What is Dropshipping?
Dropshipping enables online stores the ability to offer products without having them in inventory. The way it works is, an online store makes a deal with a product supplier where the store sells the products and the supplier sends it out. The online store merchant never has to touch the products themselves.
The process of keeping track of sales and coordinating them between the supplier and the buyer can be complicated and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. Which brings us to the next section...
Can Dropshipping be Automated?
Dropshipping can, and in most cases should, be automated. Many of the best Ecommerce website builders for dropshipping do offer integrations to automate dropshipping into your online store website. Here are a few examples:
- BigCommerce offers 7 different apps for dropshipping, including for AliExpress, wholesale2b, and Sunrise Wholesale. These apps allow you to plug your store into these various suppliers and automate the process of selling their goods to your customers.
- Volusion offers its very own “best-in-class dropshipping app” that allows for 1-click product listing. In order to decrease shipping time and bolster the economy, Volusion only offers US-based suppliers.
- Shopify integrates with an app, called Oberlo, that assists you to find affiliate products online. Shopify also offers a thorough online training program to train you in the ways of the dropshipping masters.
What Do I Need to Know Before Launching My Dropshipping Store?
An Ecommerce website builder is a program that lets you build, customize, and run an online store. A complete Ecommerce solution and the best Ecommerce sites will come with the tools to walk you through the entire process: hosting, design, pricing and payment options, marketing tools and reports. These are the signs that you’ll be using the best Ecommerce platform available. First, consider how much you'll sell. If you anticipate heavy traffic, a solution that offers lots of online storage space, inventory, and bandwidth is ideal.
Next, decide on the level of customization you'd like, to ensure you’ll have the best online store builder for you. Many Eshop site builders offer attractive templates ready-to-use, while others come with HTML for more seasoned web designers. Check for must-have features such as payment security and sales reports.
Also, be sure to provide enough payment and shipping options for your customers, and look closely at tools such as the ability to create discounts, loyalty programs, or gift-wrap options on your website. Not all website builders will offer the same options, and some may charge for extras. All of these considerations affect the success of your online shop and how you sell online. Finally, go with a program that is easy to use and has a solid customer support team. A well-designed builder should be simple yet effective. The less time you have to spend figuring out the program, the more time you'll have to run your business.
Ecommerce 101
In order to understand how dropshipping works, it’s important to understand ecommerce first.
Over the past several years, ecommerce has transformed how people buy and sell online. The internet provides a fast and easy way for people to make purchases without having to visit a physical storefront. An online store can reach customers anywhere in the world. In fact, online shopping has become so popular that many vendors sell only online with no physical location. Ecommerce also facilitates the purchase of digital media such as downloadable music and movies: with no physical product, vendors can boast truly instant delivery. There are many Ecommerce companies, and it’s important to understand which of the best Ecommerce sites let your online shop flourish as you sell online.
Today's top Ecommerce site builders take all of these factors into account for your Ecommerce website. Many programs are designed to accommodate the sale of both physical and downloadable products. In addition, online businesses are quickly evolving to face times of economic hardship by offering steeper discounts, flat-rate shipping, loyalty programs, and other perks. Many Ecommerce site builders and the best Ecommerce platform options make it easy to run promotions and keep your customers happy. Finally, although the boom in online sales has also opened a potential avenue for fraud and scams, site-builders have managed to stay ahead by offering top-of-the-line site protection and payment security to keep the online marketplace as safe as possible.
The Three S's of Ecommerce
1. Storage Space:
Some Ecommerce site builders put a cap on your sales, so choose one offers you the inventory space and bandwidth to fit your needs. The best Ecommerce platform will let your online shop sell online without limitations.
2. Safety Protocols:
Choose a program that offers fraud protection and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. This is for the protection of you and your customers. SSL technology makes it possible to send online payments securely and is a must-have on all Ecommerce sites.
3. Site Design:
Your Ecommerce solution should have a user-friendly interface. The best Ecommerce sites and functions of each tool should be clear and it should be easy to select your desired options. A top-notch site builder will make it easy to build your online store. An extensive FAQ and customer support team can make a world of difference. Also, remember the needs of your customers. Imagine that you're shopping your own online store. Well-designed menus, filters, and sorting options will minimize the amount of time it takes to find a product and purchase it. Consider also the "look" of your site. Many Ecommerce site builders offer professionally-designed templates that are both pleasing to the eye and can improve a customer's overall shopping experience. Just like in a physical store, a cluttered and disorganized e shop display will leave customers frustrated and empty-handed, whereas a streamlined and enjoyable buying process will encourage purchasing.
