competent dropshipper.
