A rapidly growing branch of eCommerce is dropshipping, a retail method of selling online without ever physically handling the stock. Instead, you’ll only order products from your supplier when you receive orders from customers. Crucially, the products are delivered directly from the supplier to the customer, saving on upfront investment and storage for stock.
To set up a dropshipping store, consider using platforms such as WordPress, 3dcart or Shopify. These are some of the most popular free (WordPress) and subscription-based online storefront hosts. Shopify is particularly beginner-friendly as it takes you through the setup process. Decide on the products you want to sell and look for suppliers. For a smooth-running operation, ensure your suppliers are reliable and can provide a fast delivery time. To find suppliers, search on Aliexpress, Alibaba and Salehoo where you can find an extensive range of suppliers in multiple industries.
The final step to dropshipping success is advertising. Your marketing strategy will largely depend on your industry and your target consumer. For a younger audience, for example, capitalise on social media campaigns and Facebook ads.